Tag Archives: US Capitol

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…

The Number 1 Reason You Need to Participate in Politics

I think it’s easy to take for granted just how hard it is for most folks to participate in advocacy and politics. Yesterday, as I sat in a parking lot getting ready for a meeting I decided to shoot this quick video to share an important reminder I received this week. Now, I’ll beg yourContinue reading “The Number 1 Reason You Need to Participate in Politics”

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.

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.

Colin Powell, The Reluctant Warrior

In the last decade, former Secretary of State Colin Powell may have found himself feeling like a man out of sync with the times. With the news of his passing yesterday, I found myself reflecting on the profound impact he had on so many over such a long career. Regardless of one’s politics, there’s probablyContinue reading “Colin Powell, The Reluctant Warrior”

Tricks for Remaining Authentic in Politics

The surest route to influencing others is through earning and maintaining their trust. As an aspiring advocate, investing the time necessary to present yourself authentically before decision-makers, can set you apart. Just as importantly, it can protect you from the topsy-turvy nature of hyper-partisanship. But just how do we do it? Just how do weContinue reading “Tricks for Remaining Authentic in Politics”

3 Tips for Writing Your Congressman

So, there’s a lot happening in Washington right now. If you’ve been following, you’re probably suffering a bit of whiplash from the negotiations of an infrastructure plan, a massive $3.5 trillion appropriations bill and the looming debt ceiling. Honestly you shouldn’t feel bad if you’re a bit confused by it all – even the pros’Continue reading “3 Tips for Writing Your Congressman”

5 Things You Should Know About Government Shutdowns

In the past 10 years, our federal government has endured a government shutdown on three separate occasions (disclaimer: I worked for members of Congress through all three). As we rapidly approach September 30th, we face the very real prospect of another shutdown in 2021 – and that’s not me trying to be hyperbolic. Through theContinue reading “5 Things You Should Know About Government Shutdowns”

3 Advocacy Basics You Can Do, Right Now

There seems to be a whole lot of activity happening in the normally quiet, restful period known as August “recess”. I use quiet and restful loosely here, because it’s just a matter of perspective. From the view point of district staff for members of congress it’s a time to dread the frenetic activity that ensuesContinue reading “3 Advocacy Basics You Can Do, Right Now”