Advocacy Guru

The Advocacy Olympics or, How to Medal in the Great American Sport of Democracy!

In this edition of the Advocacy Associates Podcast, Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru, ruminates on the potential events in an advocacy olympics, like "Synchronized Legislating" and the "Policy Pentathlon."  More important, she provides insights into the skills necessary to be successful in these essential events.

Make the Darn Ask

Effective advocates will always ask their elected officials for something specific.  Advocacy Guru Stephanie Vance outlines what "make the ask" means, responds to those who object to "always asking" and outlines several "easy asks" that will benefit the legislator as much or more than it benefits the advocate.

Five Tips for Effective Advocacy

Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru of Advocacy Associates, shares five ideas for communicating effectively with elected officials. Listen in to learn the importance of being specific, identifying yourself and, of course, being polite.

Why I LOVE Paying My Taxes

Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru, shares five reasons why she loves income tax day.  Listen for tips to be a better advocate for the funding programs you care most about as well as how to really take the pressure off the process of filling in your 1040.

New Report on Communicating with Congress

In this edition of the Advocacy Associates podcast, the Advocacy Guru offers insight into a new report from Congress and imagines a whole new advocacy world.

Beware the Ides of March

March in Washington, DC is absolute madness.  Thousands of advocates and not enough time to get your message across.  Find out five ways to be part of the solution, not part of the problem in this lively and informative podcast.

New Year, New Advocacy

In this podcast from Stephanie Vance, the Advocacy Guru at Advocacy Associates, we offer three New Year's Resolutions for more effective grassroots in 2008.  Repeat after me:  I resolve to focus your efforts on fewer personalized communications (vs. form e-mails); I resolve to utilize grassroots advocacy techniques effectively during the election cycle; I resolve to learn more about effective advocacy techniques.  Listen and feel rejuvenated, refreshed and ready to make the world a better place for your issues!

Learning about Your Legislators

Before meeting with, writing or calling an elected official, the effective advocate will know a little something about their audience.  In this edition of the Advocacy Associates podcast, we look at key things to understand about your legislators, including their policy interests, the details of the area they represent, their personal interests and their political affiliations.  In addition, we'll consider some useful resources for helping you track down this information.

Why the legislative process is like Thanksgiving Dinner

Some people compare the legislative process to making sausage, but to me, it's more like the subtle negotiations, shifting alliances and downright arguing that accompanies the creation of a Thanksgiving dinner.  Listen to this podcast to learn some tips and techniques for getting what you want from Congress -- and at the Thanksgiving Day table!

How to "Trick" Your Legislators Into Doing What You Want

Seven-year-olds can teach us a great deal about extracting resources from those in authority.  Learn their secrets for successful trick or treating -- and apply them to your advocacy efforts!