I’m writing this short piece as I sit on a flight after a productive week in our nation’s capital. Over the course of five long days…
Tag Archives: strategy
Every Advocate Should Ask This One Rude Question
Advocacy meetings aren’t about proving you’re right and the other side is wrong, they are fundamentally about humanizing complex issues.
Last Week in Washington
But if you want to really stand out as one of those volunteer advocates, and build your own credibility, you have to remember that you are in charge of the agenda.
VLOG: Flipping Your Perspective on Congressional Offices and How to Avoid Partisanship
When writer’s block strikes, try talking it out! In today’s vlog, I share some perspectives from life inside a congressional district office and how you can better work with these teams to advance your cause. Check it out below, and let me know what you think! What should I cover the next time I recordContinue reading “VLOG: Flipping Your Perspective on Congressional Offices and How to Avoid Partisanship”
Why I Threw Away Talking Points in Advocacy
When I went on active duty, the conflict in Iraq had reached its high point. The dominant tactic from enemy forces on the ground had shifted, employing a devastating tactic: improvised explosive devices. Accordingly, our training was geared toward preparing us to think about the battle space in a different way – a way thatContinue reading “Why I Threw Away Talking Points in Advocacy”
Don’t Confuse Your Social Media Post with Effective Advocacy
Yesterday I spent the better part of five hours watching real Americans do something incredibly uncomfortable: testifying in public before a Congressional committee. This wasn’t one of those highly visible, controversial hearings where partisan hackery dominates the agenda. No, this was a hearing for a subcommittee focused on agricultural issues and they were debating theContinue reading “Don’t Confuse Your Social Media Post with Effective Advocacy”
These 3 Steps Will Make it Easier to Fight for Your Cause
At this point, I can’t keep track of how many of these “morning briefings” I’ve attended. Where DC-based political operatives “prepare” out-of-town advocates to go storm Capitol Hill. And they almost all follow the same script…
What Do I Do When I…only have one minute to make my case?
The real win in a moment like this – when you have a minute or less to talk about your issue – isn’t getting the listener to ‘yes.’ Success is getting them to say ‘I want to know more.’
‘I Can Do More Here.”
DC is a tough town. It’s a transactional town. Yes you can accomplish something of significance there. But does that significance align with the purpose you want to serve in life?
Do this One Thing to Be Unforgettable to Decision Makers
When I think about those truly successful advocates over the years, the way the guided me was not what most would expect. It wasn’t a forceful push on an issue, it was a gentle nudge.
Part of the Possible 