(AKA: WHAT IS A GRASSROOTS STRATEGIST?)
This is probably the question I hear the most from folks. Sometimes it is not so direct, but the intention is the same.
WHY DO I NEED YOU?
Sounds harsh, but I get it.
You’ve been running an advocacy program for years. Your bills progress through the process, you have a key group of advocates you can count on, you even have a few legislative wins each year. You have developed some great legislative champions. You know which lawmakers give you heartburn and which ones will work to move your bills.
But do you know your centers of power? Do you know which districts you have solid grassroots support and which districts you need to work on?
YOU KNOW IN YOUR HEART THAT YOU COULD DO BETTER. YOU KNOW THAT IF YOU COULD ENGAGE MORE OF YOUR MEMBERS, YOU COULD HAVE EVEN MORE INFLUENCE AT YOUR STATE CAPITOL - MAYBE EVEN IN DC.
But where would you begin? You are already stretched and have too much to do. Now you have to think about how to engage more of your members or supporters? Right. I get it.
That’s where I come in. I have helped membership organizations create an advocacy roadmap that puts them on the road to build power - and ensures public policy inspires their members to get involved.