Blueprint for California Advocates

Kristina Bas Hamilton
  • 4.7 (15)
  • POLITICS
Blueprint for California Advocates

You could spend ten years working the halls of the California Capitol to learn these lessons. Or you could listen to this podcast. High-value conversations with advocacy leaders and lawmakers who share their insight and tactical advice on what it takes for legislative and political campaigns to succeed. Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more at www.kbhadvocacy.com. Subscribe for more free content - https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/subscribe © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

  1. 10/14/2024

    36. Where we go from here with guest Darcy Totten

    There's 21 days left until election day - November 5th, 2024. It's a perfect time for me to share my compelling conversation with guest Darcy Totten, recorded some time back. We discuss the heavy weight of this political moment, what we can learn from billionaire preppers, and where we go from here. Darcy Totten is the Interim Executive Director at California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. If you want to learn more about Darcy's work, you can find her on Twitter at @Miss_Mausie. "We are the ones we have been waiting for." - June Jordan Want to defeat Donald Trump, retake the House, and keep the US Senate? Now's the time to step up. Go to https://www.mobilize.us/ to find local, state and national races that need your help. Donate. Make phone calls. Send texts. Knock on Doors. Help in any way you can. Referenced in this episode: "The super-rich ‘preppers’ planning to save themselves from the apocalypse" by Douglas Rushkoff, The Guardian, Sept 22, 2022. https://www.theguardian.com/news/2022/sep/04/super-rich-prepper-bunkers-apocalypse-survival-richest-rushkoff

    35 min
  2. 35. How to write for maximum impact at the Capitol with guest Arianna Z. Smith

    07/03/2024

    35. How to write for maximum impact at the Capitol with guest Arianna Z. Smith

    In this episode of the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast, I'm honored to be joined by Arianna Z. Smith, founder of Arianna Public Affairs. As thousands of competing interests vie for attention at the California Capitol, it's hard to overestimate the importance of writing content that is compelling and persuasive. With 15+ years experience writing for a Capitol audience, Arianna Smith shares her expertise with advocates seeking to break through the noise. From how to avoid common mistakes to actionable tips for clear, impactful writing, you will learn a TON from this episode. 03:51 A Humbling Lesson in Writing 06:07 Challenges in Legislative Communication 06:48 Common Mistakes in Writing for the Capitol 08:38 Words and Phrases to Avoid 10:07 Tips for Clear and Impactful Writing 12:57 Benefits of Clear Communication 17:22 Final Advice and Closing Remarks BIOGRAPHY Arianna Z. Smith is the Founder and Principal of the boutique firm Arianna Public Affairs.  She specializes in policy writing of all kinds, advocacy training, and lobbying materials.  Arianna has spent nearly 20 years in California's policy circles as legislative Capitol staff and as a consultant to statewide professional associations, progressive non-profits, and lobbying firms.   Find Arianna on LinkedIn or ariannazsmith.com.  📧 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NEWSLETTER Stay up to date with the podcast that brings you high-value conversations with advocacy leaders and lawmakers who share their insight and tactical advice on what it takes for legislative and political campaigns to succeed. https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/subscribe ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND If you found this episode helpful, learned something new, or enjoyed listening, be sure to leave a review and share it with your friends and colleagues.  🗣️ CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAS HAMILTON Website: https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/ Twitter: @kbashamilton LinkedIn: @kbashamilton IG: @kbh_advocacy YouTube: @kbh_advocacy © 2024 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

    19 min
  3. 34. How to work with Celebrity Advocates with guest Earl Dos Santos

    04/11/2024

    34. How to work with Celebrity Advocates with guest Earl Dos Santos

    I have the pleasure this week of talking with Impact Strategist Earl Dos Santos. Earl supports creators like Julia Louis-Dreyfus and other mission-driven celebrities to leverage their creativity and platform to drive real change in the world.   Earl's journey is not your everyday story. With a background in digital marketing, like many of us, he was compelled to get involved in political action after the 2016 presidential election. After working on several political campaigns, he created a unique – and exciting – niche: helping high-level influencers maximize their impact for the causes they care about.   What you'll learn in this episode: 00:19 - It started after the 2016 election 02:22 - Leveraging Celebrity Influence for Political Advocacy 05:32 - The Power of Digital Marketing in Advocacy 07:02 - Forget DC, look to Sacramento 09:30 - Navigating the World of Celebrity and Influencer Advocacy 10:16 - Strategies for Influencer Collaboration 23:27 - Be a Trusted Messenger 28:23 Final Thoughts and Advice for Advocates   Earl's insight and practical tips on working with celebrity advocates are invaluable! Connect with Earl on LinkedIn here 📧 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NEWSLETTER Stay up to date with the podcast that brings you high-value conversations with advocacy leaders and lawmakers who share their insight and tactical advice on what it takes for legislative and political campaigns to succeed. https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/subscribe ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND If you found this episode helpful, learned something new, or enjoyed listening, be sure to leave a review and share it with your friends and colleagues.  🗣️ CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAS HAMILTON Website: https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbashamilton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy © 2024 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

    32 min
  4. 33. From the Army to the California Senate: An Unfiltered Take on Policymaking with guest Senator Josh Newman

    03/26/2024

    33. From the Army to the California Senate: An Unfiltered Take on Policymaking with guest Senator Josh Newman

    In today’s episode I have the honor of speaking with California Senator Josh Newman (D-29), representing portions of Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Senator Newman shares his journey to the California Senate, from a close election victory in 2016 to being the only legislator in state history to be recalled and then regain his seat. Prepare for a free-ranging and candid discussion about the challenges of governing and advocacy at the state level. From the need for bill introduction limits to navigating the complexities - and contradictions - of the legislative and budget processes, you’ll be sure to learn something new.  Episode highlights: 00:11 - An Unconventional Path to Politics 06:22 - Running for office as the Underdog - and winning 11:51 - Effective Advocacy in the California Legislature 18:59 - Bill introduction overload and the Push for Reform 28:52 - The delicate dance between budget and policy 33:09 Advocacy and Budgeting: Aligning for Success 36:41 The Power of Narrative: Winning Support for Your Bill   EPISODE RESOURCES: Senator Josh Newman’s Website: https://sd29.senate.ca.gov/index.php/ Book: Changemaker: An Insider’s Guide to Getting Sh*t Done at the California Capitol  www.kbhadvocacy.com/changemaker 📧 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NEWSLETTER Stay up to date with the podcast that brings you high-value conversations with advocacy leaders and lawmakers who share their insight and tactical advice on what it takes for legislative and political campaigns to succeed. https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/subscribe ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND If you found this episode helpful, learned something new, or enjoyed listening, be sure to leave a review on your podcast player and share it with your friends and colleagues.  CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAS HAMILTON Founder of California lobbying and political consulting firm KBH Advocacy 🌐 Website: https://www.kbhadvocacy.com 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbashamilton 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy © 2024 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

    38 min
  5. 32. We are the Changemakers we have been waiting for with guest State Controller Malia Cohen

    03/12/2024

    32. We are the Changemakers we have been waiting for with guest State Controller Malia Cohen

    I'm thrilled to share my conversation with California State Controller Malia Cohen recorded Live at Manny's in San Francisco on February 22, 2024 With excellent moderation by Precious Green, we explore the art and science behind effective advocacy and the role we all can - and must - play in defending democracy and uplifting our communities. 01:01 Diving Into the Book: The Power of Legislative Advocacy 02:06 The Journey of a Lobbyist Turned Author 04:37 Understanding the Role of California's State Controller 10:55 The Art of Making Change: Clarity, Advocacy, and Strategy 26:44 Coalition Building: The Key to Legislative Success 31:31 Navigating California's Political Landscape 34:49 The Controller's Role in Policy and Change 📖 Order your copy of Changemaker: An Insider's Guide to Getting Sh*t Done at the California Capitol at www.kbhadvocacy.com/changemaker 📧 SUBSCRIBE TO THE FREE BLUEPRINT FOR CALIFORNIA ADVOCATES NEWSLETTER Get valuable insight and practical advice on what it really takes for legislative and political campaigns to succeed in California ⁠https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/subscribe⁠ ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND If you found this episode helpful, learned something new, or enjoyed listening, be sure to subscribe and leave a review! 🌐 Website: https://www.blueprint-pod.com 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbashamilton 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy/?hl=en 🎥 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy © 2024 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

    38 min
  6. 31. What Advocates Need to Know About the Creator Economy with guest Ashwath Narayanan

    02/05/2024

    31. What Advocates Need to Know About the Creator Economy with guest Ashwath Narayanan

    You may have heard about the “creator economy” and think it has nothing to do with politics or advocacy. It’s time to think again.   How we communicate with each other is constantly evolving in the digital age. Advocates who adapt to and embrace these changes will have a significant advantage when it comes to winning policy and political campaigns. I recently had the opportunity to speak with Ashwath Narayanan, Co-founder & CEO at Social Currant, a Gen-Z-led, DC-based managed service that matches social impact organizations and nonprofits with mission-aligned influencers and content creators across social media platforms.  In today’s episode, Ashwath and I discuss how advocates can leverage new tools and opportunities to reach and influence their target audience - be it voters, lawmakers, or the general public.  We explore the advantages of connecting on a deeper level with creators and examine past campaigns in which influencer marketing helped organizations not only reach but surpass their goals.  In this episode you’ll learn: 05:13 — Micro trends that are driving the creator economy.  07:58 — Evidence or data that proves this strategy leads to people taking action. 10:55 — How they go about finding the right influencers and the back-end work it requires. 12:45 — The start-to-finish steps on working with creators. 15:00 — What kind of budget you might need. 17:34 — The hesitation to take the leap into social media marketing vs. traditional lobbying. 22:57 — How the concept of asking trusted members of the community for advice is timeless. 25:30 — Changing the narrative so we can be drivers of culture.  EPISODE RESOURCES: Ashwath can be reached at ashwath@socialcurrant.co - IMPORTANT: let him know that the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast referred you! Find him on Instagram at @ashwathhhh Learn more about Social Currant at https://socialcurrant.co/ Connect with the Social Currant @socialcurrant on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook & LinkedIn. Click here for the full transcript and video. 📧 SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST NEWSLETTER Stay up to date with the podcast that brings you high-value conversations with advocacy leaders and lawmakers who share their insight and tactical advice on what it takes for legislative and political campaigns to succeed. https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/subscribe 📱BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION Are you ready to make a powerful impact in Sacramento? Book a free consultation to learn how KBH Advocacy can help move your campaign forward. https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/book ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND If you found this episode helpful, learned something new, or enjoyed listening, be sure to leave a review and share it with your friends and colleagues.  CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAS HAMILTON Founder of California lobbying and political consulting firm KBH Advocacy 🌐 Website: https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/ 🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbashamilton 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy/?hl=en 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy © 2024 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

    32 min
  7. 30. Inside the committee process with Senator Lena Gonzalez

    01/16/2024

    30. Inside the committee process with Senator Lena Gonzalez

    In today's episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with California Senator Lena Gonzalez (D-33), hailing from the great city of Long Beach. As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Gonzalez shared her unique insights into the legislative committee process. We discuss the behind-the-scenes work that goes into vetting and advancing bills and the Senator offers valuable advice to advocates on how to effectively communicate with committee members and ensure their voices are heard. We also delve into the dynamics of committee recommendations and the rare instances when a chair's recommendation is challenged, a process known as "rolling the chair." 00:07:20 - Committee Process and Chair Responsibilities00:09:33 - Importance of Advocate Letters and Communication00:10:45 - Committee Consultants and Their Role00:13:08 - Last-Minute Advocacy and Committee Decisions00:14:35 - Utilizing Social Media for Advocacy00:15:48 - The Impact of Sample Messaging and Personalization00:17:43 - The Dynamics of 'Rolling the Chair'00:18:24 - The Importance of Advocacy and Community Engagement00:19:33 - The Role of District Staff in Advocacy00:21:46 - Advice for Continued Engagement and Advocacy Learn more about Senator Lena Gonzalez https://sd33.senate.ca.gov/https://sd33.senate.ca.gov/. Learn more about ⁠the California Legislative process in my new book! Changemaker: An Insider's Guide to Getting Sh*t Done at the California Capitol is out now. Check it out at www.kbhadvocacy.com/changemaker. EPISODE SPONSOR: Arianna Z. Smith runs a boutique public affairs firm that specializes in policy writing, advocacy training, and lobbying materials.  Arianna has spent nearly 20 years in California's policy circles as legislative staff and as a consultant to statewide professional associations, progressive non-profits, and lobbying firms like mine.  I've worked with Arianna frequently.  She edited my book Changemaker, a job I entrusted her with because she understands California's legislature - and more importantly, knows how to explain the legislative process to newcomers.  Hire her for all your policy communication needs - association newsletters, lobby day training, support letters, background papers, fact sheets, talking points, and more.  Find Arianna on LinkedIn or www.ariannazsmith.com.  Remember to leave a review and connect with me on social media - @kbashamilton on Twitter and LinkedIn, @KBH_advocacy on IG! Enjoy the show! © 2024 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

    27 min
  8. 29. How to Win Votes & Influence People with guest Christina Harbridge

    09/05/2023

    29. How to Win Votes & Influence People with guest Christina Harbridge

    Have you ever given your most passionate, well rehearsed pitch for a bill during a lobby visit, only to find the lawmaker or staff barely listening? You look up to find them with eyes glazed over or worse checking their phone as you speak?  It’s happened to me and let’s just say I’ve left those meetings angry and deflated.  So what can advocates do to keep our audiences engaged and open? In this week’s podcast, I'm thrilled to introduce you to groundbreaking communicator and behavioral change expert Christina Harbridge. Christina is the founder of Allegory, Inc. a behavioral leverage company, and has spent her career "nerding out on human behavior".  A long time social justice advocate, she's served on the founding boards of Emerge America and The Bay Lights, and as a 20-year member of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization; a chair of the Global Leadership Conference, and founding EO Global Communications Chair; a past board member for the San Francisco Rotary Club Christina graciously shares her deep expertise in the art and science of influence and persuasion. Buckle up because this discussion will challenge everything you thought you knew about communications in politics. In this episode you'll learn: 2:43 - We are being taught to do things that are fake and don't work 4:37 - What is physiology and afference and why does it matter in politics? 8:10 - Rethinking our approach to storytelling 11:24 - How to get in "the zone" to perform at your best 16:04 - Be loyal to the outcome, not how you get there 19:30 - What makes a lobby visit go wrong 25:52 - Fake is not a strategy 30:14 - Why you need to embrace nuance 38:33 - You need to get out of your head ⁠For the full transcript and video⁠ - https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/politicalinfluence EPISODE RESOURCES: Learn more about Christina Harbridge at https://christinaharbridge.com Learn more about Allegory, Inc. at https://allegoryinc.com/ Connect with Christina Harbridge at https://linktr.ee/harbridge Check out these books by Christina Harbridge: "Swayed: How to Communicate for Impact" at https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/christina-harbridge/swayed/. Ranked #1 on Amazon for "Conflict" category. "Your Professionalism Is Killing You (How to Be a Better Communicator)" at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3645801-your-professionalism-is-killing-you "Afference" - New book forthcoming! EPISODE SPONSOR: ⁠My Growth Marketer⁠ is a unique integrated marketing firm with over 15 years of experience that helps you frame the narrative, influence decision-makers, and advance your policy agenda in Sacramento. 📧⁠ ⁠SUBSCRIBE ⁠TO THE BLUEPRINT FOR CALIFORNIA ADVOCATES NEWSLETTER⁠ -⁠ www.kbhadvocacy.com/subscribe⁠ Don’t miss out! Get valuable insight & advice on what it *really* takes for your advocacy campaign to succeed. 📱BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION - https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/book Are you ready to make a powerful impact in Sacramento? Book a free consultation to see how we might work together. ⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND If you are enjoying this content, be sure to leave a review and share it with your friends and colleagues. 🖥️ CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAS HAMILTON Founder of California lobbying and political consulting firm KBH Advocacy 🌐 Website: ⁠https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/⁠ 🐦 Twitter:⁠ https://twitter.com/kbashamilton⁠ 💼 LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy⁠ 🎥 YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy⁠ © 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

    44 min
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4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

You could spend ten years working the halls of the California Capitol to learn these lessons. Or you could listen to this podcast. High-value conversations with advocacy leaders and lawmakers who share their insight and tactical advice on what it takes for legislative and political campaigns to succeed. Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more at www.kbhadvocacy.com. Subscribe for more free content - https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/subscribe © 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.

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