The Campaign Workshop Blog

The Tactics and Terms That Define Advocacy

Learn how we define advocacy. Advocacy, defined in the simplest terms, is about fighting for something you believe in. When we talk about advocacy, the issues and tactics may change, but the core is about supporting a cause or policy and working to create the change we want to see in the world. Why do we need advocacy?Issue advocacy is an opportunity to raise an issue or policy that can impact lives for the better on a larger scale. It’s not about pinning our hopes on an elected official who will be…

Advocacy Tactics and Strategies Have Shifted Over Time

Advocacy tactics and advocacy campaign strategies will continuously change with the times and so must we. When I was a Chief of Staff in the New York State Legislature, I don't remember ever seeing a coordinated public affairs campaign highlighting public support of an issue that focused on legislators. The main way groups moved legislation was to hire a…

Having an advocacy plan is critical to success, but where should you begin? 

Advocacy Strategy First Developing an advocacy plan with clear goals strategy and tactics is often overlooked - especially in the busy world of non-profits. Organizations that put energy into writing a clear and comprehensive advocacy plan will tell you a thoughtful strategy and a strong plan are critical to campaign success, as well as short-term and long-term organizational growth. Please note this is different than a strategic plan for your organization. An advocacy…

Independent Expenditure Success Starts with a Plan

Here at The Campaign Workshop, we have written a lot about independent expenditure strategy in the past, but the key takeaways never change: 1.    Know your goals.2.    Do no harm.3.    Don’t duplicate efforts. Today, I want to share a little more about that last point. Campaigns are complex beasts, and there are a thousand ways you could stumble…

Why You Should Care About Your Campaign Slogan- And How to Make a Good One

What are campaign slogans, and do you really need one? Below you will find everything you need to know about a campaign slogan and how to write one that will motivate people to vote for you. Since a campaign slogan is all about whittling down your campaign message to a tiny slice, if you haven’t done so already, check out our blog on using the…

Online Advertising-  A Digital Plan to Move Fast 

For Online Advertising Fast and instant are different -While it’s true that the world of online advertising is fast-paced- banking on instantaneous programs is a good way to fall short of your goals. This is because online advertising is not a synonym for instant. Planning for a digital program will give you time to really define your goals and make sure your campaign has the right components, creative, and timeline to achieve them. Understand the limitations of digital - Digital is a great…

Local Candidates: Don't Make These Common Campaign Mistakes 

Campaigns for local candidates are different than those for bigger races. While you will still have to work to raise money, local candidates will depend in large part on the community for the resources and volunteers that they need. Local candidates also tend to go without the aid of consultants or those with expensive experience working on a lot of campaigns. Thus, there are often people running local campaigns where it will be their first experience doing this type of work. With…

Campaign Mistakes: How to Turn a Losing Political Campaign Around 

Can you spot a losing political campaign? People plan and launch political campaigns with the best intentions, but sometimes they get off track. Can you spot mistakes in your campaign? As a trainer and consultant for over 20 years - Here are some warning signs to help you spot and course-correct a losing political campaign: 24. ”It doesn’t matter how districts have performed in the past – I am a transformational candidate.”- You may be a great candidate, with…

Video Content Content Platforms for Non-Profits

YouTube is the core platform for many folks when it comes to nonprofit video content. There is a whole culture around YouTube, leading many people to just assume that it is the only platform to use to host your videos.But, as video becomes more and more important for politics, nonprofits, and associations as a way to connect with one another, get conversions, build an audience, and grow authority, it is time for us to look at YouTube and say: Is it the only way to go?Enter Wistia. Wistia is a…

Good Email Matters:  Stop Writing Soul-Sucking Emails

Good email is life-changing, while a bad email is soul-sucking. All of you write emails and let’s face it, most of them are bad. Writing a good email takes more time but you will get better results and fell better in the process. So here are some tips on what to avoid - Because life is too short to write a bad email. The subject line is the most important part of an email. The first sentence (the lead) and the call to action (CTA) are the next key elements. Together these components make the…

Best Reads of 2022 

Have a favorite book? 2022 was filled with many great reads by The Campaign Workshop Staff. Whetheryou are a fan of the genre of memoirs, history fantasy, or mystery, our staff has read it all, andhas some great picks for everyone to indulge in during their free time. Check out our staff’sselection of their favorite books of 2022!The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. Our staff member Alice McLoughlin chose thisbook. In The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, Achilles, and Patroclus are two sons of kingswho are brought…

Campaign Jobs Board & Job Banks:  Find Nonprofit and Political Jobs

Campaign jobs on the left side of the aisle can be challenging to find, so can any political, advocacy or non profit jobs. Don't just google "political jobs near me ", We have developed our mega job search list to take out the guess work. What started with a few job lists like Tom Manatos, Brad Travers, and the Jobs That Are Left Google group has grown up. We now have over 40 sites on this list, that focus on a wide variety of jobs in the political and nonprofit space.…

Be Prepared to Ace Your Informational Interview

An informational interview is a must if you are trying to get internships, land your first job, find your next job or make a career change. Not everyone is a natural interviewer –  here are our tips for getting it right when it comes to having a good informational interview.    Why do informational interviews? Informational interviews are the best way to learn about an industry or career you are interested in. It’s not about trying to find a job – this is the perfect opportunity to dip your toes…

Program Evaluation- Don't Skip It! 

It is time to look at program evaluation for 2022 and planning for 2023. Whether you are a non-profit, labor union, independent expenditure organization, issue group, or political campaign, taking the time to evaluate the success of your program is a necessary step to future success. Win or lose, understanding what worked and what did not is important, and it can be the beginning of real future improvements.  We get it, after a loss or even a hard-fought win the last thing you want to do is evaluate. You want…

Runoff Elections: Tips for the Win! 

Runoff election season is here. After a hard-fought election, your campaign made it into the runoff election. Depending on election law, these runoff elections could be held weeks or months after the original election. The type of voter who turns out for a runoff is different from other types of voters. They turnout more often and are more partisan.  So how do you effectively communicate your message and make sure you win in the runoff election? Regardless of if you were the top vote getter or came in second…