Success in Advocacy: “Just be Human”

These are the basics, the fundamentals, any advocate needs to find long term success. Basically, just be human.

Why You ALWAYS Need an “Ask”

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””

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”

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”

Recognizing When You’ve Reached Your Political Saturation Point

In 2018 and 2019, I reached my saturation point with party politics. I realized I needed to explore my other identities, beyond those defined by the people for whom I worked. It was a pivotal moment in my own career – and one that led to the same response others have when they hit their saturation points: I had to get some space.

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”

Social Media Advocacy: Even the Big Boys Get it Wrong

Your issue deserves more than a sharply worded tweet. If you’re serious about changing the world, you have to be willing to put more into the fight than that.

Identify and Overcome Barriers to Advocacy

Ask yourself, if this issue is so damn important to me, why can’t I get myself to send an email to my representative?

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…

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.