Three separate meetings. Three very different members of congress. From both major parties. One message: you should expect a shutdown this fall. That’s the most concerning talking point I’m hearing consistently out of DC. Just a couple of weeks after they will return from the August recess period, Congress will face yet another fiscal cliff.Continue reading “The Most Concerning Talking Point You’ll Hear from Congress Right Now”
Tag Archives: decision makers
Balancing Urgency and Resolve; A Quick Mantra for Advocates
I’m writing this short piece as I sit on a flight after a productive week in our nation’s capital. Over the course of five long days…
Every Advocate Should Ask This One Rude Question
Advocacy meetings aren’t about proving you’re right and the other side is wrong, they are fundamentally about humanizing complex issues.
Moments in Leadership: Nimitz and the Flight to Nowhere
Sometimes, we should remember that our whole story isn’t written in one failure.
Last Week in Washington
But if you want to really stand out as one of those volunteer advocates, and build your own credibility, you have to remember that you are in charge of the agenda.
Tips for Advocates: Remember this truth as the Presidential Campaign Warms Up
This week, in the category of “worst kept secrets, two prominent Republicans will have announced their candidacies for the 2024 Presidential primary. Senator Tim Scott of South Carolina and Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida will officially enter the fray after months of will they-won’t they speculation. And like the many others considering the same move,Continue reading “Tips for Advocates: Remember this truth as the Presidential Campaign Warms Up”
Why I Threw Away Talking Points in Advocacy
When I went on active duty, the conflict in Iraq had reached its high point. The dominant tactic from enemy forces on the ground had shifted, employing a devastating tactic: improvised explosive devices. Accordingly, our training was geared toward preparing us to think about the battle space in a different way – a way thatContinue reading “Why I Threw Away Talking Points in Advocacy”
Don’t Confuse Your Social Media Post with Effective Advocacy
Yesterday I spent the better part of five hours watching real Americans do something incredibly uncomfortable: testifying in public before a Congressional committee. This wasn’t one of those highly visible, controversial hearings where partisan hackery dominates the agenda. No, this was a hearing for a subcommittee focused on agricultural issues and they were debating theContinue reading “Don’t Confuse Your Social Media Post with Effective Advocacy”
These 3 Steps Will Make it Easier to Fight for Your Cause
At this point, I can’t keep track of how many of these “morning briefings” I’ve attended. Where DC-based political operatives “prepare” out-of-town advocates to go storm Capitol Hill. And they almost all follow the same script…
What Do I Do When I…only have one minute to make my case?
The real win in a moment like this – when you have a minute or less to talk about your issue – isn’t getting the listener to ‘yes.’ Success is getting them to say ‘I want to know more.’
Part of the Possible 