Lessons in Advocacy from Across the Sea

I just returned from a fantastic trip to Japan, and while I’m not a huge fan of my current jet lagged state, it was definitely worth it.  This was my first visit (hopefully not the last) to the Land of the Rising Sun – a very appropriate name by the way – and during my time there I noticed some very interesting cultural differences. The one that stood out to me the most was the tendency to do what is best for the group rather than for the individual (and it goes without saying that I’m generalizing a bit). It was a collection of small observations I made throughout my stay that led me to this conclusion. For example, if a group of three friends are riding on the subway but only two seats are available, all three will remain standing – even if there is no one else vying for those seats. If you go out to dinner with someone and there is sake at the table, you are not supposed to refill your own glass – instead you pour drinks for one another.  It can take you an hour to find an outdoor garbage receptacle in Tokyo, but you won’t find one piece of litter on the ground.

I was very impressed by this community-centric mentality, and it got me thinking about how these principles can and should be applied in the world of advocacy. While you do have power as an individual advocate, it’s those grassroots campaigns that consider the needs of the entire community they represent with their issue that are truly successful. As an organization or association representing a particular issue area, you should look for other groups with like-minded interests and work together to propel each other forward. As an individual advocate, if you are planning to meet with a Member of Congress it may be tempting to arrange a one-on-one meeting so you can spend as much time as possible telling your personal story to your Congressman. But think about how much more effective the meeting might be if you have two or three constituents with the same message but different stories and perspectives.

At the very least you can stand if there aren’t enough seats for everyone in the meeting. 

HUD Seeks Comments on Critical Survey of Nation’s Housing Stock

Do you have thoughts on how housing data is collected? If so, HUD wants to hear from you.

Sponsored by HUD and conducted by the Census Bureau, the American Housing Survey is the largest, most comprehensive housing survey in the country. It focuses specifically on individual housing units over long periods of time, gathering information on occupancy, vacancy, costs, and conditions on the same units every two years. The American Housing Survey is comprised of both a National survey, which is conducted every other odd-numbered year, and a Metropolitan survey, which is conducted in selected areas on a rotating basis. The data collected sheds light on the supply and demand in the housing marketplace and the condition of the nation’s housing stock. It also helps HUD develop policies and design programs for different types of needs, such as the elderly and first-time homebuyers.

HUD is seeking comments on the necessity of the survey and the accuracy of its data, along with suggestions on quality improvements and ways to make the process more efficient. and Comments are due on October 19. More information is available here http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-08-20/pdf/2012-20420.pdf. 

The Shocking Truth Behind Romney's Tax Returns

Well, it’s finally happened -- presidential candidate Mitt Romney released two years worth of tax returns.  Perhaps the most surprising thing about them is that they’re not surprising.  The returns simply reveal that rich people know how to manage their money.  And although I respectfully disagree with many (well most) of Mr. Romney’s policy views, I’m not sure that “he found ways to benefit from the existing system” is a good reason to vote against the man -- or at least not as good as “being out of touch with lower income citizens.”

Sure, the fact that Mr. Romney’s effective income tax rate is considerably less than many taxpayers will, no doubt, add fuel to the fire over whether our tax code favors wealthier Americans.  The debate will continue to rage in the coming months as Congress considers extending the Bush tax cuts. In looking at these tax breaks, policy makers must wrestle with striking the right balance between those who work for their money and those whose money works for them.  Is the code too progressive?  Not progressive enough?  Does it encourage investment? Or hoarding? 

I can’t answer these questions because I’m biased.  Frankly, my money is very lazy. It might as well be sitting on the couch eating Cheetos and watching reality television for all the work it does out there in the world. To some degree, though, that’s a problem I can’t blame on the tax code. Maybe I need to employ a little tough love, kick that money out the door and make it get a job.

At the same time, I do know that my tax dollars are working hard (and I can see what they’re doing through the charts at http://nationalpriorities.org/).  These dollars may not always be working on the jobs I’d like, but I’m certainly proud of some of the investments I’ve made.  Sometimes I forget that the end goal of complying with the tax code shouldn’t be to hoard as much of my money as I can. Sometimes the goal should be to make investments in our nation and its citizens. That’s not necessarily a bad use of my dollars. It’s certainly better than sitting on the couch and eating Cheetos.

Status of the WIA Reauthorization

The Workforce Investment Act, WIA, was passed in 1998 to replace the Job Training Partnership Act. The bill aimed to revamp the US workforce system using Workforce Investment Boards, WIBs, that are made up of parties with vested interests in employment, i.e. private sector employers, local community officials, etc. The bill plays an important part in funding the One-Stop Centers and programs like The Jobs Corps.

Currently, the House is working on its version on of the WIA reauthorization, H.R. 4297. The bill consolidates 19 programs into one account that will function similar to a block grant for states. The bill was voted out of committee and is awaiting floor time. House Education and Workforce committee Chairman John Kline (R-MN) discussed possible scenarios for the House WIA reauthorization in an interview on C-SPAN in June.


On the Senate side, the WIA reauthorization  continues to be stalled. The Senate HELP committee released a draft version in June 2011 and a markup session was scheduled for the same month. Unfortunately, the markup was cancelled and there hasn't been any progress to reschedule the hearing during the next legislative session.

Although workforce training is an important issue, the WIA reauthorization may have to wait until the next Congress takes up the issue.

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The August Recess- Why It Exists and How to Advocate During the "Vacation"

It's August, the time when Congress is out of session for a month and everyone in the country asks, "Why the @#*^! are they taking a break?!" I understand the frustration, especially since issues like sequestration, tax reform, the several other issues remain unfinished.

Historically, back in the years of horse and buggy, the buildings our legislators worked in had no air conditioning. In August, the humidity in D.C. is OUTRAGEOUS. As a result, the House and Senate would adjourn for the month of August to run home just as the awful humidity began. During the 1960s, the August recess became law because many legislators wished to spend some time with their families. As you can probably imagine (or remember for some of you), the 1960s was a busy time for Congress. For members today, the recess is not a big vacation in the Bahamas or Cancun. The overwhelming majority of our legislators use the recess as an opportunity to return to their districts and reconnect with their constituents. Especially during an election year.

Regardless of how you feel about the recess, this can be a great opportunity for you to advocate for your issue. I would highly advise against having a lobby day, congressional briefing, or a meeting with congressional staffers in DC during August. Now is the time for your organization to turn its focus to creating a better relationship with the legislator IN THE DISTRICT. Connecting with your legislator in his or her home district will have a significant impact on the relationship as it solidifies your organization’s status as a vocal constituent group. Attending town hall meetings, arranging to have the legislator visit your workplace, or a simple meeting with the legislator will be enormously powerful in building a relationship with your Congressperson or Senator. The relationship you build today will be crucial tomorrow when you make your ask during the very busy session that is anticipated to occur once Congress returns.

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The Advocacy Guru Discusses Special Interests

Stephanie Vance, aka The Advocacy Guru, sat down for an interview with professional keynote speaker and entertainer Craig Price. As a former Capitol Hill staffer and lobbyist, Stephanie shares her insights into how Washington D.C. works. She debunks myths about lobbying and describes what a "special interest" really is. The podcast will also provide you with tips to influence the decisions made in a Congressional office.

Listen to the blog cast here.

If you wish to learn more about influencing a Congress, visit Stephanie's blog based on her new book, The Influence Game. Follow Stephanie on Twitter.

Do You Know Who Will Win the Presidential Election in 2012?

On July 26^th I had the opportunity to talk to middle and high school government teachers from around the country at the Dirksen Center’s “Congress in the Classroom” event.  The conference was in glamorous Peoria, Illinois which gave me an opportunity to use the phrase “if it plays in Peoria…” in a sentence.  For the uninitiated, that phrase was used in the vaudeville era (and probably others) to suggest that if a show did well in the ultimate Midwestern town of Peoria, it would do well anywhere.  I’m pleased to say that I had a great time talking to the teachers in Peoria, so I’m hoping effective advocacy will play everywhere.

Frank Mackaman, the Director of the Dirksen Center, ran one of the most intriguing sessions of the program entitled “I Know Who Will Win the Presidential Election in 2012” – and he did!  Frank presented an adaptation of Allan J. Litchman’s “The Keys to the White House” article, which appeared in Social Education in 2008.  In that article, Litchman outlines 13 propositions that have accurately predicted every presidential election BUT ONE since, well I didn’t write down the exact date, but it was the late-1800’s.  To clarify, Litchman hasn’t LIVED since the late 1800’s.  He tested his theory by retroactively applying these questions to previous elections – and they held up!  The only one that the test failed on?  Gore/Bush in 2000, and some argue that it accurately predicted the popular vote, just not as reflected through the electoral college.

Presented as “true/false” questions, the propositions include pretty straightforward statements like “there is no serious contest for the incumbent party nomination” and “the economy is not in recession during the election campaign.”  There are also more subjective statements like “there is no sustained social unrest during the term” and “the incumbent administration is untainted by major scandal” (both determined by Litchman as “false” as they apply to the Obama Administration).  So long as eight or more of these propositions are true, the incumbent party wins.  Yes, some of them are very subjective so you can take all this with a grain of salt, but I know you’re dying to know -- the test results (after consultation with Litchman on the subjective questions) predict that Obama will win.  They don’t say how MUCH he might win by, so stay tuned – as if you could avoid it.