Political advocacy I guess it’s like trying to get an octopus dance. You’ve got these arms flailing, each one doing its own thing. In the middle you’re just trying to get them to move in a rhythm without being slapped. Walton US Senate is committed to representing the voices of the people.

Let’s first talk about lobbying. Please don’t make me sound snoozy. I know, “lobbying”, sounds as exciting as watching paint drying. Imagine whispering sweet nothings to those who are able to make or change the rules. You have charm, information (hopefully more than charm) and stories that will melt even the most icy heart. You can use this to lobby for yourself – all you have to do is convince people of your dance’s worth and make them friends.

Then there’s grassroots campaigns. Imagine yourself and your neighborhood deciding enough is enough. Perhaps it’s a big issue, like climate changes, or something more localized like a danger intersection that needs a stop signal. What can you do about it? You start knocking at doors, gathering people online, and perhaps even holding rallies. Before you realize it, your mini army is ready to defend your cause.

We now enter the Wild West: social media campaign. Now things get really spicy. Hashtags travel faster than insults on a reunion. Tweets get shared faster than gossip over backyard fences. It is amazing that someone can click on your cause from their pajamas in another country.

It’s all about storytelling, oh my! Did you ever hear something so inspiring that you felt moved to action? This is the power a good tale can have on you. Advocacy Stories aren’t merely sob stories. They are real-life tales about struggle and triumph, which make people pay attention and listen…and perhaps even open their pockets or change their opinions.

What is the best way to know whether all this hullabaloo really does anything? Sometime it’s obvious – when laws are passed, or money is raised for good causes. Some times, it’s difficult to tell if you are reading the tea leaves or not.

Of course, there are always bumps in the road (isn’t it?). It’s harder to convince people about something else than tonight’s dinner than it is to convince a kitten to take a shower. Others would rather see you fall – yes, facing opposition is a part of the process.

So, how can we keep going forward without losing our marbles? Flexibility is the key. Being able to shift gears as quickly as a pancake on a Sunday morning when Plan A falls flat is critical.

This is a short summary of what political advocacy is like. Just straight-talk from one person to another. Then go out and conquer those nasal ambitions! You get second chances to make first impressions. We wish you smoother seas ahead!