Engagement Edge: The Science & Practice of Political Involvement

Latest Episodes:

The Canon of Grassroots Advocacy Programs Mar 05, 2020

Show notes

Regardless of the organization or cause, there are principles for successful grassroots advocacy programs. "Programs" being the operative word ----- a program is different from a campaign, because it (should) be integrated into an organization's culture. If you lead a grassroots program, and/or lead volunteers who are charged with leading their fellow volunteers, request a copy of The Canon of Grassroots Advocacy Programs.
Do you have a grassroots principle you live by that has contributed to your grassroots program's success? Share it with me and I'll feature it in a future Roots of Success: Amy@ShowalterGroup.com

How Successful Advocacy Professionals Think - From our GRIP Research Findings Feb 17, 2020

Show notes

There are several new findings in the third iteration of our GRIP research. An important, yet little talked about topic in our profession, are the nuances between successful and unsuccessful advocacy professionals. Do successful practitioners look at life differently than less successful practitioners? Yes, in fact, they do. Listen here:

You can request your copy of the GRIP report here: https://showaltergroup.com/free-resources/what-does-our-biennial-grip-research-tell-you-to-prioritize/

Reading Between the Research Lines: Predictors of Legislative Success Jan 27, 2020

Show notes

In this edition of Amy Live & Uncut, I'll share the most important aspect of the GRIP research: the variables that predict legislative success. Things have changed slightly since the last biennial report, but some truths are immutable. To get a copy of the report, go here: https://showaltergroup.com/free-resources/what-does-our-biennial-grip-research-tell-you-to-prioritize/

Advocacy Metrics: Part 1 Jan 13, 2020

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My focus at the Data & Advocacy Summit was to share what advocacy professionals should measure in 2020 based on what currently predicts legislative success. This episode shares some top line highlights from a presentation I delivered with Shoshana Weissmann at Grassroots Professionals Network's Data & Advocacy Summit.

Trends in Grassroots Influence Tactics & Legislator Responses to the Tactics - The Biennial Grassroots Influence Pulse® (GRIP) Findings, Part 2 of 4 Nov 18, 2019

Show notes

Our recent GRIP research examined 114 variables to grassroots influence success, with over 6,400 (not a misprint!) possible correlations. So, we have data. But as you know, it’s relevant data that matters.

In this episode, I share the descriptive data regarding trends in legislator behavior and various grassroots influence tactics.

As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Habits of Ineffective Leaders Oct 31, 2019

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An overview of the seven (really eight!) habits of ineffective, unproductive, grassroots and Political Action Committee leaders.

The Immutable Truths: What Won't Change...and How It Can Lead You to Innovative Breakthroughs Sep 26, 2019

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You should want to produce work that lasts for years and leave an enduring legacy among your stakeholders. However, every incentive in today’s world is to draw your attention to an immediate “hit.” Many “thought leaders” and “experts” make everything seem so easy.

Telling you how to “hack” your way to engaging more stakeholders, gaining more committed PAC contributors, and developing your professional skillset is made to look so easy because it gives you the mental sugar that makes you think you have discovered the secret mother lode of grassroots or PAC success.

The Challenges of Properly Implementing a Grassroots Key Contact Program Sep 20, 2019

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My advice on recruiting, growing and developing grassroots Key Contacts were featured in a recent issue of CEO Update. In this edition of Amy Live & Uncut I expound upon the "big three" challenges of properly executing a grassroots Key Contact program. Of course, there are more than three, but this will get you started on the right path, or help you re-evaluate your current program.

Amyism #71: Evangelism v. Conversion Aug 29, 2019

Show notes

While evangelism marketing is all the rage and evangelism about your cause is essential, smart grassroots leaders know the real victory is in finding and creating converts for their cause. Listen to find out why.

TRANSCRIPT

Greetings. This is Amy Live & Uncut with the story behind the story on Amyism #71: Evangelism vs. Conversion.

While evangelism marketing is all the rage, and evangelism about your cause is essential, smart grassroots leaders know the real victory is in finding and creating converts for their cause, because converts are the most persuasive evangelists. I came to this understanding when I was writing my book The Underdog Edge: How Ordinary People Change the Minds of the Powerful and Live To Tell About It. We found a very interesting dynamic with Underdog Teams, they all contain a convert. There's always a convert communicator on their team.

What does that mean? It means that the convert is someone who joined the cause, who was previously serving the other team, the other side, and they're really great persuaders because they know how the other side thinks. They also are similar to the people you're trying to persuade because they were one of them at one time and they usually don't have an authority position over the people that they're trying to persuade. Again, they were a peer of that individual. That's why they're so persuasive.

So while we all want evangelists for our cause, I believe the most effective evangelists are those that are convert communicators. Ask yourself, do you have convert communicators on your grassroots team? How about your coalitions? Do you have organizations that were on one side of an issue years ago and now are with you? That's what you need if you want to go to the next level in your grassroots, look for convert communicators.

Thanks. This is Amy Live & Uncut.

The Advantages Of Resting Your Grassroots Aug 29, 2019

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The Advantages Of Resting Your Grassroots