While an organization’s ability to deliver its own messages on a policy or regulatory issue is critical to achieving success, more and more winning efforts depend heavily on bringing allied voices into the mix. Support from ally groups and key individuals – delivered with credibility, passion and conviction – can have a tremendous influence on the media and government officials at all levels. It helps “cut through the clutter” of other issue advocacy campaigns.
Moreover, allied voices have a tendency to multiply. When one respected ally speaks up, the chances increase that more will follow.
B&D Consul ting’s extensive background in national, state, and local electoral politics and media relations makes us keenly aware of sensitivities surrounding the use of allied spokespeople in high stakes situations – from legislative and regulatory battles to litigation and crisis communications. Our professionals are skilled at identifying, recruiting and activating ally groups, community leaders, and individual stakeholders in all U.S. states and territories. They help clients choose advocates who are leaders and whose presence will resonate with target audiences.
Over the years, B&D Consulting professionals have recruited both paid and volunteer experts to serve as spokespeople for our clients. For instance, we regularly bring on board technical, academic, environmental and public health experts to carry client messages.
Our professionals have exceptionally strong ties to the communities where the most effective allied spokespeople can be found. Depending on the situation, they may draw upon individuals or coalitions from the ranks of:
- Community leaders;
- Corporate CEOs and senior managers;
- Trade organizations;
- Elected officials;
- Chambers of commerce;
- State and local minority interest groups;
- Seniors;
- Civic organizations;
- Healthcare and environmental leaders;
- Educators; and
- Organized labor.
These allies can be strong advocates in media outreach, meetings with key decision makers and contact with regulators and legislators. Once they have agreed to support our client on a specific issue, we prepare them for engagement in a number of outreach activities, including:
- Letters-to-the-editor;
- Editorial board meetings;
- Meetings with governors, regulators and legislators;
- Earned media;
- Open letters;
- Public testimony;
- Petitions;
- Town hall meetings;
- Conducting expert studies;
- Mobilizing large constituencies;
- Staging news conferences;
- Preparing and placing issue or product advertising; and
- Sponsoring public policy/litigation mitigation forums.