The stories I could tell you. Over 8.5 years working for members of Congress, there were a LOT of constituent meetings. These were opportunities for concerned citizens to engage directly with their elected representative – or that representative’s staff – to share a slice of what was happening back in the district. Sometimes they wereContinue reading “Why You ALWAYS Need an “Ask””
Tag Archives: Planning
No One Will Give A Damn If You’re Not Genuine
What do you say to a Member of Congress – or their staff – when you finally have a chance to meet with them? Yesterday I had an opportunity to speak with a local Rotary club. I love these civic organizations that bring diverse individuals together. They are miniature demonstrations of our ability to workContinue reading “No One Will Give A Damn If You’re Not Genuine”
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.
Standing Out in the Crowd
Yesterday, I posted this video across my social channels. That’s right. As much as we disapprove of how Congress is doing their job, there’s another- equally important – disconnect to consider as well. Typical advocates are not government affairs professionals – and they shouldn’t be. In every meeting with a decision maker, the interests ofContinue reading “Standing Out in the Crowd”
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.
Beware the “Easy Wins”
The next 6 months of American politics are somewhat…well…predictable. It’s silly season after all. Midterm elections have already shaped the conversations in local communities across the country. State and federal legislators are back in their home districts, engaging in party primaries. With that comes the typical us versus them posturing as both run toward theirContinue reading “Beware the “Easy Wins””
One Question to Help You Feel Less Scripted, More Natural in Any Meeting
We have to break the idea that a policy proposal has to be delivered flawlessly to be effective.
Advocacy In The New “New Normal”
Despite the zoom fatigue that set in quickly, I’ll wager we won’t see the end of those types of meetings. Once new ways of doing business are adopted, it’s a long path to reverse those changes.
“The fight is here. I need ammunition, not a ride.”
Leadership in moments of crisis demands that you confront the point of friction.
Advocacy Meetings 109: Practice, Practice, Practice
There’s something we do in the military that I don’t see as often in civilian life – at least not in the advocacy world. It’s a powerful tool to help teams coalesce before an action and improvise during that mission. And when things inevitably go wrong in the field, this one tool helps everyone understandContinue reading “Advocacy Meetings 109: Practice, Practice, Practice”
Part of the Possible 