“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”
Tag Archives: Inspiration
Become a Better Advocate: Have Hard Conversations
“How do we get our leaders to stop fighting and start working?” I cannot begin to tell you how many times I’ve been asked that question. Even working for centrist members of Congress, that sentiment came up nearly every week I was on the job. For almost a decade. I can tell you since IContinue reading “Become a Better Advocate: Have Hard Conversations”
Become a Better Advocate: Find a Team
They take care of the process, allowing you to focus on humanizing the issue.
Moments of Leadership from the Marines – Respect and Expect; Two Sides of the Same Coin
His lack of pride in the moment helped me feel a little more pride in myself.
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”
A Different Thought from the Shooting in Texas
Originally I had a much different post in mind for this week. But the events in Uvalde, Texas are weighing heavily on me this evening so I’ll beg your forgiveness for a brief diversion. When I started this blog, the mission I had in mind was quite simple: make the intangible work of advocacy justContinue reading “A Different Thought from the Shooting in Texas”
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”
Our Lives, Our Fortunes, and Our Sacred Honor
“I just have this terrible feeling that they’re going to kill him.” That line from a friend yesterday certainly struck home for me. We were discussing the situation in Ukraine. She was beaming with pride over the leadership of Volodymyr Zelensky in one moment, and in the span of a breath the gravity of theContinue reading “Our Lives, Our Fortunes, and Our Sacred Honor”
Elon Musk is a National (Security) Treasure
Moving at the speed of human decency, Musk’s quick action caught the attention of the world this past weekend. Deservedly so. In a time when so many of us feel absolutely helpless to make a difference, it’s understandably invigorating to cheer on someone who can.
Part of the Possible 