Development – Page 3 – Part of the Possible

We’re getting it wrong from the very beginning. We’ve eroded the definition of advocacy. Until we recognize that fact, we can’t begin to improve. What do I mean? I was listening to a presentation on advocacy for a non-profit organization last week. In the hopes of illuminating the field to aspiring volunteers, the well-intentioned trainerContinue reading “Your Words Have Meaning”

What are Your Three Truths?

I love podcasts. I love audio content in general. It’s a format that allows me to focus my brain while working on other tasks with my hands. While most choose a music playlist for their runs, I’ve usually got an audiobook or a pod running through my headphones. And because I’ve got this constant streamContinue reading “What are Your Three Truths?”

The Most Dangerous Idea in Politics

Those who cannot envision a brighter future will never aspire to one.

Tricks for Remaining Authentic in Politics

The surest route to influencing others is through earning and maintaining their trust. As an aspiring advocate, investing the time necessary to present yourself authentically before decision-makers, can set you apart. Just as importantly, it can protect you from the topsy-turvy nature of hyper-partisanship. But just how do we do it? Just how do weContinue reading “Tricks for Remaining Authentic in Politics”

3 Tips for Writing Your Congressman

So, there’s a lot happening in Washington right now. If you’ve been following, you’re probably suffering a bit of whiplash from the negotiations of an infrastructure plan, a massive $3.5 trillion appropriations bill and the looming debt ceiling. Honestly you shouldn’t feel bad if you’re a bit confused by it all – even the pros’Continue reading “3 Tips for Writing Your Congressman”

When Pressure Becomes Your Poison Pill

There is no “right” way to follow someone into a public restroom and record the event. Ever. Sometimes it amazes me how far people will go to wreck their own causes. And if you don’t know what I’m writing about today, here’s a quick summary. This past Sunday, US Senator Kyrsten Sinema was back inContinue reading “When Pressure Becomes Your Poison Pill”

What’s Your C.A.P.?

Last week, I posted a poll on LinkedIn asking folks what turns them off in modern politics. I gave three options because, in my book, the barriers in front of most of us boil down to three categories: Cost, Access, and Partisanship. And just because I know you needed another acronym in your life, IContinue reading “What’s Your C.A.P.?”

3 Advocacy Basics You Can Do, Right Now

There seems to be a whole lot of activity happening in the normally quiet, restful period known as August “recess”. I use quiet and restful loosely here, because it’s just a matter of perspective. From the view point of district staff for members of congress it’s a time to dread the frenetic activity that ensuesContinue reading “3 Advocacy Basics You Can Do, Right Now”

At a loss…

Let me start by acknowledging that my time in uniform never took me to Afghanistan. It simply wasn’t where the Marine Corps sent me. Nevertheless, I lost a few friends to that far away land. I’m writing tonight after a stunning few days when the world witnessed the implosion of twenty years worth of nationalContinue reading “At a loss…”