Books &
Research

Consistency

“Despite declarations to the contrary, no dramatic PAC or advocacy program transformation happens with one tactic.. When building an influential advocacy program or large PAC, there is no single event, no grand video, no solitary viral tweet, no “killer app,” no single meeting that transforms your program.. Rather, it occurs through consistent thinking, testing and honest evaluation.. That consistency produces momentum that leads to transformation.”

Recognition

“The notion of relying solely on scheduled formal recognition is flawed and leads to missed opporutnities to increase grassroots and PAD productivity. It is more important what you do 365 days a year in the informal recognition moments, rather than the extravaganza-laden events, plaques, and other ceremonies.”

Grassroots Culture

“Show me the pictures in your department’s offices and I will tell you whether you truly have a grassroots culture.”

Social Media vs. Social Capitol

“Despite the fascination with social networks, they arent a secret grassroots weapon. The groups that have social capital among their members will have the edge. That was the case prior to onine networks, and its true today. In a world of hyper-abundant social networks, social capitol is the “killer app”.”

Grassroots Motivation

“Motivation is largely intrinsic. Your job is to create an atmosphere conducive to self-motivation. Blanket approaches don’t work.”

Growing Grassroots

“A terrible thing happens when your senior managers do not know about your program-nothing!!”

Government Relations Results

“When we know what brings the greatest return, but do not do it, we have to ask ourselves if we really believe what we are doing, or just doing what is easy. We get a short-term rush, but not as many long-term gains.”

Evangelism vx. Conversion

“While ‘Evangelism Marketing’ is all the rage, and Evangelism about your cause is essential, smart grassroots leaders know that the real victory is in finding and creating converts for their cause, because converts are the most persuasive evangelists.”

Motivation

“People will come to your for the cause, and stay for the leader.”