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…”
Tag Archives: Problem Solvers
The Indispensable Senator from Ohio
The seeds of history making statesmanship are planted in late January. At least that’s my latest theory. On January 25th, 2021 US Senator Rob Portman announced he would retire at the end of his current term. While the political class jumped straight to discussions of potential successors, they missed Portman’s transition from Senator to Statesman.Continue reading “The Indispensable Senator from Ohio”
Yes, You Can Be Too Scripted
“I just don’t know what to say. Can you write it out for me?” No. That should be the unequivocal, unwavering answer from any grassroots manager. No, we should never – under any circumstances – write out a script for our volunteers. Why? Advocacy isn’t a performance art. In its purest form, advocacy is simplyContinue reading “Yes, You Can Be Too Scripted”
Climate Policy and American Exceptionalism: ‘Lead by Example’ is the Wrong Argument
Americans are competitors. It’s in our national DNA. That’s why I’m convinced President Biden’s administration is faltering when they argue ‘leading by example’ in the discussion of climate solutions. For better or worse, our national conscience is often driven by a finite, winner-take-all mindset driven by the way we talk about the issues and challengesContinue reading “Climate Policy and American Exceptionalism: ‘Lead by Example’ is the Wrong Argument”
No Need for 10,000 Hours
Your participation in advocacy is valuable precisely because you are an expert at something else.
Overcoming Barriers to Advocacy
“I just don’t know enough about it.” “What I have to say won’t really matter.” “I just don’t have the time right now.” “I’ve never done it. I don’t know what to say.” Sound familiar? These are some of the most common responses when folks are asked to participate in advocacy campaigns. Successful advocacy organizationsContinue reading “Overcoming Barriers to Advocacy”
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
The dirtiest part about money in politics is when someone tries to shame you out of contributing. Unfortunately for them, there is nothing shameful about legally fighting for your issues. Newsflash: Elections are expensive. The candidates you support, regardless of the level of government, put an incredible amount of work into raising funds to supportContinue reading “Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is”
Storytelling 103: Bring a Solution
Our stories empower our ability to develop lasting relationships with elected officials. Don’t waste the opportunity.
Storytelling 102: Call on Your Hero
Data suggests that, after a presentation, 63% of attendees will remember a story you tell. Only 5% will remember your statistics. Let that sink in for a moment. Only 1 in 20 will remember the data you present in a meeting. (Trust me, I fully recognize the audacity of starting a post about avoiding statisticsContinue reading “Storytelling 102: Call on Your Hero”
Opposing Isn’t Good Enough
I’m watching an absolutely painful interview clip right now. I’m not going to offer context out of respect for the victim, er, interviewee. But suffice it to say that a public persona is being re-defined in front of my eyes. In watching this particularly brutal exchange, I’m reminded of a lesson from former Speaker ofContinue reading “Opposing Isn’t Good Enough”
Part of the Possible 