We know two truths.
One, uncertainty is the only certainty today.
Two, more change is coming.
We have seen it recently as the technology that has fundamentally changed the world, how we do business, and how we communicate became even more “needed” and prevalent in our lives amid the global pandemic.
Zoom, Skype, and FaceTime have taken the place of board rooms and fly-ins. Some of these changes were inevitable, and some were accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Advocacy is one space that has been particularly impacted by technological change, especially in the era of COVID-19.
Successful advocacy will always depend on gathering and engaging a community of like minds and persuading them to engage on your issue. We know that movement-building and legislating do not pause for pandemics, and in fact, boost the need for a technologically-driven approach to advocacy.
“Uncertainty is the only certainty today.”
Preparation is key for the road ahead. We should all prepare long-term advocacy strategies that account for social distancing, different states of reopening across the country, and society’s new norms.
The changes that occur in this time are likely to last long after the pandemic is gone.
“More change is coming.”
Advocacy efforts previously relied on in-person tactics and movement-building and often considered digital and in-home efforts as interesting add-ons, but not essential.
These older styles of advocacy, like lobbying, organizing, or litigating, require advocates to physically gather and are no longer feasible, safe, or effective, frankly.
Non-profits are not hosting gala events to raise money, trade associations are not sponsoring member fly-ins to visit DC policymakers, and elected officials are not hosting in-person town halls.
Still, the work needs to get done.
“Uncertainty is the only certainty today.”
The tactics have to shift to fit the moment – and the future.
None of us can predict the future, but we can be confident that our new normal will not be a return to the status quo of five months ago.
This pandemic will have long-term impacts on business, social interactions, and, of course, advocacy.
“More change is coming.”
With people primarily staying at home and limiting their outside interactions, organizations must pivot to create communities of people wherever they are and enable a coalition that can drive action without needing a physical presence.
Your community advocates will always be your key to success.
It is more important than ever to protect and strengthen those relationships; allowing them to fade and end would be a mistake.
Our Community Architect model is grounded in quality data, allowing you to keep and build on your progress. We identify the specific members of your existing or potential community wherever they are – at work, at home, or staying with family in another town.
There is no uncertainty in our approach, even during a pandemic.
Truth #3. As your community grows, changes, and adapts, so too will Community Architect.
“More change is coming.”
Reach out to the Community Architect team today to get started.
Marcie Kinzel is Sr. National Communications Strategist and head of the Washington, DC, office. Marcie provides communications counsel and strategies to clients by combining her 20 years of professional expertise with Majority Strategies’ innovative solutions in data, digital, and print advertising.