Tag Archives: influence

Building Credibility in Political Advocacy

What if your ability to influence an elected official had nothing to do with your, or their political party; nothing to do with your contributions to a campaign; nothing to do with how they vote on a thousand issues that aren’t your issue? What if, instead, your credibility could survive any divide, any headline, orContinue reading “Building Credibility in Political Advocacy”

In Advocacy, Consistency Makes You Bold

Last week, I shared the three traits that really matter most if you’re going to have staying power and be effective in American politics: compassion, credibility, and consistency. Those three qualities, balanced between each other will help you stand out from the masses when you’re trying to be heard. They’ll increase your access, and keepContinue reading “In Advocacy, Consistency Makes You Bold”

Already burned out by politics in 2025? Here’s your simple plan to get back in the game, and stay in it.

It’s usually not by being hard-nosed. It’s certainly not by picking fights. It’s almost always about being a compassionate human, a credible expert, and a consistent voice. That’s how you move the needle in American politics by building one relationship at a time. The first half of 2025 is in the rearview mirror. And there’sContinue reading “Already burned out by politics in 2025? Here’s your simple plan to get back in the game, and stay in it.”

Election Day Reflections: The Path Ahead

Today, the millions of people who head to the polls are doing their part, for sure. But they are robbing themselves of a rare treat if that’s where their engagement stops. Because our system affords us an unfathomable level of access and influence – if we reach up and claim it.

Unscripted: The State of Play in American Politics

Over the next few weeks, our politics will be driven by wedge issues – the issues designed to separate us by the smallest of margins and drive us into camps of predictable political action. But those aren’t the issues that really define us as Americans.

Unlocking the Hidden Potential in Our Political System

For some reason, many would-be world changers back away from participating after they hear an early “no.” Many of us struggle to see our way past that first roadblock and toward another path.

Political Capital: Are You Building It Or Burning It?

Too often, defeatism sets in well before you reach the limit of your effectiveness in advocacy. Years ago, I would commonly call it out as an unfortunate byproduct of the microwave oven. We’ve lived for decades now with the ability to near instantaneously address even complex cravings. But useful tools like the microwave have also made us exceedingly impatient. They’ve also helped us forget that putting in the reps matters.

In Times of Frustration, Look to Fort Ohio

I really like the small wins in politics. The wins that, for the most part go unnoticed by most. But if you’re paying attention, and follow the markers, these types of wins can point you to some reasons to stay hopeful. Hopeful despite the rancor and vitriol we see on the cable news channels coveringContinue reading “In Times of Frustration, Look to Fort Ohio”

Bring Your Cause Home With You

The whole system is rigged. Lobbyists like me have all the access because we’re there – in the capital cities – and regular people are shut out. So, is it really worth it to travel all the way to Washington, DC, wear uncomfortable clothes, sit across from perfect strangers and talk about your issues? DoesContinue reading “Bring Your Cause Home With You”