Articles for the ‘always be curious’ and continual learning players
Grassroots Survey: Participate in the first of-its-kind survey
Grassroots category winners of 2024 Campaigns and Elections’ REED AWARD
(click on Grassroots Advocacy in left-hand column to jump there)
Forbes: Seven Ways to Bring the ‘Back to School’ Mindset to ‘Back to Work’
GOTV resources:
Events to commemorate and/or use in your advocacy posts; and also opportunities to meet and foster relationships with other advocacy professionals
Sept 17 National Voter Registration Day
Check out this site for FREE resources your organization can use to spread the word for NVRD and the lead-up to election day!
https://nationalvoterregistrationday.org/partner-resources/
Sept 24-25 Women In Government Relations’ Leadership and Advocacy Conference
Washington, DC
Find registration, agenda and speaker info here:
https://www.wgrannualmeeting.com/
Oct 17 ASAE PAC Reception honoring Susan Neely
(click here to learn about Susan’s impact)
Washington, DC
https://www.asaecenter.org/donation
Oct 29 WASRG Boos and Brews
Home Depot offices, Washington, DC
https://www.wasrg.com/event-5842593
Nov 5 Election Day
Nov 12 WASRG Inside the Dome IRL
Signal House (Union Market) Washington, DC
https://www.wasrg.com/event-5843282
My picks for groups doing great things in advocacy, how they can strengthen your advocacy game, and why I think you should consider engaging. From free programming and networking to larger time and financial investment, these organizations provide wide and diverse opportunities. Gain resources, engage with a strong network, hone leadership skills, and/or give back. I’m sure there is something here to fit your budget and ‘personal training and professional development’ needs!
American Society of Association Executives (ASAE): If you work for an association you don’t want to overlook this group of over 50,000 members representing ~7,500 associations! With a strong community and subgroups for curated connections and content, ASAE is a great value! Serves both national and state associations with a wide array of interests and job roles.
https://www.asaecenter.org/resources
National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics: For lobbyists. Events, networking and certificate program. Individual, small firm and large firm membership options.
https://www.lobbyinginstitute.com/
PAC Pals (no website): Free and fun crowd-sourced group of PAC professionals. Socials let you post jobs, ask questions, find networking events, and engage with smaller ad-hoc groups (fundraisers, health PACs, first Friday and first Thursday coffee and lunch groups, etc.)!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/pacpals/
https://www.linkedin.com/groups/4010753/
Public Affairs Council: Top-tier, signature industry events; annual research reports and surveys; job boards; access to experts; networking, Political Involvement Network community. I personally love their optional Membership+ program that allows your entire organization to participate in tons of online programs for one price!
The Advocacy Association: A mash-up of three networking organizations (GAIN, GPN and ALN) TAA offers free and low-cost advocacy programming and networking. TAA’s 20 in 2024 annual awards program recognizes up-and-coming and veteran advocacy stars.
https://advocacyassociation.org/
Washington Area State Relations Group (WASRG or AKA ‘washrag’) Originally designed for DMV-based practitioners who work on state government relations. Monthly “inside the dome” online programming that brings state leaders to the table for off-the-record, candid conversations, plus fun outings, and networking opportunities.
Women in Government Relations (WGR) If you work in government relations and want a strong network of women mentors, supporters, and friends, join WGR. Many leadership opportunities in the volunteer-led issue task forces and committees await . Signature events connect the women of GR with officials and an array of access, learning and professional development options.