Several years ago, I began posting political/public policy material on LinkedIn in hopes of attracting consulting and/or employment opportunities in the government relations/public policy arena.
Over time, I’ve built a substantial following that (apparently) appreciates my knowledge base and insights about federal, state, AND local government operations. What I realized, however, was that my audience WASN’T elected officials/staff and political operatives, but rather people from all walks of life EXCEPT public administration. Moreover, they live/work in just about every nook and cranny of America (and some foreign countries too).
Their passion about the issues is truly amazing, but I realized that – thanks to the complexities of federal/state/local government and the intricate overlay of politics as practiced in the US – they were, far too often, at a loss for how to impact the public policy process except by voting.
That’s when I realized that I needed to help people move from Agitation to Action. Thus, my presence here on Substack. My goals:
1. Help everyone understand how federal, state, and local government works (or doesn’t work);
2. Give people the knowledge base they need to be an effective advocate for the causes they care about and/or to combat the disinformation/misinformation that is undermining our democracy and crippling government operations at all levels; and
3. Share with them best practices and innovative programming from across the nation that could be replicated in their neighborhoods, communities, states, or the nation.
How am I going to do that you ask? Materials will be organized into four categories.
Climate, Environment & Emergency Management. With climate change producing an unprecedented wave of natural disasters, it’s imperative for government officials and the citizenry to focus on these interrelated issues. In addition to tracking the myriad public policy developments in this area, my extensive series of personal & professional preparedness tips will be shared through this channel as well.
Facts, Figures & Lists. I’ll be sharing here information that I believe you need to be a well-informed voter or effective advisory board member, candidate, reporter, or elected official. I’ll focus as well on giving you the data you need to push back on disinformation and misinformation. Postings will include such disparate items as my extensive acronym guide and glossary of government terms; calendars (e.g., state legislative sessions); links to state legislative websites; state statutes, and state lobbying registrations. You’ll find data sources here as well (e.g., a state-by-state listing of number/type of local government units).
Governing. All things about governing, elections & voting! For almost a decade, I was immersed in consulting for companies in the election products and services industry, so I have lots of expertise to share! In an effort to break through the policy gridlock gripping the nation, I’ll also be highlighting best practices/promising initiatives to improve your neighborhood, community, state, and the nation. Tips on being an effective citizen advocate will be placed here as well (look for the subheading Civic Engagement).
News to Know. Here will be posted my frequent newsletter reminding you of upcoming elections and highlighting news every voter needs to know about the public policy issues of the day (federal, state, and local).
My target audience? First and foremost, that’s citizens/voters. But I hope to be a “go to” resource for candidates for office, elected/appointed officials and staff and the media.
