A newsletter for excelling in American civic and political life --especially during this time of great disruption. Having a voice on the public stage is one thing. Making it an effective voice—with influence and power—is quite another.
How movements gain steam and achieve policy victories
The crisp narrative. Soundbites that cut like a knife. Going on offense while also playing defense.
It can be a blessing and a curse in the public arena. Science is a good discipline to use as a case study.
At the beginning of any effort, you've got to have a good sense of the path to victory.
Power, like fire, is neither good or bad. It's what you do with it.
Twain's lightning vs. the lightning bug
A look at DEI, “rigged” elections, immigration, and vaccines.
I've had a career as a senior strategist on 10 winning public policy campaigns at the national and state levels. My background is in the trenches doing political branding and policy advocacy out of Washington, D.C. Now, in Houston, I‘m a public affairs consultant and teach a course in political science--civic engagement and leadership– at the University of Houston.
This is where I get stuff out of my mind in a raw, half-baked form. I post something here almost daily but a subscription gets you one email every Thursday with all of my notes and kernels combined. 👇
View all writingHaving a voice in public life is one thing. Making it an effective voice—with influence and power—is quite another. In this 90-minute sprint, “Art of Advocacy,” learn how to become stronger, more strategic communicators in the civic arena. Find your brand narrative. Lean how to win persuadable people over. For leaders in public policy, academia, public health, and science. Learn more.