Advocacy Help Desk

Recorded in January, this episode takes an in-depth look at Tech Policy with industry expert and Facebook veteran Katie Harbath, now Founder and CEO of Anchor Change. Katie takes us through her days at the social media giant, the promise of the platform from more than a decade ago, and, shortly thereafter, where the tide turned. From regulations in the UK & Europe, to impending elections around the world, targeted advertising, and the future of online privacy, this is a deep-dive episode you won't want to miss.      

Advocacy is driven by people. But how do you find new advocates? And how are you learning more about what interests your current stakeholders? This week we're joined by Rand Fishkin, Co-founder of SparkToro, an audience discovery platform that helps groups find the websites their audience visit, social accounts they follow, hashtags they use, and more. Listen in as we dive into how through knowing the content our ideal audience is consuming, we can better engage them in the future, driving both advocacy and PAC results.

Our first three-time guest on the show, Kristin Brackemyer, Director, PAC and Government Relations for the Public Affairs Council joins us in our first episode of 2022 to talk about the changing landscape for PACs. Touching on everything from the 147 to the midterms, fundraising strategies to reconnecting with lapsed contributors, Kristin lends her expertise helping you to be prepared for the year to come. There's a lot to cover, and a lot of first-hand insight into how PACs are responding to the challenges that 2022 presents. If you run a lobbying shop, PAC or grassroots effort, it's an episode you won't want to miss.

The keys to effective communication = brevity, passion, a bit of data and the human touch. Communications expert Jean Card, Founder of Jean Card Ink, lays these ingredients out in our latest episode to help you sharpen your advocacy comms. A veteran speechwriter for the White House and Cabinet agencies alike, Jean breaks down for us how to truly engage with your audience while getting your story across. From tips on how to "bring the passion out" to sprinkling in data with a personal story, Jean gives us insight into what it takes to be an effective communicator in today's digital age. This episode will help you take concrete steps to make you a better communicator with your audience, leadership and elected officials to ensure your issues are more likely to be heard and acted upon. 

BIG changes are coming that will impact your advocacy email campaigns! In this important episode we break down how tech companies are updating systems that will transform how we look at open and delivery rates to our advocates; changing strategies and how you measure success.  To help you prepare, AHD has email expert Brian Sisolak, Brian Sisolak, VP, Technology Services at Trilogy Interactivewho walks us thru where we are, what to expect and what he'll be doing with the impending release. This is a great episode for anyone who runs an advocacy or PAC effort and wants to run an effective email program going forward.

The Keys to Digital Advocacy Innovation & Growth This great episode focuses on innovative ideas your digital advocacy program can adopt that drive growth and engagement! This week we're joined by Erica Klinger, the Senior Director of Marketing at the Association for Accessible Medicines. An Advocacy Innovation award-winner, Erica is never one to shy away from trying new ways to build her base and get her advocates involved. From cupcakes to Instagram filters, animated rock climbers to a new podcast, her organization is always at the forefront of digital & creative. Join us as we go over their successes, how she got leadership onboard and the one key thread thru it all - finding your voice to tell a plain language, easy to understand version of your organization's goals & story.

Bethany Dame, Assistant Vice President, Political Engagement & Grassroots at the American Property Casualty Insurance Association joins AHD this week to talk advocacy coalitions! From how to form a coalition to the various types, from elevating constituent voices to walking thru a checklist of what to ask members, and from what to look out for to green/yellow/red lights, we hit on all aspects of coalitions giving you the background you need when joining forces with another group. It's a fantastic episode and one you won't want to miss covering all the ins & outs from an expert who's put together dozens of coalitions across the country to push her effort forward.

This week we're joined by industry expert Bruce Mehlman, Founder of Mehlman, Castagnetti, Rosen & Thomas who shares key insights into how hybrid lobbying is going to look going forward and the keys to groups taking positions on divisive issues. We start off with a look at Bruce's latest quarterly deck and dive into how organizations can continue to make a difference moving forward. From looking at how Zoom is impacting Capitol Hill and thought leadership to diving into a framework on what organizations should be considering when taking a position, it's a great episode and one of our best yet. The general public is looking to business to lead more and more in a post-pandemic world, listen in for a step-by-step plan on what you should be considering as you look to get more involved.

This week, we're joined by Hannah Wesolowski, Director, Field Advocacy at the National Alliance on Mental Illness. An industry veteran, Hannah leads a team whose mantra is "No Wrong Door," as they prepare and provide content for their state affiliates, the public and legislators to educate, engage and empower them all to act on behalf of Mental Health. It's a fantastic conversation looking at how NAMI steps out of the limelight to provide the tools and resources needed to let others shine and, in the end, affect the change needed to support Mental Health

This week we're joined by 2021 Public Affairs Council Advocacy Award Winner Becca Steele, Director of Emerging Technologies Policy at Toyota. A veteran of Capitol Hill, Becca not only walks us through her journey to her current position, but also the work she's doing to help build a grassroots community at Toyota. Building on the company's ethos of kaizen, or constant improvement, Becca's leveraging a three pronged approach to make sure she's hitting employees at the right time with the right message to build trust, authenticity and action. Through constant improvement, targeted messaging and gamification, Toyota's building a culture of grassroots that helps them address advocacy challenges today and into the future.

You’re already thinking about what in person fly-ins and events look like when the pandemic ends. “Could I livestream this to get more advocates involved if they can't make it in person?” Sure...BUT it's a bigger challenge than you think! On this episode AHD Producer Blake and Co-Host Andy Polk brainstorm the many challenges and things you need to consider to put on a “hybrid” event or fly-in. We cover equipment, internet speeds, software, to audio strategy (KEY!), as well as user issues and experience. https://vimeo.com/492284976

We've been told that our podcast is a bit like listening to friends have a chat about advocacy challenges. Today, we're banking on that concept, as we're joined by Michael Cavo, head of Federal Government Relations & Advocacy at GlaxoSmithKline. In a spotlight on how corporations have adapted over the past 12 months, we step through a host of topics, from relationship building with decision makers to messaging constituents, operational concerns during COVID to PAC conversations in the current political climate and more. It's a great episode for any advocacy professional to get a 360 degree view of how lawmaking, guidance and influence can be honed during these challenging times.

This week we're joined by two of the foremost experts in their fields, return guest Kristin Brackemeyer, head of PAC and Nick DeSarno, cohost of AHD and head of digital & advocacy both at the Public Affairs Council. In this episode we dive into a number of topics, from how various groups are approaching political contributions to candidates, promoting civics thru your advocacy program, building capacity to quickly mobilize, CSR and more. We touch on the Advocacy Conference and dive into the upcoming PAC Conference. It's a great episode and one you won't want to miss with two professionals who answer the questions of the industry on a daily basis.

This week we're joined by Katie McBreen, VP, Communications & Strategy with the Consumer Brands Association. Billing themselves as a 100 year old startup, Consumer Brands recently underwent an entire brand overhaul spearheaded by Katie, rebranding themselves from the Grocery Manufacturers Association. In this episode, we dive into the branding of advocacy efforts and associations, being able to convey an easily understandable message and what that means for trade associations both large and small. It's 30ish minutes of gold, from how she describes what the association does to the conversations and questions she asked their membership during the process and, finally, how she messages out their new purpose and results to legislators, members and the public at large. If you're working on your messaging or even how to best convey your goals, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Nathan Gonzales, Editor and Publisher of Inside Elections joins us this week as we dive into the results of Election 2020 and how they may bear out for Advocacy professionals. In an in-depth discussion, we talk through everything from the makeup of the 117th Congress to the outgoing President's potential effect on legislation, new members that may have an impact on the issues that may come up early in 2021 and everything in between. It's a great episode that sets the stage for how advocacy professionals should prepare for a new Congress. Walking the halls early in session isn't an option, so how do you meet the new members and forge relationships in the time of Covid. At the same time, how can advocacy professionals best approach the new Congress to have their issues heard and bills passed. In an episode where we touch of too much to even cover in this introduction, there's plenty here for everyone to learn more about the election, the 117th Congress and how, as a PAC and advocacy professional, you can get ahead in 2021.

This week, we're joined by Kristin St. John, XYZ of ABC at the National Association of Community Health Centers. Health center funding is typically a safe bet. Legislators from both sides of the aisle are always keen to ensure their constituents know that they're fighting for their health care. BUT, that doesn't mean that it's a sure thing early in the year. Instead, faced with the prospect of being used as a bargaining chip year-in-and-year-out, NACHC has a unique challenge working to keep their advocates engaged when there's a good possibility funding might not be secured until mid-to-late December. So, how does the NACHC team keep people involved? From peer-to-peer advocacy, call lists to spotify playlists, Kristin walks us through how she and her team spread out their tactics throughout the year, adding variety to their overarching sense of purpose and greater good. It's a great episode highlighting how being authentic can pay off in the long run, while changing up your asks adds a simple variety that can engage and change things up just enough to avoid the dreaded advocate fatigue.

This week we're joined by Christopher Masak, Senior Associate Director at Alzheimer's Association as we dive into the basics of advocacy messaging and building relationships with both advocates & elected officials. Specifically - say your bill just passed. You won. Now what? Chris walks us through how Alzheimer's embraces the victory, thanking advocates and officials alike and then starting the hard work of ensuring implementation also goes their way. Add in a great discussion on how smaller associations can have a BIG impact and really drive home their messaging with the Think, Feel, Do framework, and it's a great episode for advocacy groups of all sizes.

This week we're joined by Dorian Wanzer, Advocacy Manager, Global Government Relations at International Paper to take an in-depth look at her organization's GOTV program. From getting the CEO involved to staying out of partisan politics, we walk thru how important getting-out-the-vote is, where to get started, best practices, pitfalls to avoid and more. With state and federal elections every year, GOTV isn't just something to dabble in, but another opportunity to reach out to your membership and another way to build member value, build engagement and more.

Jeff Evans, the Associate Director of Public Policy from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) joins us as we dive into the fundamental role associations play in America's economy. Specifically, there's a misconception that associations are nothing more than lobbyists, created with the sole purpose of throwing bags of money at legislators. What that fails to take into account is the tireless work associations do on behalf of their members while at the same time driving the economy with events, restaurant & bar bookings, leadership training, skill building, coaching and more.

Groups and associations growing right now and pulling their members and advocates closer to them are executing some simple media strategies. On this episode Producer Blake from Human Factor and Andy share what these groups are doing, proven ideas, tools and strategy, and how you can do the same. Much of this episode focuses on podcasting tips for those who currently have a podcast, and tips to start one because advocate engagement through association podcasts have skyrocketed during COVID. It then pivots to new tips for better virtual events to help provide more value to your members and advocates and diversify your engagements with them to become their trusted new source.

Nick DeSarno, Head of Grassroots & Advocacy at the Public Affairs Council joins us this week to talk digital (r)evolution. Over the past 4 months, advocacy groups, associations & corporations have been forced to overhaul their digital / virtual efforts. That means virtual fly-ins, virtual trainings, digital advocacy tools, videos, podcasts and more. What's been working? Who's succeeding? What's been falling flat? We'll hear from Nick as he walks us through both success stories & cautionary tales, guiding our listeners/watchers to be better advocates both today and into the future.

In this episode, we're joined by David Lusk, Founder of Key Advocacy, as he walks us through how successful organizations are surveying, cultivating and empowering advocates to "Extend the Enterprise." In short, we know there's no one-size-fits-all message for your advocates, so why are many groups employing that same strategy when talking to legislators. Instead, successful groups are evaluating the decisionmaker and picking the right messengers with the right message to get them the commitment they need. If you're not segmenting the offices you're talking to and finding the message that resonates with that legislator, there's so much more you could be doing. Listen in as we break things down and give you the tools you need to get started today.

Jordan Craig, from American Forest & Paper Association sits on the help desk this week as we talk about making the most of everyone's time during quarantine. We focus on balance and building - from repurposing videos captured pre-quarantine, to being succinct and even texting Hill staff, Jordan walks us through how some of his tried and true government relations tactics have evolved over the last few months. It's a deep dive episode as we talk through how AF&PA has adjusted their overall messaging, embraced XYZ and found success on both the state & federal level.

2 amazing public affairs leaders Jennifer Brooks, PAC Manager at Northrop Grumman, and Kristin Brackemyre, Director of PAC and Government Relations at the Public Affairs Council, join us for this lively discussion on Political Action Committees (PACs). So many in advocacy don't have a true picture of what PACs are and how important they are to advocacy - we work to dispel myths while hearing tips and best practices to managing PACs in a changing political landscape!

Ryan Hamilton joins us from his home in downtown Minneapolis to share his thoughts on race and diversity in Associations and Advocacy. Ryan is the Diversity Manager for the Univ. of Minnesota, a former Capitol Hill staffer, and former advocacy pro for the Minnesota Relator Association. He shares his journey and thoughts on diversity in advocacy – what association leaders need to do to move beyond statements to real diversity, as well as how groups need to help activate their members to support local change.

Award winning advocacy leaders Erica Farage, Vice President of Political Affairs and Grassroots Advocacy for the International Franchise Association and Caitlin Donahue, Senior Vice President and Director of Digital for Curley Company join us this week to talk transformation. Transformation of advocacy communications, strategy, engagement, and lobbying. A MUST WATCH for every advocacy professional!

Several groups have already run successful virtual events and we share everything that went right a wrong on this episode. We kill theory and go straight to discussing platforms, tactics, costing and revenue, content strategy, live versus taped and networking in a digital world. Learn tactics and strategy and what you need to think about!

Another week in quarantine, another week joined by an expert in the PAC & Advocacy space. This week we're joined by Amie Adams, President of Dunn Associates.  A 20+ year veteran of working with associations, non-profits, PACs and more, Amie walks us through what organizations need to do TODAY to connect with their advocates / contributors. Again, now is not the time for the traditional. Instead, think about your organization's purpose, promise and value? Do your advocates know it? If not, it's time to get to work.

In today's special AHD, we sit down with Tommy Goodwin, Head of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs at the Project Management Institute (PMI) to discuss new leadership and succeeding in this time of crisis. We talk about how advocacy professionals can adjust workflows, mindsets and use new tools to elevate their effectiveness and really make an impact. We also discuss how associations need to revise traditional operations, communications, HR and workflows to be able to add real value to members in their time of need. 

Fly-ins are cancelled - but virtual (VIDEO) fly-ins are just as easy and more effective! We break down, step-by-step, how you can connect your advocates on video calls with staffers - and why they can be MORE successful than face-to-face meetings! Everyone is sending letters, tweets and doing calls. "You want your voice to be heard - show your face! Use Video!"

It's no secret that organizations and their members look to peers for guidance. With the emergence of COVID-19, this is more true now than ever. As groups shuffle, reschedule, suspend and cancel their events, AHD is joined by Mary Kate Cunningham, VP of Public Policy @ ASAE to dive into how associations are helping guide their membership. From being a central point of industry related information and setting up specific webpages, to advising on pushing fly-ins and dealing with potential financial impact, we touch on a variety of scenarios that can potentially help associations, coalitions, corporations and non-profits dealing with how to be a resource in a time of need.

Everyone has a story to tell. On this episode, we're joined by Janelle Brevard, Chief Storyteller at the National Association of Realtors. In a new role for their organization, she gives us insight into how her career evolved, from journalist to speechwriter, community builder and communications to her latest move, and all the lessons she's learned in between. Every advocacy group can pick up a tidbit here and there over both what makes a story compelling [hint, you better know your audience!] and, at the same time, what makes a good storyteller. Data only gets you so far, a compelling story can be the difference between a yes and no vote. Guest: Janelle Brevard, Chief Storyteller, National Association of Realtors

GOTV For Advocacy – Why You Must Have A Program & How to Run it Right It’s an election year and some associations and groups still do not have a Get Out the Vote (GOTV) program to activate their communities. Mike Panetta, Partner at the Beekeeper Group, sits on the help desk to help explain the rules, best practices and tips to setting up a successful GOTV program to compliment your advocacy & lobbying programs. A must-listen episode for all advocacy professionals! Guest: Mike Panetta, Partner, Beekeeper Group

LinkedIn. Most of it have used it at some point to post up our resume, claim skills and even write recommendations for trusted friends and colleagues. But if that's all that comes to mind when thinking about LinkedIn, you may be missing the full potential of the platform. This week we're joined by Erica Pyatt, who helps us dive into LinkedIn's potential for brands, advocacy efforts, targeting and more. Guest: Erica Pyatt, Manager, Advocacy & Government – LinkedIn

Seems like everyone is talking about data these days, but what does "data" really mean? On this episode we're joined by Henri Makembe, who helps us ll dive into the type of data you should be looking for, where you can find it, and what best practices look like for getting started. It's not Big Data, it's better, smaller data points that really drive effective advocacy efforts. Guest: Henri Makembe, Partner, LPS Campaigns

In the advocacy space, we talk a lot about what's coming next, what's down the line, what should practitioners be looking towards in the future. This week, we bring on Mike Panetta of the Beekeeper Group to talk through what he sees as some of the challenges and opportunities of new technology. From Virtual Reality to Voice to Tik Tok, how are organizations employing the latest tools, and, more importantly, what are some of the things they should keep in mind when pitching the idea. The future is bright, how can advocacy groups keep their folks up-to-date while engaging a whole new generation of potential advocates who consume information completely differently.

The AHD gang talks all things podcasting for the mission based folks.

Matthew Wright of the Children's Hospital Association joins us to talk about advocacy storytelling, using influencers and how to better manage advocate data and lists! 

This episode’s guest was digital guru Caitlin Donahue, Senior VP and Head of Digital at the Curley Company. Caitlin shared how, the keys to setting up a video advocacy program (from script to equipment) and how to develop engaging content to drive action and grow your grassroots network. With 80% of the internet now video content, we encourage you to watch this episode and get started with dynamic video and even podcasting!

Joe Franco drops by the studio and drops the advocacy mic after some incredible insights and knowledge. Discussions focused on connecting, cultivating and activating advocates to how everyone can get better professionally in the advocacy game. Don't miss some real gems in this episode! Hosted by: Andy Polk, SVP at FDRA and Bryan Fratkin, Founder & CEO of Spark Influence