The Do’s and Dont’s to Survive Political Division and Help Your Cause Succeed

As I’ve chatted with advocates and volunteers since the most recent US election, one thing is clear: no one really knows what to expect in 2023. Many Americans are looking around and scratching their heads. Even those who were pleasantly surprised by the outcome are coming to the realization that we dialed up two moreContinue reading “The Do’s and Dont’s to Survive Political Division and Help Your Cause Succeed”

Need a boost for your sense of optimism? Start here

“I want to know how you can be so optimistic.” I don’t know why, but this has become a common thread in my conversations lately. As I’ve been briefing advocates on the current political landscape, and helping friends make sense of the recent election, a thought like this almost always creeps into the conversation. UntilContinue reading “Need a boost for your sense of optimism? Start here”

Success in Advocacy: Right-sizing your wins

… no matter what happens on the battlegrounds of politics, successful advocates have to bring their causes forward in the reality of governance.

“Do You Really Believe this Sh!t?”

The easiest people in the world to dismiss are those who don’t show up.

With All Due Respect, That’s Chicken Sh*t

There are a lot of great stories about former Speaker of the House, John Boehner. And as a fellow Ohioan, I’m contractually obligated to share great stories about Ohioans. With recent events in the Buckeye state, I felt there was no better time than the present to share. A number of years ago, I wasContinue reading “With All Due Respect, That’s Chicken Sh*t”

Recognizing When You’ve Reached Your Political Saturation Point

In 2018 and 2019, I reached my saturation point with party politics. I realized I needed to explore my other identities, beyond those defined by the people for whom I worked. It was a pivotal moment in my own career – and one that led to the same response others have when they hit their saturation points: I had to get some space.

Falling Out of Love With Your Plan

I internalized the importance of keeping our plans grounded in the reality that our environment – and the challenges we’re trying to conquer – are constantly evolving.

That evolution holds no regard for our egos.

2 minutes, and 37 seconds on Why I’m Optimistic About Politics

Simply being disappointed isn’t enough. If you’re really serious about making things better, there is no substitute for action, and action means showing up.

Social Media Advocacy: What Works, What Doesn’t, and How that Could Change

…effective advocacy is almost invariably better because of its timing, not its volume…

Food, Fuel & Fiber: American Agriculture is National Security

Strategically speaking, America has a lot of advantages on the global stage. Geographically we are protected by distance from much of the world. The diversity of our expansive countryside means we are blessed with an incredible variety of natural resources. Our inland waterways are the envy of the world – granting every one of ourContinue reading “Food, Fuel & Fiber: American Agriculture is National Security”