As I think about the advocates I’ve trained through the years, there’s a certain trend that sticks out to me. In the period leading up to an advocacy event, volunteers often project an air of confidence that evaporates the moment we walk into the actual meeting. When face to face with their target, the senseContinue reading “Advocacy Meetings 105: Build a System”
Tag Archives: Development
Looking Back, Leaning Forward
It’s that time again. Tomorrow we celebrate the incoming new year, and bid adieu to 2021. Yep, another one in the books. A big year of growth for me, and I hope the same for you. In keeping with the custom of the season, I thought I’d use today’s entry to look back on aContinue reading “Looking Back, Leaning Forward”
Advocacy Meetings 104: Know Your Ask and Get to It
I had a healthy reminder in a meeting with a legislator recently. The group I was with was a bit…long winded…when it came to introductions. Which prompted a question I hate to hear from the elected official: “so, are you going to tell me why you’re here?” You could immediately feel the momentum of theContinue reading “Advocacy Meetings 104: Know Your Ask and Get to It”
What we get wrong about optimism
I’m not an optimist because everything is right in my world. I’m an optimist because it’s in our power to change what’s wrong.
Advocacy Meetings 103: Be of Service
If we admit to ourselves that talking politics is daunting, we can start to find ways to get past that hang up. The trick to overcome that feeling? Plan to position yourself to be of service to your target. Help them meet a need.
Advocacy Meetings 102: Your Story Is Your Superpower
Don’t tell any of my lobbyist friends I said this, but more often than not a volunteer advocate holds greater sway with elected officials than a paid lobbyist. Constituencies are inherently important to politicians. Losing touch with those they represent is usually the short road to losing the next election. This pressure to connect canContinue reading “Advocacy Meetings 102: Your Story Is Your Superpower”
The Real Reason We Can’t Pay Attention to Politics
If you find yourself rationing your exposure, take a moment to thank your brain for helping you filter some of the madness out. It’s ok to break away, to reset. In fact, it’s pretty necessary.
If You Want To Be An Optimist, Begin By Giving Thanks
I was catching up with a friend recently and he said I seemed more optimistic, more confident in the future. The comment stuck with me over the past few weeks. And as I’ve sat with it, evaluating what could be different, I’m left with one simple answer: I’m more grateful these days. Over the lastContinue reading “If You Want To Be An Optimist, Begin By Giving Thanks”
Advocacy Meetings 101: Managing the Clock
Life a Browns fan instills an incredible amount of patience. This past weekend was rough. In all aspects of the game, it seemed like they just hadn’t shown up for the game. Despite a spark on the opening drive, I found myself spending the remaining 3 hours wishing the clock would just move faster toContinue reading “Advocacy Meetings 101: Managing the Clock”
Beware the Victory Lap
It’s fine to celebrate a win, but in the coming days, you’ll own the problems you ran to correct.
Part of the Possible 