Whether we like it or not, American exceptionalism is built in large measure on our willingness to do what others can’t or won’t.
Tag Archives: Politics
Advocacy Meetings 106: Meeting With the Other Side
But advocacy can’t be about your partisan lines. Your policy proposals, if they are to be successful in any cycle, must bring together diverse groups of supporters if they are going to weather the storms of popular elections. You have to transition from that defensive posture before you let yourself walk through that office door.
Advocacy Meetings 105: Build a System
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”
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”
Three New Year’s Resolutions to Survive the 2022 Election
Well, we’re here again. Looking forward to a new year and all the potential it brings. It’s a great time of year. We’re waking from the holiday coma, striking out on new adventures, and pursuing new goals. What a season! It’s no different in politics. After an end of year respite, those in advocacy areContinue reading “Three New Year’s Resolutions to Survive the 2022 Election”
Constituency of One
Those kind of wins are the stuff of legacy building.
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”
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.
Part of the Possible 