Successful Advocacy - Joe Simitian's 13 Tips

Former California State Senator Joe Simitian shares his 13 tips for successful advocacy. The world is a busy place, so knowing what you want to communicate and how to best get your ideas or messages implemented are crucial for success. These tips can be used not only in politics, but in everyday interactions at work and with family.

Former Senator Simitian is a longtime California leader, policy maker and champion of community-powered democracy. He's served in the CA State Senate and the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors among many other endeavors. He's known for his deep listening, pragmatic policy making, and a steady commitment to education, sustainability, and civic engagement. He leads with integrity and teaches people how to turn their values into action.

Indivisible Mid-Peninsula is a grassroots, action-oriented organization that provides community engagement opportunities for those wanting to strengthen democracy and social justice and fight against injustice and cruelty.

Nancy Nagel has worked and/or volunteered for The Harris for President campaign's Voter Protection Program in Georgia, Faith in Action Bay Area, Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, The City of Palo Alto, and others. She is proud to co-lead Indivisible Mid-Peninsula.

Joe Simitian‘s 13 tips for successful advocacy:

1.  Develop a relationship before you arrive

2.  Understand what motivates your audience.

3.  Understand what is possible and what is not.

4.  Find a floor manager.

5.  Joe Jackson principal. Tell them what you want.

6.  Bring them solutions not problems.

7.  Describe the elements of a solution rather than insist on your solution.

8.  Do not chastise, insult or threaten the Member of his or her staff.

9.  Understand that sometimes less is more.

10. Layer your campaign.

11. Persistence pays off.

12. Make it easy to say yes.

13. The value of a thank you.