Happy New Year! Now Get To Planning!

The political process is slow but steady. Let me repeat: Slow. But steady. You should have no illusions that you are going to get what you're asking for within six months (unless you want some Senate or House Gallery Seat tickets. Those will probably come in a few weeks.) If you want something from an agency or elected official PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE think ahead. At least a year, and probably two. Let me repeat: You need to plan ahead at least one year. And possibly two.

The fact that the political process is slow but steady behooves you to have a specific, attainable and compelling political action plan in place. The lack of a long-term plan probably means you'll only have reactionary interactions with government. If you're only having reactionary meetings with elected officials, you will not be thought of as a 'go to' organization with expertise and success. Rather, you will be thought of as an organization that is always struggling with problems.

How much do you like to meet with someone who always has a problem? Not much, right?

Plan ahead!