CiviClick and the 60 Plus Association: Revolutionizing Digital Advocacy for Senior Citizens

Executive Summary

This case study examines how CiviClick, a leading digital advocacy software provider, empowered the American Association of Senior Citizens (the 60 Plus Association) to enhance their advocacy efforts and engage more effectively with lawmakers. By leveraging CiviClick’s innovative AI-assisted technology and comprehensive suite of tools, the 60 Plus Association was able to amplify its members’ voices, track engagement, and measure the impact of its campaigns with unprecedented precision.

About CiviClick

CiviClick is a Washington, DC-based digital advocacy and public affairs technology company founded by Chazz Clevinger. The company’s mission is to bring revolutionary data and technology solutions to public affairs professionals. CiviClick has gained recognition in the industry, winning multiple Reed Awards from Campaigns and Elections for its innovative advocacy platforms and campaigns.

Core Philosophy

CiviClick operates on the principle of equality and free speech, standing against the trend of “de-platforming” customers with unpopular opinions. While embracing diverse viewpoints, the company maintains a firm stance against discrimination in any form.

Client Profile: American Association of Senior Citizens (The 60 Plus Association)

The American Association of Senior Citizens is an organization dedicated to representing and advocating for the interests of senior citizens across the United States. As an association, the 60 Plus Association faces unique challenges in managing its membership, accurately representing their interests, and selecting the most effective technology stack for advocacy, membership management, and marketing.

The Challenge

Graphic representing Civiclicks process: Gather, Communicate, Track and Measure

The 60 Plus Association needed a robust solution to:

  1. Effectively gather and understand member opinions on various issues
  2. Communicate these opinions to lawmakers at local, state, and federal levels
  3. Track ongoing member engagement in legislative and regulatory campaigns
  4. Measure the impact of their advocacy efforts

The Solution: CiviClick’s Advocacy Platform

Civiclicks Solution for AASC

CiviClick provided the 60 Plus Association with a comprehensive suite of digital advocacy tools designed to address their specific needs:

  1. Survey and Storytelling Tools: These tools allowed the 60 Plus Associationto create impactful dialogue with its members, gaining deeper insights into their opinions and experiences.
  2. AI-Assisted Constituent Messaging: CiviClick’s innovative AI technology helped the 60 Plus Association craft more effective messages, enabling them to cut through the noise and reach lawmakers more impactfully.
  3. Engagement Tracking: The platform provided robust tools for monitoring member engagement across various legislative and regulatory campaigns.
  4. Custom Reporting and Analytics: CiviClick’s solution offered detailed analytics and custom reporting features, allowing the 60 Plus Association to assess the impact of their advocacy campaigns with precision.

Implementation and Results

By integrating CiviClick’s technology into their advocacy strategy, the 60 Plus Association experienced significant improvements in their ability to engage members and influence policy:

  1. Enhanced Member Engagement: The survey and storytelling tools allowed the 60 Plus Association to gather more meaningful input from their members, creating a stronger sense of community and participation.
  2. More Impactful Lawmaker Communication: The AI-assisted messaging feature enabled the 60 Plus Association to craft more persuasive and tailored communications, increasing their effectiveness in reaching lawmakers.
  3. Improved Campaign Management: With better tracking and analytics, the 60 Plus Association could more effectively manage their campaigns, adjusting strategies in real-time based on member engagement and campaign performance.
  4. Data-Driven Decision Making: The custom reporting and analytics provided by CiviClick allowed the 60 Plus Association to make more informed decisions about resource allocation and campaign focus.

Client Testimonial

Saul Anuzis, President of the American Association of Senior Citizens, expressed his satisfaction with CiviClick’s platform:

“CiviClick enables us to reach lawmakers in ways other advocacy tools have never allowed. It is truly unique in its ability to leverage AI technology to create more meaningful engagement. CiviClick’s suite of technology tools is unrivaled and has helped turbocharge our advocacy campaigns.”

Conclusion

The partnership between CiviClick and the American Association of Senior Citizens demonstrates the power of innovative technology in transforming advocacy efforts. By providing the 60 Plus Association with tools to better understand their members, communicate more effectively with lawmakers, and measure their impact, CiviClick has helped the association amplify the voices of senior citizens in the political process.

This case study illustrates how CiviClick’s commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology, combined with a strong philosophy of free speech and equality, can empower associations to overcome their unique challenges and achieve their advocacy goals more effectively.

Advocate Acquisition: 5 Tips for Gaining New Supporters

Building a strong base of engaged advocates is crucial for any successful advocacy campaign. But with increasing digital noise and rising acquisition costs, organizations need smart strategies to attract and retain supporters. Here are five proven tips to help you expand your advocate base effectively.

1. Know Your Ideal Advocate

Before launching any acquisition efforts, clearly define who you’re trying to reach:

What to Consider:

  • Demographic characteristics
  • Geographic locations
  • Interest areas and causes
  • Past advocacy involvement
  • Communication preferences

Understanding these factors helps you craft targeted messages that resonate with potential supporters. For example, if you’re advocating for healthcare policy, medical professionals in key congressional districts might be your ideal advocates.

Pro Tip:

Create detailed advocate personas to guide your outreach efforts. This helps ensure your messaging and channel selection align with your target audience’s preferences and behaviors.

2. Leverage Multi-Channel Outreach

Don’t limit yourself to a single communication channel. Different audiences prefer different platforms:

Effective Channels:

  • Social media campaigns
  • Email marketing
  • SMS outreach
  • Paid digital advertising
  • Partner networks
  • Community events

The key is to maintain consistent messaging while adapting your approach for each channel. This increases your chances of reaching potential advocates where they’re most active.

3. Optimize Your Action Pages

Your advocacy action pages are often the first point of interaction with potential supporters. Make them count:

Best Practices:

  • Clear, compelling calls to action
  • Mobile-friendly design
  • Quick-loading pages
  • Simple form fields
  • Social proof elements
  • Easy sharing options

Remember: Every additional form field reduces conversion rates. Ask only for essential information during the initial signup.

4. Harness the Power of Existing Networks

Your current advocates can be your best recruiters:

Engagement Strategies:

  • Create shareable content
  • Implement refer-a-friend programs
  • Enable social sharing
  • Develop ambassador programs
  • Organize virtual events
  • Facilitate peer-to-peer outreach

When advocates share your cause with their networks, it comes with built-in credibility and trust.

5. Focus on Value Exchange

People are more likely to become advocates when they see clear value in participating:

Offer Value Through:

  • Exclusive insights and updates
  • Educational resources
  • Networking opportunities
  • Recognition programs
  • Impact reports
  • Community involvement

Show potential advocates how their participation makes a difference and keeps them informed about issues they care about.

Accelerating Advocate Acquisition

While these tips provide a foundation for advocate acquisition, organizations often face challenges in scaling their efforts effectively. This is where technology can make a significant difference.

Advanced Solutions:

  • Performance-based marketing campaigns
  • AI-powered audience targeting
  • Strategic message testing
  • Automated engagement sequences
  • Analytics-driven optimization

For example, CiviClick’s database of 58 million activists enables organizations to:

  • Reach pre-qualified supporters
  • Guarantee acquisition results
  • Target specific geographic areas
  • Scale campaigns efficiently
  • Measure ROI effectively

Taking the Next Step

Successful advocate acquisition requires a combination of strategic planning, effective tools, and continuous optimization. As you implement these tips, consider how technology can amplify your efforts and help you achieve your advocacy goals more efficiently.

Looking to accelerate your advocate acquisition efforts? Contact us to learn how CiviClick can help you build a stronger advocate base through guaranteed performance marketing and sophisticated targeting capabilities.

Advocacy Software: The CiviClick Advantage

With market consolidation reshaping the advocacy software landscape and constituent relationship management platforms becoming increasingly sophisticated at screening out form messages, organizations face a critical challenge: how to ensure their advocacy efforts actually create impact?

Why CiviClick Leads the Industry

While other platforms like FiscalNote and Quorum focus on policy intelligence and legislative tracking with advocacy as an afterthought, CiviClick addresses the core challenge of advocacy impact through personalized constituent engagement and strategic campaign execution. Our focus on data-driven approaches has established us as the innovation leader in advocacy technology.

First to Market with AI Solutions

As the first advocacy platform to integrate AI solutions, CiviClick continues to pioneer new approaches to constituent engagement. Our upcoming CiviClick 2.0 release in January 2025 introduces groundbreaking features not found in any other platform:

  • Real-time AI message assistance
  • Dynamic reporting and metrics
  • Advanced cadence control for message delivery
  • Sophisticated audience segmentation
  • Video and photo messaging channels

Unmatched Performance Marketing

CiviClick’s 58 million person first-party database of activists sets us apart from every competitor in the market. This powerful resource enables:

  • Guaranteed engagement levels for campaigns
  • Targeted outreach to interested constituents
  • Performance-based marketing with measurable results
  • Predictable return on investment

Industry-Leading Support

While competitors like Speak4 offer capable support, CiviClick sets the standard with:

  • Average response times under 15 minutes
  • Direct phone lines to client success managers
  • Veteran support staff with deep advocacy expertise
  • Support options ranging from free technical assistance to full-time campaign management

Beyond Basic Advocacy Tools

CiviClick’s comprehensive approach addresses the full spectrum of advocacy needs:

Message Effectiveness

Traditional form letters don’t work anymore. CiviClick’s advanced personalization ensures your messages stand out:

  • AI-driven message variation
  • Custom questions for gathering unique constituent information
  • Strategic message timing
  • Audience segmentation for tailored messaging

Campaign Strategy

Our platform goes beyond simple tools to provide:

  • Comprehensive campaign planning
  • Integration of multiple stakeholder perspectives
  • Focus on meaningful engagement metrics
  • Strategic guidance for optimal outcomes

Performance Metrics

With CiviClick, you can measure and demonstrate real impact:

  • Customizable dashboards
  • Real-time monitoring
  • ROI measurement
  • Predictive analytics

The Right Choice for Every Organization

For Public Affairs Firms and Agencies

  • Rapid response capabilities for crisis campaigns
  • Robust marketing and advertising options
  • Performance guarantees for high-volume campaigns
  • Comprehensive analytics and reporting

For Corporations and Associations

  • Sophisticated stakeholder management
  • Advanced campaign customization
  • Coalition building tools
  • Enterprise-level security and compliance

For Advocacy Organizations

  • Intuitive campaign creation
  • Guaranteed supporter acquisition
  • Strategic campaign guidance
  • Measurable results

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the 119th Congress, the advocacy landscape continues to evolve. Organizations need a platform that not only meets current needs but anticipates future challenges. CiviClick’s commitment to innovation ensures our clients stay ahead of these changes.

The upcoming release of CiviClick 2.0 further extends our technological leadership with features that redefine what’s possible in advocacy software. While competitors focus on basic functionality or try to be all-in-one solutions, CiviClick maintains our focus on what matters most: helping organizations create meaningful change through effective advocacy.

Ready to Experience the CiviClick Advantage?

Whether you’re launching your first advocacy campaign or looking to improve your existing efforts, CiviClick provides the tools, support, and expertise you need to succeed. Our combination of innovative technology, strategic guidance, and proven results makes us the clear choice for organizations serious about advocacy impact.

Contact us to schedule a demonstration and learn how CiviClick can transform your advocacy efforts.

Want to learn more about choosing the right advocacy software? Download our comprehensive 2025 Advocacy Software Guide for detailed comparisons and insights.

Advocacy Software for 2025: Which Platform Is Right For Your Organization?

In today’s fast-paced political landscape, having the right advocacy software isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for making your voice heard. But with multiple platforms available, how do you choose the one that will truly drive results for your organization?

We’ve done the heavy lifting for you. After extensively analyzing the top advocacy software platforms, we’ve uncovered what sets each apart and, more importantly, what makes certain solutions stand out from the pack.

The Current State of Advocacy Software

Let’s face it: traditional form emails and basic petition tools just don’t cut it anymore. Modern advocacy demands sophisticated solutions that can:

  • Personalize messages for maximum impact
  • Mobilize supporters effectively
  • Track and measure real results
  • Adapt to evolving communication channels

Breaking Down the Top Players

The All-In-One Solutions

FiscalNote and Quorum target large organizations needing comprehensive policy tracking. They’re robust but complex, with steep learning curves and premium price tags. While they excel at legislative tracking, advocacy features often feel like an afterthought.

The Nonprofit Specialist

Bonterra caters specifically to nonprofits, combining advocacy with fundraising tools. It’s user-friendly but can get expensive as your contact list grows, and its advocacy features are relatively basic.

The Basic Players

Muster and The Soft Edge offer simpler, more affordable solutions. They’re easier to use but lack advanced features and customization options that many organizations need for effective advocacy campaigns.

The Innovation Leader: CiviClick

What makes CiviClick stand out? It’s the only platform that truly understands modern advocacy needs, offering:

1. Advanced Personalization

  • AI-driven message variation
  • Intelligent audience segmentation
  • Strategic message timing
  • Real-time AI message assistance

2. Proven Results

  • 58 million-person activist database
  • Guaranteed engagement levels
  • Performance-based marketing options
  • Measurable campaign impact

3. Comprehensive Support

  • Response times under 15 minutes
  • Veteran support staff
  • Flexible support options
  • Strategic campaign guidance

Why Personalization Matters

Here’s a reality check: lawmakers and their staff can spot mass form emails from miles away. CiviClick’s advanced personalization ensures your messages stand out and get read. Real constituents tell real stories, and that’s what moves the needle on policy.

The Future of Advocacy Technology

The advocacy landscape is evolving rapidly, and CiviClick is leading the charge with:

  • AI-powered message optimization
  • Mobile-first campaign tools
  • Advanced analytics and reporting
  • Innovative engagement features

Making Your Choice

While each platform has its place, your choice should align with your organization’s goals and capabilities. Consider:

  • Do you need basic tools or comprehensive capabilities?
  • How important is message personalization to your success?
  • What level of support does your team require?
  • Are you looking for guaranteed results?

The Bottom Line

If you’re serious about advocacy impact, you need a platform that combines cutting-edge technology with proven expertise. CiviClick’s focus on personalization, coupled with its comprehensive support and innovative features, makes it the clear choice for organizations that can’t afford to have their messages ignored.

Ready to see how CiviClick can transform your advocacy efforts? Contact us for a personalized demo and learn why leading organizations trust CiviClick to power their advocacy campaigns.

CiviClick and the Digital Restaurant Association: Driving Legislative Success Through Digital Advocacy

Executive Summary

This case study examines how CiviClick partnered with the Digital Restaurant Association (DRA) to execute a successful digital advocacy campaign that led to the passage of California Senate Bill 1490, landmark legislation protecting restaurant rights in food delivery partnerships. Through CiviClick’s comprehensive advocacy platform, the DRA mobilized over 30,000 restaurant owners and employees, demonstrating the power of modern digital advocacy tools in achieving legislative victories.

Highlights of the CiviClick and the Digital Restaurant Association Campaign

About CiviClick

CiviClick is an innovative digital advocacy and public affairs technology company based in Washington, DC. Founded by Chazz Clevinger, the company specializes in providing advanced technology solutions for associations facing unique challenges in membership management and advocacy campaigns. With a proven track record of success across multiple industries, CiviClick has established itself as a leader in the digital advocacy space.

Client Profile: Digital Restaurant Association

The Digital Restaurant Association represents the evolving interests of the restaurant industry in the digital age. As an association operating in a rapidly changing sector, the DRA faces unique challenges in advocating for its members’ interests, particularly as restaurants navigate technological transformation and regulatory challenges.

The Challenge

The restaurant industry faced significant challenges with food delivery platforms:

  • Lack of transparency in fee structures
  • Limited control over customer experience
  • Difficulty removing restaurants from platforms
  • Unclear order status tracking
  • Unfair penalties for declining services

The Solution: SB 1490 Campaign

CiviClick implemented a multi-channel advocacy campaign to support the passage of SB 1490:

Campaign Strategy

CiviClick developed a comprehensive digital strategy targeting California state legislators, focusing on the Assembly Privacy Committee as a crucial checkpoint for the legislation.

Multi-Channel Engagement

The platform enabled coordinated advocacy through:

  • Email campaigns to legislators
  • Video testimonials from restaurant owners
  • Social media engagement, particularly Twitter
  • Phone campaign coordination
  • Real-time campaign tracking and analytics

Image showing the campaign channels used: Email, Tweets, videos and phone calls.

Stakeholder Mobilization

CiviClick’s technology facilitated the engagement of over 30,000 restaurant industry stakeholders, coordinating their outreach efforts for maximum impact.

Campaign Results

The SB 1490 campaign achieved a decisive legislative victory with the California State Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection passing the bill unanimously (9-0) on June 18, 2024. This critical milestone advanced the legislation to the full Assembly for a final vote, demonstrating strong bipartisan support for restaurant protections in food delivery partnerships.

Through CiviClick’s digital advocacy platform, the campaign successfully mobilized over 30,000 restaurant owners and employees who engaged with legislators through multiple channels including emails, videos, tweets, and phone calls. This coordinated outreach effort played a crucial role in communicating the industry’s unified support for transparency and equity in online food delivery services.

Image showing the Campaign timeline

Legislative Impact

SB 1490 represents a landmark victory for restaurant rights in the digital delivery space, establishing crucial protections and transparency requirements for food delivery platforms. The legislation addresses three key areas that have long challenged restaurant owners in their relationships with delivery apps:

  1. Fee Transparency
  • Mandatory disclosure of platform fees
  • Itemized breakdown of marketing, processing, and delivery costs
  • Clear communication of fee changes
  1. Business Autonomy
  • Protection against service refusal penalties
  • 3-day maximum platform removal process
  • Control over customer experience
  1. Order Management
  • Mandatory status updates
  • Delivery tracking
  • Failed delivery notification requirements

Looking Forward

The DRA continues to advocate for restaurant interests in the digital space, with ongoing initiatives focused on:

  • Fee transparency promotion
  • Customer experience control
  • Enhanced information sharing
  • Protection of local restaurant interests

Conclusion

The successful passage of SB 1490 demonstrates the effectiveness of CiviClick’s digital advocacy platform in achieving concrete legislative results. By mobilizing tens of thousands of stakeholders and coordinating multi-channel advocacy efforts, the DRA-CiviClick partnership has set a new standard for association advocacy campaigns.

This case study highlights how CiviClick’s expertise in digital advocacy, combined with their understanding of association needs, can help organizations like the Digital Restaurant Association navigate complex challenges and achieve their advocacy goals more effectively.

Navigate the 2024 Election Cycle: Your Complete Guide

Introduction

The 2024 election cycle is rapidly approaching, and it’s important to be well-prepared for this crucial event in American democracy. Whether you’re a seasoned political enthusiast or a first-time voter, this complete guide will help you navigate the upcoming election cycle with ease. From understanding the key races to watch to learning about the timeline and milestones of the election, to delving into the major issues that will influence the outcome, this guide has you covered. We’ll also explore the role of money in elections and how it shapes campaigns, as well as the electoral strategies and innovations that are changing the way candidates reach out to voters.

Election day, typically held in November, is the culmination of months of campaigning, debates, and voter outreach. It’s a day when eligible citizens have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote and have a say in the future of the country. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the 2024 election cycle and be ready to make informed decisions when it’s time to cast your ballot.

Understanding the 2024 Election Cycle

The 2024 election cycle will feature a range of key races to watch, from the presidential race to local elections. The presidential candidates will dominate the headlines, but it’s important not to overlook other races that will shape the future of our government. Keep an eye on the House of Representatives and the United States Senate, as these races will determine the balance of power in Congress. Additionally, local elections play a crucial role in shaping policies at the community level. Stay informed about candidates running for office in your area to ensure your voice is heard at all levels of government.

Timeline and Milestones of the 2024 Election Cycle

The 2024 election cycle is marked by several important milestones and deadlines. Here’s a timeline of the key events leading up to the general election:

State Primary Elections (Early 2024)

  • Primary season kicks off with early state contests like Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada and South Carolina between February-June 2024. Candidates try to build momentum and rack up delegates for their party’s nomination.

National Conventions (Summer 2024)

  • Democratic and Republican parties will hold their nominating conventions, likely in July or August 2024. Presidential and vice presidential candidates will officially accept their party’s nomination.

General Election Campaigning (Summer – Fall 2024)

  • Presidential candidates will barnstorm key battleground states after the conventions. Debates between presidential and vice presidential candidates will take place, energizing both bases.

Election Day (November 5, 2024)

  • Voters will head to the polls across the country to elect the next president and vice president, as well as House and one-third of the Senate.

Electoral College Vote (December 2024)

  • Electors from each state will cast their electoral votes for president based on their state’s popular vote results.

Inauguration Day (January 20, 2025)

  • The president-elect and vice president-elect will be sworn into office and take over the White House.

Early voting allows eligible voters to cast their ballots before election day, providing greater flexibility and convenience. It typically begins in September, offering people the opportunity to vote at their own convenience. Finally, the general election day, held in November, is when the nation will come together to elect the next president of the United States. It’s important to mark these dates on your calendar and stay informed about any changes or updates that may occur.

Major Issues Influencing the 2024 Elections

The 2024 elections will be influenced by several major issues that are of great importance to the American people. Voters’ priorities and concerns span a wide range of domestic and international policies, as well as their perceptions of the candidates themselves. Electoral issues provide a lens into the key priorities and values voters want represented through their choice of candidates and elected officials. We explore some of those issues that are likely to play a significant role during this electoral cycle.

Economic Policies and Their Impact on Voters

The economic policies put forth by presidential candidates will have a direct impact on voters’ lives and financial well-being. As the nation continues grappling with high inflation and concerns over a potential recession, economic policies are expected to take center stage in the 2024 presidential race. Incumbent President Biden will likely tout job growth and highlight his administration’s efforts to curb rising costs through legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act. However, Republican challengers are poised to criticize Biden over persistent inflation, high gas prices, and federal spending they view as excessive. Debates over tax policy, federal deficits, and the role of government in the economy will feature prominently. Swing state voters, especially in former industrial hubs, will closely scrutinize each candidate’s plans for bolstering manufacturing, energy production, and middle-class economic security. With pocketbook issues a perennial priority, the dueling economic visions presented could sway critical voting blocs.

Climate Change and Environmental Policies

Climate change is poised to be a high-profile issue after recent extreme weather events and the Biden administration’s legislative efforts to spur clean energy transition. Democratic candidates will likely tout the Inflation Reduction Act’s historic investments in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and climate resilience. They’ll also press for further actions like tougher emissions regulations and potentially rejoining international climate agreements that the previous administration abandoned. Republican candidates, meanwhile, must navigate a divide between conservatives deeply skeptical of far-reaching climate policies and younger voters increasingly prioritizing environmental concerns. Expect fierce debates over the costs of transitioning away from fossil fuels versus the economic toll of unchecked climate impacts. In swing states already experiencing climate change effects like California’s wildfires or Florida’s sea-level rise, voters could make or break presidential contenders based on their climate vision.

Healthcare: The Debate Continues

Healthcare is shaping up as a pivotal issue after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, throwing abortion policies to the states. Democratic candidates will rally around codifying federal abortion protections and safeguarding access to reproductive care. They’ll also aim to shore up the Affordable Care Act, which survived repeated Republican repeal efforts but faces new court challenges. GOP candidates must navigate a base adamantly opposed to abortion rights with a majority of Americans supporting at least some legal access. Expect intense debates over potential nationwide abortion bans, limitations on reproductive healthcare, and the future of the ACA’s coverage mandates. In swing states that have already restricted or protected abortion access post-Dobbs, this issue could be a tipping point for key suburban and female voters. Both parties will also wrestle with looming Medicare insolvency and soaring healthcare costs.

Social Justice and the Ongoing War on Gaza

Social justice issues have gained significant attention in recent years, and they will continue to influence the 2024 elections. The ongoing war on Gaza and the broader issue of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be a key topic of discussion among candidates and voters. Social justice movements advocating for racial equality, criminal justice reform, and LGBTQ+ rights will also shape the political landscape. Candidates who address these issues and present comprehensive plans for social justice reform will resonate with voters who prioritize equality and fairness. The impact of social justice movements on the political discourse cannot be underestimated, and their influence in the 2024 elections will be significant.

The Role of Money in the 2024 Elections

Money plays a significant role in the 2024 elections, influencing campaigns and shaping the political landscape. Candidates rely on campaign funds to spread their message, reach voters, and compete in the race. Campaign spending, including the use of super PACs and the influence of lobbyists, will be closely watched. At the same time, grassroots fundraising and the power of small donors are increasingly important in shaping the electoral process. Understanding the role of money in elections is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the 2024 elections.

Analyzing Campaign Spending Trends

Campaign spending in the 2024 elections will be a significant factor to watch. Candidates will pour vast amounts of money into their campaigns, utilizing various strategies to reach voters and gain support. Understanding the trends in campaign spending, including the allocation of funds and the impact of fundraising efforts, will provide insights into the candidates’ strategies and the overall dynamics of the race. 

The Influence of Super PACs

Super PACs and lobbyists have a significant influence on the 2024 elections. Super PACs are independent expenditure committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts of money to support or oppose candidates. They play a major role in shaping campaign messaging and can have a significant impact on the outcome of elections. The crypto industry, big tech companies, and energy sector players are positioned to be among the heaviest lobbying forces – pressuring candidates on priorities from crypto regulations to antitrust rules to climate policies. 

But critics warn this unchecked influence allows the uber-wealthy and corporate interests to drown out the voices of ordinary voters. Expect renewed scrutiny over super PAC spending, undisclosed dark money flows, and lobbying disclosure laws as watchdog groups brace for the most expensive presidential campaign in U.S. history. Swing state voters disgusted by negative ads may punish candidates they see as too beholden to special interests.

 

Grassroots Fundraising vs. Big Donor Contributions

Grassroots fundraising and big donor contributions are two different approaches to campaign financing in the 2024 elections. Grassroots fundraising involves reaching out to a large number of small donors who contribute smaller amounts of money. This approach allows candidates to build a broad base of support and demonstrate their appeal to everyday voters. On the other hand, big donor contributions come from wealthy individuals or organizations that can make significant financial contributions to a campaign. These contributions can provide candidates with substantial resources but may raise concerns about the influence of money in politics. Understanding the dynamics of grassroots fundraising and big donor contributions can help voters assess the candidates’ reliance on different sources of funding and their commitment to representing the interests of the people.

Electoral Strategies and Innovations

The 2024 elections will see the use of various electoral strategies and innovations to reach and engage voters. Digital campaigning will play a central role, with candidates leveraging social media, online advertising, and data analytics to target specific voter demographics. Voter mobilization efforts will be critical in ensuring high voter turnout. Swing states, where the race is closely contested, will be a focus for candidates seeking to sway undecided voters. Understanding these electoral strategies and innovations will provide insights into how candidates are adapting to the changing political landscape and reaching out to voters in innovative ways.

Digital Campaigning and Social Media’s Role

Digital campaigning has become an integral part of modern politics, and social media platforms play a vital role in reaching and engaging with voters. Candidates use social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to communicate their ideas, mobilize supporters, and address key issues. Social media allows candidates to reach a large audience quickly and interact directly with voters. Digital campaigning also includes targeted advertising, email campaigns, and online fundraising. The use of digital tools and platforms has revolutionized the way campaigns are conducted and has the potential to reach a wider audience than traditional campaign methods.

Voter Mobilization Tactics

Voter mobilization is a key strategy used by political campaigns to encourage eligible voters to turn out and cast their ballots. This includes various tactics such as door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, and organizing community events. Campaigns often focus their mobilization efforts on swing states, where the outcome of the election is uncertain and every vote counts. By targeting these states, campaigns aim to sway undecided voters and energize their base. Voter mobilization is an important part of grassroots advocacy and crucial in ensuring that all eligible voters exercise their right to vote and have their voices heard in the democratic process. 

The Importance of Swing States

Swing states play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the general election. These states are often closely contested, with no clear advantage for either major political party. Candidates invest significant time, resources, and attention in swing states to win over undecided voters and secure their electoral votes. The outcome in these states can tip the balance of power in the Electoral College and ultimately decide who becomes the next President of the United States. 

Michigan’s sizable Arab-American community, concentrated in areas like Dearborn, could prove pivotal for Biden, who is perceived as being complicit with Israel’s actions targeting Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Trump currently holds polling leads in other toss-up states like Arizona, Georgia, and Wisconsin after his MAGA rallies galvanized the Republican base. But Biden hopes to offset those gaps by reassembling the “blue wall” through strong Hispanic turnout in Nevada and suburban gains around Atlanta and Philadelphia. Vice President Harris is also scheduling visits to North Carolina and Texas – once GOP strongholds now exhibiting competitive trends.

With the electoral map finely balanced, the campaigns’ abilities to maximize voter participation among various demographic and geographic factions in these battlegrounds could separate winning from losing the presidency. Parsing the nuances of these state-level dynamics will be essential as election night returns trickle in.

Challenges to Democracy

In every election cycle, there are challenges to the democratic process that need to be addressed. These challenges include voter suppression, gerrymandering, and concerns about election security. Election security focuses on protecting the integrity of the election process and ensuring that every vote is counted accurately. Addressing these challenges is crucial in upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring fair and transparent elections.

Addressing Voter Suppression and Gerrymandering

Allegations of voter suppression and gerrymandering loomed large after the divisive 2020 election, and both issues are expected to be major flashpoints again heading into the 2024 contest. Voter suppression and gerrymandering are two significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure a fair and inclusive election process. Voter suppression refers to tactics that make it difficult for certain groups of people to exercise their right to vote. It can include strict voter ID laws, voter purges, and limited access to polling locations, which disproportionately affect marginalized communities. To address voter suppression, advocates push for policies that protect voting rights, such as automatic voter registration and expanded early voting opportunities. Gerrymandering, on the other hand, involves the manipulation of district boundaries to give one political party an advantage. Reform efforts aim to create independent redistricting commissions to ensure fair districting processes. 

Election Security and Interference Concerns

Election security is a critical issue in every election cycle. Concerns about foreign interference, hacking, and the integrity of voting systems have raised important questions about the security of our elections. Efforts are being made to enhance election security through measures such as paper ballots, audits, and cybersecurity protocols. These measures aim to protect the integrity of the voting process and ensure that every vote is counted accurately. Addressing election security concerns is essential in upholding the democratic principles of free and fair elections and maintaining public trust in the electoral process.

The Impact of Third-Party and Independent Candidates

Third-party and independent candidates can have a significant impact on the outcome of the election. While major-party candidates dominate the political landscape, third-party and independent candidates offer alternative perspectives and policy positions. 

Notable Third-Party Figures in the Race

The 2024 election cycle has seen the emergence of notable third-party candidates who present alternative options to voters. These candidates, representing parties outside the Republican and Democratic parties, offer different policy positions and visions for the future. On the left, Jill Stein’s re-emerging Green Party campaign taps into progressive disillusionment over issues like foreign policy, climate change, and student debt relief. She could peel away just enough youth and liberal votes in swing states like Pennsylvania to undermine Biden’s coalition. Conversely, the anti-vaccine activism of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raises the prospect of a splinter candidacy that could damage the Republican nominee among suburban moderates repelled by his rhetoric. While third-party candidates face significant challenges in gaining widespread support and securing electoral votes, they play a crucial role in broadening the political discourse and holding major party candidates accountable.

Can Independents Swing the Election?

Independent candidates have the potential to swing the election in certain circumstances. In swing states, where the margin of victory is often narrow, independent candidates can attract undecided voters and potentially tip the balance in favor of one major party candidate. The impact of these candidates can be limited by ballot access requirements, which vary from state to state. Gaining access to the ballot can be a significant challenge for third-party and independent candidates, as they often face higher signature requirements and other barriers. For example, in key battlegrounds like Michigan and Arizona, third-party candidates need to gather over 30,000 valid voter signatures just to appear on the ballot. Other states have earlier filing deadlines or require excessive petitioning fees that can kneecap underdog campaigns. Still, even minor third-party showings in close swing states like they achieved in 2016 could prove consequential in 2024’s Electoral College math. 

Conclusion

As we delve into the intricate details of the upcoming 2024 Election Cycle, it becomes evident that every aspect, from key races and major issues to electoral strategies and challenges to democracy, plays a crucial role in shaping the political landscape. Understanding the nuances of campaign spending, the impact of third-party candidates, and the vitality of grassroots campaigning is paramount for an informed electorate. By staying informed, actively participating, and advocating for transparency, we can collectively navigate this election cycle with knowledge and awareness, ensuring that our democratic values are upheld. Let us embrace this journey with a sense of responsibility and engagement as we prepare for the future of our nation.

Public Affairs Marketing: Why First Party Audience Data is Superior to Co-Registration

Key Highlights

Using data that comes directly from your audience makes your marketing in public affairs more accurate and trustworthy. When you use this kind of information, you can really tailor your messages to fit the people you’re trying to reach, making sure they hear what’s most relevant to them. This approach not only follows privacy laws closely but also keeps user information safe, giving everyone peace of mind. Campaigns focused on public matters have seen great success by tapping into this resource, managing to polish their public image and connect with important players effectively. On the flip side, co-registration data doesn’t quite hit the mark when it comes down to pinpointing specific groups or maintaining control over the process; thus it falls short compared with first-party data for these types of campaigns. By getting a good grasp on how valuable direct-from-audience info is versus shared registration details, those working in public affairs can truly harness its potential for winning strategies.

Introduction

Public affairs marketing plays a key role in how organizations talk to their audience, aiming to shape what people think, handle media relationships well, and keep up a good public image. With the digital world we live in now, data is super important for this kind of marketing. It helps groups understand who they’re talking to better and make sure their messages hit home.

In our blog today, we’ll look at why first-party audience data is really important for public affairs marketing and beats using co-registration data hands down. We’ll get into what first-party data and co-registration data actually mean, how they’re gathered and used in campaigns, and point out why first-party data comes out on top. Finally, we will check out some real-life examples where first-party-data made all the difference in public affairs efforts.

For anyone working with or interested in public affairs communications, understanding how powerful it can be when you use information based on your own direct interactions with your target group is crucial. By focusing on this type of info—first party-audience data—organizations can step up their game when communicating with folks they want to reach helping them meet goals related specifically towards influencing opinions about issues that matter.

Understanding First Party Audience Data in Public Affairs Marketing

In the world of public affairs marketing, really getting to know who you’re talking to is key. When we talk about first-party audience data, we mean all the info gathered straight from folks when they visit a company’s website, check out their social media pages or sign up for emails. This kind of data is important because it belongs to the organization and gives them a sneak peek into what their audience likes, does, and wants.

With this goldmine of information in hand, those working on marketing can craft messages and campaigns that hit just right with people. They use what they learn from this data to figure out not only what to say but also how and where to say it—making sure everything lines up perfectly with what their target audience prefers.

By focusing on things like email preferences or which social media posts get more likes, teams can make sure they’re speaking directly in ways that grab attention and feel personal. It’s all about making connections based on real insights into who’s listening.

Defining First Party Data and Its Importance

First-party data is all about the info that comes straight from people who use a company’s online stuff. This includes things like what kind of people they are, what they do on the internet, how they interact with social media, and if they sign up for emails. Companies usually get this info through cookies on websites, filling out forms, and little bits of code called tracking pixels.

When it comes to marketing for public affairs, first-party data really matters. With it, organizations can figure out what their audience likes and cares about. This helps them make ads and campaigns that speak directly to the folks they want to reach. By getting a good handle on the small details of what their audience does online and what interests them most companies can craft messages in just the right way so more people listen, which helps meet goals related to talking with others effectively including both public relations efforts as well as dealing with news outlets.

How First Party Data is Collected and Utilized in Campaigns

Gathering data directly from your audience can be done in a few ways, such as through email marketing, sharing interesting content, and chatting on social media. For instance, companies might ask you to sign up with your email to get cool stuff or useful information. This way they learn what you’re into based on the emails you sign up for or the articles and webinars that catch your eye.

With this info in hand, businesses can then make sure their messages hit home more effectively. By understanding who their audience is – think age group, interests or previous interactions – they can customize what they say in emails or posts. This strategy helps them spread the word about something important by making sure it resonates with the right people at just the right moment. Not only does this boost how much people interact with them but also paints them in a good light.

Co-Registration Data Explained

When it comes to marketing for public affairs, using data you’ve collected yourself has a lot of benefits. However, it’s important to know the downsides of using co-registration data too. This kind of data is what you get when people sign up or subscribe through another company’s service – like news sites or social media platforms. They usually say yes to this by filling out forms.

With co-registration data, you can learn about a wider group of people but it doesn’t give you as much detail or control as your own data does. Since these details come from outside sources, there isn’t much power over how accurate or reliable they are. Also, this type of information might not exactly match who you’re trying to reach with your campaign in public affairs marketing which makes it less optimal in terms of hitting your goals.

What is Co-Registration Data?

Co-registration data is basically the info gathered when people sign up for something through another company’s service. This happens on different places like websites, social media, or online lists. The main point of collecting this kind of data is to help an organization reach more people. It can open doors to new potential customers or important players but might not always hit the mark with the exact group they’re trying to get in touch with. Since there isn’t much control over who these details come from, it could end up reaching out to folks who aren’t really interested, making it harder for campaigns, especially in public affairs -to do well.

With various platforms being used and stakeholders getting involved, targeting a specific audience becomes tricky without precise co-registration data management strategies tailored towards effective engagement within social media and broader public affairs contexts.

Comparing Co-Registration with First Party Data

When we look at co-registration data and compare it with first-party data, it’s clear they’re meant for different groups of people and have their own unique uses. With co-registration data, you get to reach out to more people. This means companies can reach a wider audience and maybe even find new customers or important supporters. But since this kind of data isn’t very specific, it’s harder to hit the exact group you want or achieve what you set out to do in your plans.

On the other hand, first-party data is like a goldmine for organizations because it gives them all these detailed clues about who they’re trying to talk to. This lets them tailor their messages just right and aim them directly at those folks. Since the company itself owns this info, the marketing department has everything under control—from how true-to-life the information is to how trustworthy it is. By putting first-party data into action, businesses can fine-tune how they chat with their target audience which not only makes conversations better but also helps nail public affairs efforts.

The Benefits of Using First Party Data Over Co-Registration

Using data that comes directly from your audience in public affairs marketing has some big advantages compared to using shared registration info. For starters, it helps organizations look good by sharing things that really hit the mark for the people they want to reach. By understanding what their target audience likes and is interested in straight from the audience itself, these groups can connect better with people who matter to them. This also builds trust and makes people see them as more credible.

On top of this, when using first party data, it’s easier to play by the rules with respect to privacy laws. Since the party is collecting this information themselves, they can make sure everything’s on the up-and-up legally and keep everyone’s private details safe. This not only keeps their image shiny but also shows everyone they’re all about being open and honest in how they talk with others.

Improved Accuracy and Reliability

When organizations use first-party data, they’re really tapping into a goldmine of benefits. Since this data comes straight from their audience, it’s not only more accurate but also super relevant. With this kind of control, companies can make sure that the info they use in public affairs marketing is spot on and up-to-date, perfectly matching what they aim to achieve.

In dealing with press releases and talking to the outside world, getting your facts right couldn’t be more important. By sticking with first-party data, organizations can share information that’s both correct and reliable with journalists and people out there. This level of accuracy does wonders for an organization’s reputation and helps get positive stories about them in the media – all which boosts their efforts in public affairs even further.

Enhanced Personalization and Targeting

Using first-party data, marketing experts in the public affairs field supports personalization and targeting. This is a big deal because it lets public affairs professionals get to know what their audience likes and wants. With this knowledge, they can make sure their messages hit home with the people they’re trying to reach.

When you talk directly to your target audience’s interests, you build a stronger bond with them. This means more people paying attention and doing what you hope they’ll do. Whether we’re talking about sending emails, posting on social media, or creating content that sticks, having access to first-party data gives marketers a huge advantage. They can send out just the right message at just the right time to exactly who needs to hear it most—making every effort in public affairs much more effective.

Greater Control and Compliance with Privacy Regulations

Following privacy rules is super important in public affairs marketing. When companies use data they’ve collected themselves, it’s easier for them to stick to these privacy laws. Since the data comes directly from their users, businesses can make sure they’re doing things by the book, keeping user information safe and steering clear of any fines or bad press.

By having full control over their own data, organizations are able to put strong privacy measures in place. This makes everything more open and builds trust with people who interact with them. Having this kind of control not only helps companies follow the rules better but also shows everyone that they really care about protecting personal information. This earns them respect and trust from stakeholders and sets a good example for others in the field.

Case Studies: Successful Public Affairs Campaigns Utilizing First Party Data

Case studies are really helpful because they show us how using first-party data can make a big difference in public affairs campaigns. By looking at real-life situations, we see how different groups have used this kind of information to meet their goals and connect with the people they want to reach.

For those working in public affairs, these examples are like gold. They highlight just what can happen when you use first-party data smartly in your work. Learning from what others have done successfully allows professionals to tweak and apply similar tactics for their own efforts, improving their chances of hitting their targets and fulfilling their objectives related to public policy and engaging with the target audience effectively.

Case Study 1: Local Government Election Campaign

In a story about a local government election, we see how important it is to use data that you collect yourself when trying to win people over in politics. Here’s what happened: A person running for office decided to really get what the folks living around them cared about. They did this by asking people directly through forms they could sign up on and by watching how these same folks interacted with them on social media.

With all this information straight from the source, our candidate knew exactly what worried or interested their neighbors. So, they made sure every message they sent out during their campaign spoke right to those points. This approach wasn’t just smart; it worked wonders! People felt heard and understood, which meant more support for the candidate.

By focusing on conversations happening online and paying attention to public opinion closely, the person running was able not only connect better but also build trust with everyone who might vote for them—showing once again that knowing your target audience can make all the difference between winning an election or not.

Case Study 2: Non-Profit Advocacy Success Story

A group focused on making changes for the better showed how using their own data can be a really strong way to get things done in public affairs. By getting information from online forms and people signing up for emails, they learned what matters most to the important folks they want to reach.

With this info straight from the source, they sent out messages that hit just right with different groups of stakeholders. This made more people feel connected and ready to support their goals, boosting their efforts big time. The win here shows collecting your own data is a smart move for any non-profit looking to make an impact and meet its goals in public affairs.

Strategies for Collecting and Leveraging First Party Data

In today’s world, where everything is online, collecting information is key to knowing and reaching the people you want to talk to. For those working in public affairs marketing, getting your hands on first-hand info can really make a difference. One way to do this is by using social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. By talking with folks there who might be interested in what you have to say or sell, companies can learn a lot about what these individuals like or think about various topics. Another smart move is sending out emails that ask readers to fill out forms or answer questions; this gives organizations direct insights from their audience. Then there’s content marketing – it’s another strong method for gathering data because when you offer up valuable articles or videos that people find useful they’re often willing to share some of their own details in exchange for access. This approach ensures businesses get good quality information which helps them create ads and messages that speak directly to the right groups of people.

Developing a Data Collection Framework

Creating a way to gather data is really important for companies, especially the smaller ones, so they can properly get and use their own data. The first thing to do is figure out why you’re collecting this data in the first place. This might be to better understand who your customers are, make more people aware of your brand, or get them more involved with what you offer. After setting these goals, it’s time to look at who needs to help with gathering this information. This group could include folks from the marketing team, those handling customer service, or even some outside experts brought in for advice. Making sure everyone knows how crucial gathering this info is comes next on the list.

With our goals and helpers lined up; we then need to pick out which tools and methods we’ll use for collecting all that data – think about things like CRM software (to manage customer info), online forms for quick surveys or feedback, or tracking how people interact with your website. Lastly but importantly: figuring out what we do once we have all that information – analyzing it regularly helps us see patterns or trends which means making smarter choices when planning our marketing moves around target audience and keeping various stakeholders informed ensures everyone’s working towards common objectives effectively.

Tools and Technologies for Data Analysis and Application

When we talk about making sense of and using first party data, there are a bunch of helpful tools and tech out there. For starters, customer relationship management (CRM) software is useful for keeping track of all the info on customers. With CRM, companies can get a good look at what their customers like or do, helping them tailor their marketing just right. Then you’ve got website analytics tools like Google Analytics that tell you everything about who’s coming to your site and what they’re doing there – this stuff is gold for tweaking your online space to work better. On top of these, paid advertising platforms such as Google Ads or Facebook Ads let businesses really zero in on their target audience with ads that hit the mark because they use first party data smartly. This way, by tapping into these resources, organizations can dig deep into their own data to find gems that sharpen up their marketing game.

Overcoming Challenges in First Party Data Collection

Gathering first party data comes with its perks, but it’s not without its hurdles. For starters, making sure the data is good quality is a big one. This means checking that all the information collected makes sense, stays relevant and keeps fresh over time. To do this right, things like double-checking email addresses or doing regular checks on your data can help a lot. On top of that, there’s also the need to actually use this data well. For an organization to get anywhere with the info they’ve gathered, they have to set up their systems and processes in such a way that analyzing and applying this data becomes second nature. This could mean putting money into tools for analyzing data better or teaching your marketing team how to dig through numbers effectively – even fostering an environment where decisions are made based on what the data tells you can make a huge difference.

Addressing Privacy Concerns and Legal Compliance

Addressing privacy concerns and ensuring legal compliance is crucial when it comes to collecting and utilizing first party data. Organizations must prioritize data privacy and establish clear policies and procedures to protect their users’ personal information. This involves obtaining proper consent for data collection, storing data securely, and adhering to relevant data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA). Furthermore, organizations should provide users with transparency regarding how their data is collected, used, and shared. This can be achieved through clear and concise privacy policies and opt-in/opt-out mechanisms.

Ensuring Data Quality and Usability

To make the most out of their own data, companies need to focus on keeping it clean and useful. For starters, they should check that the data is correct and complete, get rid of any repeats, and update anything that’s old or wrong. With regular checks on their data for mistakes or outdated info, problems can be spotted and fixed early on. When it comes to making this data easy to work with, investing in tools that can sift through lots of information quickly and give helpful advice is key. The marketing team needs training in how to analyze this information properly so they can use what they learn from the data to make smart choices. By putting a spotlight on both improving the quality of their data and making sure it’s user-friendly, companies are better equipped to run effective marketing campaigns using what they know about customers directly from them.

Conclusion

In the world of marketing for public affairs, it’s clear that using data you collect yourself is way better than getting it through shared sign-ups. This kind of data is more accurate, lets you target people in a more personal way, and follows privacy rules closely. It really proves its worth when you look at how well it works in things like local government elections and helping nonprofits get their message out there. By focusing on collecting good quality data and analyzing it with smart tools, the benefits of this approach become even bigger. If organizations can deal with issues around keeping data private and making sure it’s top-notch, they can make the most out of using their own audience information to push forward important projects in public affairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is First Party Data considered more reliable than Co-Registration?

When it comes to getting information about people who might be interested in what you’re offering, using first party data is usually a better bet than going for co-registration data. With first party data, you’re more likely to hit the mark because this info comes straight from your audience. On the other hand, co-registration data gathers bits and pieces from various places and might not always be spot-on or fresh. By sticking with first party data, companies can make sure their marketing strategies are built on solid and trustworthy facts. This way, they stand a better chance at keeping up a good public image.

How can organizations start collecting First Party Data effectively?

To get started on gathering first-party data the right way, companies should put together a plan for how to collect this information. This means they need to figure out what their aims are, who needs to be involved, which ways are best for collecting the data, and how they’re going to make sense of it all afterward. By bringing in the marketing team and different people who have a stake in this process from various parts of the company, you can make sure that everyone’s working together towards collecting data effectively.

What are the common challenges in using First Party Data, and how to overcome them?

When it comes to using first-party data, there are a few hurdles like making sure the data is good quality, following privacy laws, and keeping everyone’s trust. By putting in place checks for data accuracy, sticking closely to privacy rules that apply, and being clear about policies can help tackle these issues. Organizations can get past these challenges with frequent checks on the data and teaching people about staying within privacy guidelines.

Mastering the Ladder of Engagement Strategy

Key Highlights

  • The Ladder of Engagement is a powerful framework for public affairs professionals and grassroots organizers to find, cultivate, and grow support for their cause.
  • Understanding the levels of interest and participation among supporters is key to effective communication.
  • Supporters can enter the Ladder of Engagement at different stages, from following social media accounts to making donations.
  • Motivating supporters to move up the Ladder of Engagement is essential for grassroots advocacy.
  • Creating audience personas and setting organizational goals are effective strategies for increasing engagement.
  • Tools and technologies, such as automation platforms and analytics, can enhance engagement strategies.

Introduction

In today’s digital age, public affairs professionals face the challenge of engaging their audience in a virtual landscape. With limited attention spans and competition for online attention, it has become crucial to find innovative ways not just to keep supporters engaged, but also to cultivate and grow their engagement to successfully achieve advocacy goals . One of the most effective tools for achieving this is the Ladder of Engagement Framework.

This blog will explore the Ladder of Engagement Framework and how public affairs professionals can use it to effectively engage their audience. We will also dive into the steps of the Ladder of Engagement and strategies for moving supporters up the ladder. Finally, we will explore the tools and technologies that can enhance engagement strategies. 

Understanding the Ladder of Engagement

The Ladder of Engagement is a term used to describe the levels of interest and participation among a group of people. It consists of multiple rungs, with each rung representing a different level of engagement. At the lowest rung of the ladder, supporters may have little knowledge about the organization. As they move up the ladder, their level of participation and engagement increases. The Ladder of Engagement helps organizations visualize their relationships with supporters, and to further cultivate and grow these relationships.

The Ladder of Engagement is a critical tool for public affairs professionals. It allows them to understand the different levels of interest and participation among their supporters. By visualizing this relationship, organizations can effectively communicate with their audience and tailor their engagement strategies accordingly. 

How the Ladder of Engagement Works

The Ladder of Engagement works by providing a framework for supporters to move from one level of engagement to the next. Supporters can enter the Ladder of Engagement at different stages, depending on their initial level of interest and participation. Each rung represents a specific action or level of engagement, and the goal is to motivate supporters to move up the ladder.

For example, supporters may initially follow the organization on social media or visit its website, which represents the lowest rung. Through digital communications and word of mouth, supporters may become advocates for the organization, sharing valuable information with their social network. As they continue to engage with the organization through fundraising and volunteer opportunities, they move up the ladder. The highest rung represents the most active level of engagement, such as joining the organization on a trip to advocate in person.

The Steps of the Ladder of Engagement

The Ladder of Engagement consists of several steps, each representing a different level of engagement. At the top of the ladder is the highest rung, where supporters are the most engaged with the organization. Moving supporters up the ladder is crucial for the success of an organization’s engagement strategy. In the following sections, we will explore each step of the Ladder of Engagement in detail and discuss strategies for moving supporters to the next rung.

Rung 1: Grassroots Supporters

The first step of the Ladder of Engagement is attracting and engaging supporters. Supporters can enter the ladder through various channels, such as following the organization on social media, visiting its website, or attending events. Digital communications play a crucial role in reaching supporters, as they provide an opportunity to share valuable information and engage with the audience.

Word of mouth also plays a significant role in attracting supporters. By creating compelling content and encouraging supporters to share it with their social network, public affairs professionals can reach a wider audience and attract more supporters to the Ladder of Engagement. Social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, are powerful tools for spreading the word and engaging with supporters. Using these platforms effectively can help public affairs professionals attract and retain supporters at the first rung of the ladder.

Rung 2: Grassroots Advocates

Once Grassroots Supporters have entered the Ladder of Engagement, the next step is to turn them into Grassroots Advocates. Grassroots Advocates actively promote the organization’s cause and engage with their social channels to spread the word. They play a crucial role in expanding the reach of the organization and attracting new supporters.

To move supporters from the first rung to the second, public affairs professionals can leverage advocacy efforts. By providing opportunities for supporters to get involved in fundraising, volunteer work, or other initiatives, organizations can deepen their engagement and turn them into advocates. Local leaders and influencers can also play a significant role in advocating for the organization. Collaborating with these individuals can help public affairs professionals reach a wider audience and build a stronger network of advocates.

Rung 3: Super Advocates

The next step on the Ladder of Engagement is to cultivate super advocates. Super Advocates are highly engaged supporters who go above and beyond to promote the organization and its cause. They may actively participate in community organizing efforts, organize events, or lead initiatives to raise awareness and support.

To move supporters from the second rung to the third, organizations should focus on community organizing and creating opportunities for supporters to take on leadership roles. By providing training, resources, and support, public affairs professionals can empower super advocates to make a significant impact on the organization’s goals. Super Advocates can play a crucial role in organizing campaigns, mobilizing supporters, and building a strong network of engaged individuals.

Rung 4: Grasstop Advocates

The final step on the Ladder of Engagement is to transform supporters into Grasstop Advocates. for the organization. These are usually high-profile people who’ve shown interest in advocacy and have close relationships with policymakers and legislators, people who, once you share impactful information with them, can help boost campaign performance. They are highly influential individuals who have the power to make a direct impact on public opinion and policy. They use their influence to advocate for the cause and engage with public officials and decision-makers.

To move supporters from the third rung to the fourth, public affairs professionals should focus on engaging Grasstop Advocates in activities that have a direct impact on public policy. For example, Grasstop Advocates can be encouraged to make phone calls to public officials, participate in public hearings, or support advocacy efforts through their networks. By leveraging their influence and connections, grasstop advocates can help drive advocacy goals in a lasting way.

Strategies for Moving Supporters Up the Ladder

Moving supporters up the Ladder of Engagement requires different strategies and approaches at each step. Public affairs professionals must find effective ways to encourage supporters to take the next step and deepen their engagement with the organization. In the following sections, we will explore some strategies for moving supporters up the ladder and increasing their level of engagement.

Personalized Communication Techniques

Personalized communication is key to moving supporters up the Ladder of Engagement. By tailoring messages to individual supporters and addressing their specific interests and concerns, public affairs professionals can create a more meaningful and engaging experience. Here are some techniques for personalized communication:

  • Email campaigns: Sending targeted emails to specific segments of supporters based on their previous interactions with the organization.
  • Communicate with your supporters through the social media where THEY spend the most time online. Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter offer powerful tools for sharing content and engaging with supporters. Make sure to choose the right platform.
  • Persona-based messaging: Creating personas that represent different supporter profiles and tailoring messages accordingly.

Creating Engaging Content That Resonates

Creating engaging content is crucial for moving supporters up the Ladder of Engagement. Public affairs professionals should focus on producing high-quality content that resonates with their audience and sparks their interest. Here are some tips for creating engaging content:

  • Know your constituents: Understanding the interests and preferences of your audience can help you create content that resonates with them. People don’t act unless they’re connected to an issue. Whether enlisting advocates, sharing info, or reaching out to policymakers, make the message relatable. How does an issue affect them? Why would a change benefit them?
  • Educate your audience. Messaging should include links to appropriate resources, like studies and data backing up your assertions. It may also include links to personal stories and your campaign page, where they can find out more or sign up for notifications.
  • Use apps and interactive tools: Explore the use of apps and interactive tools to create engaging content that encourages supporters to take action.

Overcoming Engagement Plateaus in Advocacy

Advocacy campaigns often run into challenges while trying to progress supporters up the Ladder of Engagement. To address these “engagement plateaus”, public affairs professionals can implement strategies to re-engage supporters and provide new opportunities for involvement. This can include introducing new initiatives, offering additional resources, and creating personalized communication tailored to the specific interests and needs of supporters. Continuously evaluating and adjusting engagement strategies can help overcome plateaus and keep supporters moving up the ladder.

Leveraging Social Proof and Community

Leveraging social proof and community can also be effective in moving supporters up the Ladder of Engagement. Social proof refers to the influence that others have on our behavior and decisions. By showcasing the engagement, public affairs professionals can encourage supporters to take the next step. Similarly, building a strong community around the organization can create a sense of belonging and motivate supporters to deepen their engagement. Here are some ways to leverage social proof:

  • Understanding the psychology behind motivation and behavior can propel advocacy efforts to new heights, amplifying impact and outreach in the digital landscape. What is the core value or need that is being fed by involvement with your campaign.
  • Gamification is a powerful tool that leverages social proof in order to energize engagement from supporters. By integrating game mechanics into campaigns, organizations can motivate supporters to ascend the engagement ladder. Assigning points or rewards for interactions encourages sustained participation and fosters a sense of achievement. Know what drives your supporters.

Importance of Authenticity: The Human Connection

Sometimes engagement challenges simply have a human solution. Supporters want to feel a genuine connection with the organization and its cause. Public affairs professionals should focus on building relationships, fostering trust, and creating opportunities for supporters to engage on a personal level. This can include hosting events, organizing small group discussions, or providing personalized communication. By prioritizing authenticity and human connection, public affairs professionals can build a strong and loyal supporter base.

Conclusion

In the dynamic realm of public affairs and grassroots advocacy, mastering the Ladder of Engagement strategy is paramount for fostering meaningful connections. By understanding the steps – from Grassroots Supporters to Grasstop Advocates, and leveraging personalized communication, engaging content, and social proof – public affairs professionals can enhance engagement from supporters. Overcoming challenges like engagement plateaus and adapting to digital trends are key for sustained and successful advocacy. 

 

Chazz Clevinger Joins Who’s Who

And the hits just keep on coming.

A few months back, we shared the news about CiviClick being featured on three prominent news websites, including USA Today, roughly a year after we’d been founded. Well, we recently got notice that our founder, Chazz Clevinger, has also been chosen for the 2024 Marquis Who’s Who, an annual biographical compendium of the top movers and shakers in fields ranging from business to entertainment to politics.

For 125 years, Marquis’ directories have been sharing profiles of people selected for extraordinary contributions to their fields, which, in Chazz’s case, includes both advocacy and public affairs. Among the factors considered are accomplishments, career progression, position, visibility and prominence.  

“I am honored and humbled to be included in the Marquis Who’s Who, which, for more than a century, has focused on people who not only excel at their jobs but strive to serve their communities,” Chazz says. “Recognized in this way, just as CiviClick is hitting its stride—well, it’s more than words can express.”

Maybe, but we’ll try.

What is Who’s Who?

First, a word about Marquis Who’s Who. While many have heard the term “who’s who,” and perhaps even used it without thinking— e.g., “a veritable who’s who of…”—it’s been around so long, not many know its origin story.

The Who’s Who concept kicked off in London, England, back in 1849, when a handbook simply listing the names of high-society folks was distributed to help social circles keep up with whom it was wise to know while hobnobbing. Over time, the format was changed to include people in business and politics—and not just their names, but biographical information as well.

In 1899, the Ohio-born, Chicago-based Albert Nelson Marquis, founder of the publishing house A.N. Marquis and Company, debuted a stateside version, calling it Who’s Who in America. Featuring more than 8,600 entries, it was edited by Marquis, who established strict standards for inclusion. The honorees, he insisted, had to be cream-of-the-crop professionals, and the annual publication was eventually regarded as the authoritative work of contemporary biography. By the early 21st century, it included more than 100,000 entries.

Today, Marquis Who’s Who puts out multiple publications covering various industries and parts of the world. “Marquis’ products and services,” its website states, “have become dependable resources for in-depth biographical information. Professionals from fields such as law, medicine, academia, and science rely on Marquis’ customized services and comprehensive data in its print and online publications in order to obtain accurate industry information, foster important connections, and share their accomplishments with the world.”

And, now, Chazz Clevinger is one of those professionals.

Why Chazz?

While many know Chazz as the founder and CEO of CiviClick, a super-innovative digital advocacy and public affairs tech company based in D.C., there’s much more to his story. Born and raised in Wilmington, North Carolina, he’s also CEO of Superior Campaign Solutions, a provider of case acquisition services for mass torts law firms, and a partner of Advocators, an influencer-marketing platform focused on campaigns.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he double-majored in political science and ancient history, Chazz honed his expertise in grassroots advocacy and communications management. Among his early-career employers were CQ Roll Call, Prison Fellowship Ministries and The White House, where he served in the Office of Strategic Initiatives.

Always looking for new challenges while helping organizations advocate for change, Chazz then moved on to business development, marketing and campaign services, which led him to the civic technology space, his focus for the past 15 years. He’s been an executive at four public affairs and government relations tech companies, among them Phone2Action and One Click Politics.

Chazz has also consulted on more than 100 local, state, federal and international campaigns of all kinds, including digital advocacy, for a variety of companies and associations. Among them: DraftKings, Reynolds American, FreedomWorks, Yamaha, the American Pharmacists Association and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

As an expert in his fields, Chazz has authored such works as “How Strategic Planning Can Help You Win” and “Machiavelli, Livy, and the Political Uses of Religion.” As mentioned above, his accomplishments have led not only to inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who but also to articles on his work with CiviClick in the Chicago Tribune, the Daily Caller and USA Today.

Looking Forward

Chazz’s multiple experiences led him to found CiviClick in February of 2023, kickstarting a new era in advocacy and public affairs. His goal: disrupt traditional, often ineffective advocacy methods by leveraging AI-powered technological tools. CiviClick provides a wide range of clients, from companies to nonprofits, with a platform featuring state-of-the-art technology, which revs up connections with decision-makers, influences policy and improves communities faster and more effectively than ever.

As Chazz told USA Today, “I wanted to do something different that focused on not only the most innovative and creative ways that technology can impact public policy discussions, but also had a distinctly universal focus on being supportive of everyone’s voice.” 

CiviClick does just that. Its incredibly talented team of campaign, tech and public affairs experts offer its clientele an incredible range of solutions, including digital advocacy, performance marketing, campaign management and lobbyist referrals.

Chazz, who’s received numerous awards, including the “40 Under 40 Award” in 2022 from the American Association of Political Consultants, says that he’s not satisfied just to sit back on his and the team’s laurels. “I founded CiviClick,” he told the Daily Caller, “because I wanted to do something different that wasn’t just purely mechanical. I focused on the most innovative and creative ways that technology can impact public policy dialogue, as well as the distinctly universal goal of being supportive of everyone’s right to free speech.”

With that in mind, he’s truly appreciative to be included in Marquis Who’s Who. It’s a signifier of what he’s achieved thus far and what he hopes to accomplish down the road.

“Being in Who’s Who is humbling,” he says. “These are people at the top of their game, and they got there because they’re never satisfied—there’s always another mountain to conquer, another solution to a problem, another campaign to help improve the way we all live. So I’m inspired to be included.”

Grassroots Advocacy Software + Performance Marketing

While CiviClick offers many services—from campaign management to lobbying to marketing—there’s one constant in everything we do: advocacy. We muster our considerable forces, our tools and expertise, to help each client amplify their cause, educate target audiences and make their case to decision-makers.

And when it comes to advocacy, there’s nothing quite like a grassroots, or bottom-up, approach. It’s where you’ll find advocates who are truly dedicated to a cause and willing to do just about whatever is needed to ensure success.

But recognizing the power of grassroots advocacy is not the same as knowing, and truly appreciating, the many ways it can be practiced. There are almost as many methods of, and tools for, grassroots advocacy as there are the types of people, businesses and organizations that employ it.

So, let us break it down for you.

Grassroots Advocacy

“Grassroots,” in the context of public affairs, pretty much means what it says. Operating from the ground up, it’s usually a social or political movement fueled by ordinary people, those who, one way or another, will be directly affected by its results. “Grassroots advocacy” is the process of communicating the many nuances of a specific issue or cause to a target audience, whether it’s a community, the general public, lawmakers or all three. And as part of the grassroots advocacy process, advocates usually reach out to local, state or federal officials, hoping to convince them to vote their way.

But make no mistake: Grassroots advocacy is not lobbying. Yes, lobbyists advocate on behalf of their clients, but their one-on-one sessions with lawmakers and their staffs are paid-for, professional undertakings. Not so with grassroots advocacy; it’s citizen-based, real people fighting for a cause.  

If done correctly, grassroots advocacy is also a complicated process. In the early stages, advocates plant seeds; they make a target audience aware of an issue, then educate the audience about it—whether it concerns the climate, healthcare, small businesses, social justice or any other topic. And if you plant seeds, then water and care for them just right, grass is going to grow.  

These days, grassroots advocacy isn’t just for citizens. Businesses and trade associations now utilize it. Why? Because some causes are closely related to business outcomes. Others aren’t but involve social or political issues a company’s employees are passionate about. Some causes combine the two. For these reasons, grassroots advocacy is being practiced by many parties, including:

  • Civic group
  • Nonprofits 
  • Trade associations
  • Companies 
  • Chambers of commerce

As you might guess, they approach grassroots advocacy in very different ways. But they have two things in common: their end game, which is to affect policy; and the reason they’re all on board—technology.

Advocacy Software

In-person advocacy, which we’ll discuss below, will never go away. It’s especially vital for public affairs and government relations efforts. But digital advocacy enables organizations to create compelling grassroots advocacy campaigns that reach more people, drive more action and collect more data than traditional forms of advocacy ever could.

Digital advocates have a wealth of tools at their disposal, among them emails, text messages, online petitions, social media, websites and virtual-event platforms. In fact, some organizations are digital-advocacy-only, covering issues that appeal to hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of advocates worldwide. But, mostly, digital advocacy is a companion to traditional advocacy, enabling digital tool users to amplify their commitment to a cause.

The best way to manage these tools—and ensure an organized, centralized effort—is to employ advocacy software. With the right kind of user-friendly software, including our own CiviClick, there are myriad ways advocates can, among other things, engage with elected officials. For example, advocacy software facilitates email advocacy, patch-through phone calls and social-media and video messaging—all effective, measurable methods that help drive political change. 

Pioneering advocacy software, like ours, is also designed to manage supporter relationships and keep track of which advocates are best-suited for specific efforts. You can quickly share targeted campaigns with advocates, embed action centers on your website and share campaigns via social media. Every action taken via advocacy software strengthens your cause and your grassroots advocacy network. 

Last but not least, advocacy software captures and records all of the data related to your efforts. It tracks the issues your supporters are most engaged in, the campaigns that draw the most supporters and the number of messages you managed to send to targeted audiences, including, of course, elected officials. All of this is only possible using advocacy software.

Performance Marketing

The last piece of the puzzle, before we discuss how to effectively campaign, is performance marketing. The definition is pretty much in the title. It’s a digital marketing strategy driven by performance, or results. And it’s ideal for anyone—business, nonprofit or association—reaching out to advocacy audiences at scale. Why? Because you only pay based on how users interact with the content.

For example, our performance marketing solution is CiviBoost, which we’ve used to send customized emails, petitions, phone calls and videos to decision-makers at every level of government, from local to federal. In fact, using CiviBoost, we’ve helped more than 50 clients discard harmful legislation and pass new laws in 2024 alone.

That’s because with CiviBoost, you can market your policy initiatives to our database of 28 million-plus people across the United States. We have one of the biggest databases of activists in the country, which helps to ensure our clients have access to an almost limitless network.

Via CiviBoost, we also help with email list acquisition, legislative advocacy campaigns, ballot initiatives and referendums, to name just a few campaign-related tools. CiviBoost has roughly 90 policy-interest tags and tracks age, gender, party and religious affiliations and dozens of other data points, helping to target the best advocates for campaigns.

From a financial standpoint, performance marketing is incredibly cost-effective. Clients don’t have to pay set-up or ad creative fees, project retainers or charges for what may turn out to be unproductive activities. With CiviBoost, you only pay for actual conversions, which helps maximize your ROAS (return on ad spend) and increases an advocacy campaign’s effectiveness.

Which begs the question: What do we mean by “effective”?

Effective Campaigns

As mentioned above, effective grassroots advocacy often requires a two-pronged approach: in-person and digital.

When it comes to the in-person part, the first step is to enlist support by recruiting advocates and raising funds. With any advocacy effort, it’s always good to keep in mind that collective action is much more powerful than an individual’s efforts. You fight with an army, not just one soldier.

Here are a few ways to get things started:

  • Put together a petition and gather signatures, either in person or online. 
  • Engage with community members by canvassing door-to-door.
  • Use social media to share information and mobilize supporters.
  • Put up posters, hand out flyers and distribute educational materials to spread awareness.
  • Create a user-friendly website that serves as a hub of information and resources.
  • Organize marches and/or rallies to show support and visibility.

Another great way to get people involved is to host a lobby day. At the state and federal levels, lobby days enable a company, association or nonprofit to gather a core group of supporters together to meet with elected officials for conversations about crucial issues and legislation.

It’s best, of course, to be prepared. We advise clients to meet the day or morning before the actual event to choose the primary speakers, talk about how it’s best to conduct themselves and ensure everyone is fully educated on the topics that will be discussed. This is where talking points come in handy. And if there’s literature or any other relevant materials to be shared with the officials, this is the time to gather those together. These efforts help to ensure that lobby day conversations stay policy-focused and that a cohesive message is being delivered across all fronts.

Just as important is keeping track of everything, ideally by making use of advocacy software. Post lobby day, supporters should report on how the meetings with the officials went, which issues seemed to grab them, and which didn’t. This can all be recorded so that, going forward, the organization can fine-tune its messaging.  

Assuming that you’ve taken most, if not all, of these steps and that your grassroots advocacy campaign, now backed by advocates and supporters, is ready to move forward, it’s time to activate the army, by providing them with tools, resources and strategies. These include:

  • Setting up digital systems enabling advocates to make phone calls, text or email elected officials.
  • Drafting talking points and elevator speeches clearly communicating the goals of the campaign.
  • Making use of advocacy software to help build strong relationships with constituents and more effectively mobilize supporters. 
  • Identifying policymakers and other stakeholders relevant to the campaign’s goals and building relationships or partnerships with them. 

It’s also best to ensure you have a well-designed website or microsite, which is typically a one-to-three-page website focused specifically on an issue, cause or campaign. The goal is engagement. You want supporters to proactively interact with the site while you map out their journeys, ensuring they become educated, take action, then share with folks who, ideally, will sign up as new supporters.

Whether or not you’re currently running a campaign, you also want a solid email-marketing strategy, so as to leverage your grassroots advocacy. It keeps people engaged and educated about issues, and you can use it to promote your organization’s events, education efforts and more.

Finally, keep in mind that storytelling is one of grassroots advocacy’s most powerful tools. Elected officials, especially those at the local and state levels, love to hear personal stories from constituents. Just one poignant, truly moving tale from an advocate or supporter can leave a lasting impact.                                             

Just make sure those stories work in tandem with your talking points. The balancing act can be challenging, but if you have lots of personal stories available, you can tailor them to specific talking points. That way, your messaging won’t look or sound too uniform. 

Where Advocacy Takes Place

When it comes to grassroots advocacy, whether you’re a business, chamber, association or nonprofit, you have to know exactly who your audience is. Nine times out of 10, it’s at one of three levels:

  • Local—zoning or planning boards, town or city councils, mayors, school boards. You know the saying: “All politics is local.” For the most part, it’s true. Grassroots advocacy at this level can be supremely effective. Why? Because local policy impacts the lives and livelihoods of every resident, business and association in your town, city or county.
  • State—where most grassroots advocacy occurs. Once again, direct impact is a big plus, but so is the productivity of state legislatures. Compared to the U.S. Congress, they introduce 20 times more bills during a legislative session and, in turn, pass more laws. And they’re much more accessible than members of Congress and grapple with far less gridlock, seeing as they need to tend to the immediate needs of constituents. So, as legislation moves between committees and legislative bodies, advocating at the state level requires highly engaged supporters and a well-managed campaign.
  • Federal—regulatory bodies, Congress, the President. Not easy to access, these folks. Which is why technology is so important. Using optimal advocacy software, it’s relatively easy to drive grassroots action by creating scalable campaigns that enable advocates and their many supporters to, first, raise awareness; second, educate; and, finally, reach out to decision-makers about issues with far-reaching ramifications.  

When Advocacy Takes Place

Once you know your audience, you need to know the best time to strike. If it’s a local-, state- or federal-level cause you’re promoting, you do it when the iron’s hot—when it’s being debated and/or voted on during a city council meeting. Or a state legislative or Congressional session. Just make sure your advocacy team is prepared, that it’s worked out the messaging and modes of delivery ahead of time.  

The best way to do that is to launch a full-fledged advocacy campaign days, weeks, maybe even months before a vote, depending on how complicated the issue is. When it comes to raising awareness, advocacy and education go hand-in-hand. If you want to educate the general public and/or as many supporters for your cause as possible, a well-coordinated digital campaign is essential.

One last thing: expect the unexpected. We’ve all experienced it—a Congressional vote that didn’t go our way, a natural disaster, a virus outbreak, an economic snafu. If it demands a rapid response to ensure your organization’s safety and security, you’d better hope your advocacy or public affairs team is “always on.”

CiviClick’s is a year-round approach. Because we’re constantly upgrading our advocacy programs, we can be counted upon to launch a highly effective advocacy campaign on command. That allows our clients to spring into action as bills and issues pop up. They’ll be able to leverage members, supporters and the general public to use their voices and take action.

Conclusion

We’ve shared a lot of information in this post, for good reason. Grassroots advocacy, one of the most powerful arrows in a company’s or organization’s quiver, is a complicated process. Most of the time, it demands both in-person and digital efforts carried out by scores of people. And when it comes to the digital part of the process, performance marketing and well-designed advocacy software are indispensable.

So, lots of working parts and lots of advocates and supporters, each with an important role to play. This is the way we get things done. Ours is a participatory democracy, not a passive one. And the best way to ensure our legislators are listening, and to remind them how they ended up in office in the first place, is to work with them. Grassroots advocacy backed by just the right software is one of the best ways to get that job done. 

How Old is Congress?

Usually, whether the conversation is casual or formal, it’s impolite to ask someone, “How old are you?” But when it comes to the U.S. Congress, that question is not only relevant; the answer is important for a multitude of reasons.

Among the many services CiviClick offers its clients is a pipeline to the country’s premiere decision-makers, the 535 members of what constitutes our bicameral form of legislature, the Senate and the House of Representatives. And because lawmakers are people, not bots, it’s advantageous to know as much about them as possible—their backgrounds, interests, hobbies, networks and, yes, their age.

All these factors influence how congresspeople vote on issues ranging from healthcare to immigration to tax reform. So the more homework we do, the more we leverage ourselves for success.

With that in mind, and because we’re in the middle of the 118th Congress—which began January 3, 2023, and ends on the same day in 2025—it’s good to know how old that Congress is. Here’s a glimpse: the average age in the House is 58; in the Senate it’s a bit older, 64.

But before we slice and dice the numbers, and what they mean, let’s take a look at the age of the institution itself.

Two Centuries-Plus and Counting

The U.S. Congress is 235 years old. Established via Article 1 of the Constitution in 1788, it first convened on March 4, 1789. Then, as now, it consisted of two houses: the Senate, where each state, regardless of size, is represented by two senators, and the House of Representatives, whose members are elected based on population. That’s 100 senators, 435 representatives.

The many joint powers of Congress include collecting taxes, regulating commerce, coining money, declaring war, supporting the military and making all the laws needed to execute those powers. While the two chambers are separate, they pretty much have equal say in enacting legislation. Each Congressional term lasts two years, starting every other January of odd-numbered years. And elections, as we all know, take place every even-numbered year, with senators serving six-year terms, representatives for two years.  

From the very start, the Constitution required House members to be at least 25 years of age, those in the Senate at least 30. And while there’s no legal mandate, and have been exceptions, congresspeople are usually affiliated with either the Democratic or Republican party.

So, now that we’re up to speed on Congress, the institution, let’s look at the 118th.

The Numbers

When it kicked off a little over a year ago, the 118th Congress was showing signs of moving in the direction of diversity. For example, Congress’ very first member of Generation Z (1997-2013), then-26-year-old Maxwell Frost, a Democrat representing the 10th district of Florida, joined the House. And, overall, the 118th began with an average age of 58, three years younger than the previous Congress.

Still, that’s about 20 years above the average age of Americans, which is 39 years old.

Looking at the House’s 435 members in particular, where the average age is about equal to all of Congress, 64 of its members were born in the 1980s — almost twice that of the previous Congress — and one was born in the 1990s. The age group with the biggest gain compared to the 117th Congress is the 40-to-49-year-olds, while those between 60 and 69 experienced the biggest losses.

The Senate, as mentioned above, is a bit older on average, at 64 years.

It’s worth noting that the oldest members of the 118th were born in the early 1930s, most of them Democrats. The three oldest are:

  • Sen. Chuck Grassley, 90 (R-Iowa)
  • Rep. Grace Napolitano, 87 (D-California)
  • Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr., 87 (D-New Jersey)

Three of the youngest members of Congress, aside from Rep. Frost, are:

  • Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, 34 (D-New York)
  • Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, 34 (R-Florida), the first Mexican-American woman elected to Congress from that state
  • Rep. Greg Casar, 34 (D-Texas)

Overall, the Democrats in Congress are slightly older than their Republican counterparts. The average age for House Republicans is 56 versus 58 for the Dems. And in the Senate, the average is 62 for Republicans, 65 for Democrats.

One other way to look at age trends is by generation. Overall, 54 percent of Congress are from older generations – Baby Boomers (born 1946-64) and the Silent Generation (1928-45). They have a slight edge over the youngsters. Gen Z, Millennials (1981-96) and Gen X (1965-80) make up 46 percent of Congress.

But the Boomers’ share of the House is declining. It’s at 45 percent, down from 53 percent in the 117th Congress, which is still enough to make it the largest of any generation represented in the chamber. As for Silent Gen members, their ranks are shrinking: Just 21 remain in the House, or 5 percent of the whole chamber – down from 27, or 6 percent, in the previous Congress.

What’s It All Mean?

Numbers, of course, don’t tell the whole story, and age is not the defining factor in how lawmakers vote. They have lots on their plates—the needs of constituents, regional and state issues, party loyalty. But age is part of what defines individuals. Your age and the generation you belong to influence how you view everything from current events to health to technology.

So it’s worth recognizing that, even as the younger generations enter politics, Boomers are still the biggest presence, for good reason. Between 1946 and 1964, 76 million of them were born, far exceeding the Silent Generation and Gen X while just a bit ahead of the millennials. In Congress, they make up almost 49 percent of the federal legislature, even though they only represent about 21 percent of the population. In addition, the Congressional Research Service reports that members of the House and Senate are more likely to serve longer tenures today than they did 70-plus years ago because they’re more likely to seek reelection and win additional terms.

Taking this into account, it’s good to have in mind that, at least for the 118th, older members may be more attuned to the concerns of older Americans. For example, political scientists recently found that they are more likely to introduce legislation addressing senior issues, like long-term care and prescription drugs. They’re also not as focused on issues important to younger Americans, including climate change. And while the young and old alike are concerned about housing, the former are struggling to afford buying a home while the latter worry about access to assisted living or staying in their homes.

Conclusion

When it comes to the U.S. Congress, age does matter, but it’s not the end-all and be-all. The last few years have shown that the age demographics in our most hallowed of legislative halls are starting to shift, but that members of the House and Senate still skew older than average Americans.

For anyone meeting, negotiating or lobbying with congresspeople, this is useful background information. Senators and representatives may inherently see eye-to-eye with you on certain issues, but may need convincing, backed by persuasive reasoning, on others.

Either way, when you walk into a room to chat with someone of a certain age, from a certain generation, it’s good to know who your audience is.

CiviClick and Its One-of-a-Kind Services

At the risk of sounding immodest, when we launched CiviClick this past year, it signaled a new era in advocacy and public affairs. Our aim was, and still is, to disrupt traditional, and often ineffective, advocacy methods by leveraging revolutionary, AI-powered technological tools. What may have seemed like a lark is now a revolutionary way to conduct business, as many of our clients will attest.

There are a few reasons for our success. First, we have an incredibly talented and creative team—former political consultants, campaign veterans and public affairs practitioners with decades of first-hand experience in technology, politics and government relations.

Second, we continually develop our technological tools with input and feedback from our frontline partners, people working in both the public and private sectors: CEOs, executive directors, Hill staffers, campaign operatives, lobbyists and grassroots advocates.

Third, we operate a platform featuring state-of-the-art technology. No more useless form letters, bad legislative data, confusing analytics or slow customer service. We’ve helped clients connect with decision-makers, influence policy and improve their communities faster and more effectively than ever.

And we’re just getting started. With that mind, we’d like to share with anyone not acquainted with CiviClick information on the many services we offer.

Advocacy Software

Our AI-powered advocacy software is ground-breaking. It allows us to deliver forward-thinking, easy-to-use technology to a wide variety of clients, among them companies, digital advocates, government relations professionals, nonprofits and trade associations. With CiviClick’s tech tools, which include gamification modules, clients create customized advocacy that perpetually ramps up engagement and rewards participation.

We also help them optimize their messaging, by pinpointing only relevant supporters and decision-makers. But the devil, as they say, is in the details. So here’s what else CiviClick’s AI-powered advocacy software is capable of:

  • Omni-channel engagement with all levels of lawmakers and regulators—local, state, federal and international.
  • Reports on advocate activities using advanced filtering options, including policy interests, custom tags, past engagement and advocate scoring.
  • Segmenting lawmakers into customized audiences for thank-and-spank campaigns and targeting by party affiliation or voting history.
  • A/B testing of machine learning modules and survey tools to accurately identify a client’s best messaging strategy.
  • Connecting clients with lawmakers and regulators via phone calls, emails, texts, videos, photos and social media.

Pay-for-Performance Marketing

Our clients are passionate about their causes. But if their messaging isn’t reaching the right people—be it advocates, tree-shakers, lawmakers or all three—few, if any, will hear what they have to say. Which is why CiviClick offers “pay-for-performance” data and advertising solutions, to help clients expand their reach by attracting the right advocates to generate momentum for their campaigns.

One big arrow in our quiver is an owned audience of more than 85 million activists in both the United States and Canada. This gives us the ability to advertise any grassroots advocacy campaign to a vast pool of potential advocates focused on 40-plus policy issues.

CiviClick’s pay-for-performance program also enables clients to customize and target their audiences through emails, text messages, phone calls, direct mail, social media ads, display ads, and hundreds of web properties in our partner network. It’s a service that benefits the client in many ways, ranging from email list acquisition to ballot initiatives to regulatory advocacy campaigns.

And what we call our Guaranteed Response Program, ensures the following:

  • A locked-in price on a “cost per conversion” basis. Clients only pay for the people who convert.
  • The modality of channel conversion, such as a phone call or an email from a constituent to an elected official, is selected by the client.
  • Conversions occur within a predetermined time frame during a campaign’s scheduled flight dates.
  • Secure tracking of the timestamp, physical address and IP address of each action-taker to prove the conversion is real and valid.
  • Each person who converts resides in a geographic region and matches a demographic profile chosen by the client.

Campaign Management

When a campaign is up and running, there’s no time to worry about whether you have all your ducks in a row. Which is why CiviClick offers a tailored service that helps clients manage their campaign and methodically, not haphazardly, execute the tasks critical to success.

Our talented team of campaign veterans knows from experience that you need quite a few crucial items to win a legislative advocacy campaign: data, planning, strong messaging and omni-channel engagement, covering the grassroots and the grasstops. Those same vets guide clients through the whole process, from budgeting to hiring vendors to deploying data solutions.

They’re the campaign operatives you want on your side to build an audience and execute integrated public affairs campaigns. And they handle it all: copywriting, messaging, strategy, audience segmentation, campaign planning, legislative research and more. They really are a dream team: seasoned advocacy professionals who are also digital advocacy practitioners.

State & Local Lobbyist Referrals

There’s one other service not everyone needs, but it’s certainly advisable in some cases—lobbyists. And if a client isn’t sure who’s the best to hire for local, state or federal policy issues, CiviClick can help, from coast to coast.

We have extensive relationships with lobbying firms in all 50 states, and can make recommendations based on political connections, policy issue areas, region of influence, retainer fee costs, roster of past/present customers and size/reach of the firm.

Here’s what clients receive as part of the service:

  • A database of the most trusted and successful local, state, and federal lobbyists in the United States and Canada.
  • Unique survey tools to match organizations with the best lobbyist for specific policy issues.
  • Testimonials, biographies, client registrations and “top lobbyist” badges—reserved for the top 10% in our database.
  • A call with the lobbyist of the client’s choice to discuss policy issues.

Conclusion

While we’ve presented you with an overview of the services CiviClick offers, we’d like to add that, as a disruptor in the public affairs and advocacy space, we tailor those services to the needs of each client. And in every case, we leverage ground-breaking AI and gamification technology to modernize the ways in which advocates communicate with lawmakers. 

As effective as that advocacy is, we also ensure that it’s fun, engaging and highly interactive. Plus, we enable our clients to grow their advocate communities via technology, surveys, social listening, community-building activities and access to our vast database of online activists.

Anyone working with CiviClick not only possesses the best technological tools available; they’re backed by in-depth expertise and an army’s worth of advocates. Working with CiviClick is like tapping a bottomless well of water that will help grow and sustain your organization for however long it takes to realize your goals.