Add a Special Touch to Your Network

December is upon us now and the holiday season is in full swing! I am sure that many will agree with me that 2025 has been exceptionally challenging – to say the least… It has been a lot of job chaos, confusion and loss; mental health challenges; deaths – all of these things (and so much more) have tested our resolve and our ability to keep our heads above water. The holidays, in general, can already be troublesome for so many, and then add in the challenges of this year in particular, and some people can find themselves even more scared, frustrated, overwhelmed and feeling helpless.

I mention all of this because I have made a vow to myself to make sure that I reach out to my network even more so this holiday season just to connect, to check in and to offer some kind words. You never know what someone is going through, and I am hopeful that my outreach can make even just a small bit of difference in their day! There are a number of folks on my outreach radar for this month, and I am looking forward to also scheduling some lunches and coffee catchups, in addition to attending the multitude of Holiday receptions that are on my radar — because you know I love a good outing!

I wish you a fantastic and safe holiday season, and I am looking forward to catching up with many of you during this month!

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It’s November! The 11th month of the year – the fall sounds, smells, tastes, and activities are in full swing, and I am continuing to take full advantage of great opportunities that come my way!

One of the great opportunities that I am referring to is this year’s Public Affairs Council (PAC) STRIDE Social Impact Summit (STRIDE Summit) – which is always a fav! This year’s STRIDE Summit will take place on Thursday, November 13th and will be held virtually, though I have no doubt that the content and speakers will be as rich as the in-person STRIDE Summits have been in the past! If you’re not familiar with the PAC STRIDE Summit, the program focuses primarily on issues related to: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI); Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR); Civic Engagement; Corporate Philanthropy and Community/Stakeholder Engagement. If I’m recalling correctly (hey, don’t judge me!), this will be my 3rd PAC STRIDE Summit, and I’m so looking forward to diving in virtually, and not only to see my friends who work in these content spaces, but also the opportunity to soak up all of the timely and relevant information to come!

Will you be attending the PAC STRIDE Summit with me this year? I look forward to seeing you on November 13th! For more information and to register, please click the link – Public Affairs Council (PAC) STRIDE Social Impact Summit (STRIDE Summit)

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October 22nd observes, among other things, Unity Day. This day was started in October 2011 by the Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center and happens to be the signature event of National Bullying Prevention Month (also observed in October). Unity Day was originally founded to show support for students who have been bullied and for bullying prevention. It is a day to come together and “send a visible message of building community through kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.” You can imagine that when I found out about Unity Day, I for one was thrilled that such a day existed, especially given the strange and un-empathetic times in which we are currently living!

Since its inception, Unity Day has been observed here in the United States and around the world. Those observing are asked to wear and share the color orange, chosen for its vibrancy and considered “a conversation starter.” Although initially founded to show support for students, adults can very well take lessons from Unity Day’s campaign – a great way to foster inclusion, togetherness, and compassion! Interested in knowing how you can get involved and observe Unity Day? Here are some great resources below:

Why Unity Day?

How You Can Get Involved

Order Unity Day Items

Any chance for me to make the world a better place, I’m definitely all for it! – Let’s all recognize Unity Day on October 22nd and spread the word!

gamble

September is Self-Improvement Month – how about putting some professional development opportunities on your radar?!

I am excited to note that I have three conferences that I am attending in September: Women in Government Relations’ (WGR) Leadership & Advocacy Conference; The National Black Professional Lobbyist Association’s (NBPLA) Annual Meeting; and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference. Needless to say, I will be getting my fill of great learning opportunities during this month! I will admit that I am fortunate to have a CEO who supports professional development and is always presenting opportunities for us to take advantage! Every year, she even invites first-year employees to accompany her to the Public Affairs Council’s (PAC) Government Relations and Policy Conference, held each year here in Washington, DC (also in September).

I recognize, however, that many employees are not as fortunate as I am… Either their leadership does not really care about professional development, or departmental budgets are so tight that there is no room left for paying to attend conferences. In these instances, I would advise employees to find professional development opportunities for themselves that are of little to no cost, and to also take advantage of conferences that offer scholarship options to cover the cost of registration fees. In addition, for those organizations that can provide for their employees’ professional development, consider “paying it forward” by providing a little extra funding to the conference-hosting organization so that they may help cover the registration fees for those with financial need.

If you will be in Washington, DC this month and also moving along the conference circuit, let me know where you’ll be so we can connect – I wish you a very fulfilling Self-Improvement Month!

gamble

One of the many great things that has occurred over my 10+ year tenure here at State and Federal Communications is the great friendships that I have developed over this time!

I have clients who have evolved into friends, and I also have the many wonderful friendships that I have made by way of my involvement with organizations such as: Women in Government Relations (WGR); State Government Affairs Council (SGAC); Public Affairs Council (PAC); National Association of Business Political Action Committees (NABPAC); National Institute of Lobbying and Ethics (NILE); and the National Black Professional Lobbyists Association (NBPLA). Organizations such as these (and others like these that are also doing amazing work!) help to foster not only opportunities for professional development, but also for mentorship, collaboration, and connection to an amazing group of Government Affairs professionals who will sing your praises and “have your back”, but whom will also not be afraid to challenge you or to let you know when you need to make right on a situation!

This month, in honor of National Friendship Day, which took place this year on Sunday, August 3rd, I want to recognize all of my wonderful friends, and in particular, my fantastic Government Affairs buddies! For the breakfasts, lunches, and coffees that we schedule so we can finally catch up; For the laughs that we share and the pics that we snap at the local events; and for the amazing time well spent while we’re on the Conference circuit together. Thank you for letting me a part of your world because you all have made such a difference in mine!

gamble

Looking for something cool to do this month? How about participating in Global Forgiveness Day on July 7th? I can’t believe that I am just finding out now about this observance!
Global Forgiveness Day (formerly National Forgiveness Day) has an interesting timeline that led up to its founding. Noting that the concept of forgiveness had been (and still is) prevalent in many religions around the globe, its idea and principles began to peak the interest of scientists around 1962, who began to study forgiveness and its impact on human well-being. “What they found was that forgiveness was a process. Multiple researchers developed models of forgiveness … that would allow people to improve their ability to forgive. Later studies even attempted to understand the relationship between forgiveness and justice …” GLOBAL FORGIVENESS DAY – July 7, 2025 – National Today
An example of forgiveness came in 1962 when a Japanese fighter pilot asked for and was granted forgiveness by the townspeople of Brookings, Oregon, for bombing the west coast of the United States over Oregon during World War II. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the late Pope John Paul II publicly forgave the man who tried to assassinate him. “The Christian Embassy of Christ’s Ambassadors (CECA) founded National Forgiveness Day in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada … As this day gained prominence throughout the world, it was renamed Global Forgiveness Day.” GLOBAL FORGIVENESS DAY – July 7, 2025 – National Today
On July 7th, take some time to think about someone who may have wronged you in the past and make a conscious effort to forgive them! Don’t forget to also include yourself and offer yourself some forgiveness as well! For more information on Global Forgiveness Day, visit the website featured in this blog.

Gamble

We are now more than halfway through June, and the official start of summer is just a couple of days away! June is a special month in which we celebrate the men in our lives, not only with Father’s Day, but also as Men’s Health Month — what better time than this month to provide a little extra love and support to the men (and those who identify as men) in our lives!

Summer is a time of greater activity for many of us, whether it is mowing the lawn or getting more physically active with sports and enjoying the great outdoors. This is wonderful for the spirit and can be great for the body, but it can also produce additional strain, which means we need to be more mindful of our health needs. Now is a great time to start thinking about prioritizing our health and the health of those we love in our lives.

In observance of Men’s Health Month and Father’s Day, let’s remind our dads (and all of the men in our circles) to make both their physical and mental health a priority! Remind them to get those important health screenings done, and to not be afraid to ask for, and to seek out, supportive mental health services.

Here’s to a very happy, safe, and fulfilling June!

Gamble

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The month of May is a highlight for so many reasons, but for this year, I am also thrilled to highlight Small Business Month (SBM)! SBM will be recognized all May, and I for one am looking forward to showing some extra support (and love) to these great workers!

In particular, I would like to recognize all of the government affairs, public affairs, communications, advocacy and lobbying firms that are representing the interests of their organizations and their clients each and every day! These folks continue to “show up” seeking (and ready) to make a difference — oftentimes, if I may so boldly add, with limited staff power, encouragement and resources…

Of course, I can’t recognize small businesses without giving a special “shout out” to this organization that I’ve been a part of for the past 10 years – State and Federal Communications! Led by President and CEO Elizabeth Bartz, State and Federal Communications continues to strive for excellence in everything that we do – and in particular, with the continuing commitment and level of service that we provide to our wonderful clients! I invite you to check out our website, then reach out and let us know how we can help you with your compliance needs!

Please take some time to visit your favorite small businesses during SBM and let them know just how tremendously loved and valued they are! For more information in general on SBM and some of the week’s activities, logon to https://www.uschamber.com/co/small-business-month

Gamble

One of the many reasons why I love writing every month for our Compliance Now is because I love sharing all of the great information and resources that come my way, and so what a treat it is for me to share with you that I stumbled upon Global Pay It Forward Day!

Global Pay It Forward Day is recognized each year on April 28th and is in honor and recognition of all the good deeds that have come a person’s way, giving that person the opportunity on April 28th to “pay it forward.” Global Pay It Forward Day is observed in over 80 countries (including the United States), and the idea [of the day] is “Whenever we are shown kindness, this concept encourages us to pay it forward by showing kindness to others, and they are to do the same…ultimately leading to a selfless ripple of kindness”. [nationaltoday.com/global-pay-it-forward-day] The phrase “Pay It Forward” was first devised by author Lily Hardy Hammond in her book, “In the Garden of Delight” and was later made popular in author Robert Heinlein’s novel “Between Planets.” In addition, the “pay it forward” concept appeared in the novel by the same name written by Catherine Ryan Hyde – the book went on to be a best-seller and was the foundation on which Global Pay It Forward Day was established (international speaker and author Blake Beattie was inspired by Hyde’s book to create the day in 2007).

I, for one, am looking forward to observing Global Pay It Forward Day on April 28th! If you are looking for some ideas on how to observe the day, please check out these Global Pay It Forward Day activities, which I pulled from their website:

• Perform Random Acts of Kindness
• Give a Random Compliment
• Sign up for Volunteer Work

However you decide to observe Global Pay It Forward Day, I invite you to “pay it forward” not only on April 28th, but all year long – a little kindness really does go a long, long way!

One of the great things I love about March (outside of it being the start of Spring and of course the birthday month of yours truly!) is that this is the month that also observes International Women’s Day (IWD) [March 8, 2025].

Each year, there is a theme that is centered around each International Women’s Day observance, and I absolutely love the theme for this year – Accelerate Action! Accelerate Action “emphasizes the importance of taking swift and decisive steps to achieve gender equality.” The Accelerate Action focus is to address systemic barriers and biases that women face in both their professional and personal spaces.

Accelerate Action is also a call for everyone to utilize strategies, resources, and activities that positively impact women’s advancement, and to “support and elevate their implementation.” IWD’s website includes several ways to #AccelerateAction such as: Support[ing] the Supporters; calling out stereotypes and discrimination; and celebrating women’s success. In addition, I am excited about striking the #AccelerateAction pose in my show of solidarity, I would love for you to join me in this effort!

For more information on International Women’s Day 2025 and the #AccelerateAction campaign, please visit the IWD’s website.

– Gamble

Are you one of those people who, at the turn of the new year, already has your list of resolutions crafted so that you can get a jump on a better “you” – only to have those same resolutions fall by the waist side a few weeks later into January? (No judgement here) Well, did you know that one of February’s observances is recognized as National Self-Check Month?

National Self-Check Month was created to highlight the importance of self-care and participating in behaviors that promote wellness and help to prevent certain health conditions, in addition to maintaining a self-care routine particularly during an illness.  While its original design is focused on health and wellness, my thought is that we could easily extend the focus of this observance to include checking in with yourself and those in your circle on your 2025 resolutions and goals and maybe plan some time to do a “reset and refocus” to get everyone back on track and motivated again! After all, it is NEVER too late for a re-start!

The other great thing about checking in with others is that it’s also a great way to hold each other accountable and provide continued encouragement and support – who will you check in with this month?

Gamble

Welcome to 2025! The beginning of a new year always brings with it the possibilities of a fresh start, a renewed perspective, and a “to do” list – and trust me, 2025 will be no exception!

One of the things that I am looking forward to doing this year is continuing to obtain greater knowledge and understanding as it relates to issues of diversity, equity and, inclusion (DEI). There are a number of people out here doing amazing work in the DEI space, and I plan to tap into their wisdom as much as possible! I plan to make new connections, seek out new learning opportunities, and re-commit to doing whatever I can to help counter the anti-DEI narrative.

I mentioned to someone the other day that those of us who are passionate about DEI  need to continue to spread the word about DEI being more than just about matters involving race and gender. While both race and gender are very important to the DEI conversation, for me, DEI encompasses everything that makes a person who they are – “their background, their lived experiences, their stories. These and so many other factors  are what helped to shape us and to make us the people we are today!”

I invite you to commit to seeking out new connections and new learning opportunities – and new ways of talking about DEI in 2025! I also invite you to share your DEI story with someone new to your circle (and invite them to do the same)!

Wishing you a very happy and fulfilling New Year!

I just recently found that, in addition to many other holidays and observances that occur in December, it is also “Write To A Friend Month”!

I immediately thought to myself, “What a great time of the year to reach out to those friends I have been meaning to catch up with, and check in to see how they’re doing and re-connect!” Let’s face it – it’s been a rough year for a number of our friends (and some of ourselves). Reaching and re-establishing connections is a great mental health booster for you, and hopefully, it will also bring a little joy to the person on the receiving end of your outreach!

With the holiday season in full swing, adding re-connecting with friends should be essential on your to do list! Is there a friend whom you’ve recently thought about, wondering what they’ve been up to? Well, stop what you’re doing right now and reach out to them (or add this to your list of things to take care of asap)! We have been busy all year working and taking care of family and other obligations, why not take a little break now in the final month of 2024 to write a nice letter or email to a friend, or better yet, pick up the phone and give them a call?  How about scheduling some social time with them, like a coffee outing or lunch?  These are definitely on my radar for this month!

I wish you all a very happy, safe, and fulfilling holiday season!

As we are closely approaching what is arguably one of the most important elections in our lifetime, in addition to the Thanksgiving Holiday observance, I wanted to take this opportunity to do a bit of reflection on some things that I am especially grateful for:

(1) Living in a country where its occupants represent a multitude of diverse backgrounds, cultures and interests, and whose stories all deserve to be told.

(2) Being able to exercise a right which so many people have died for – the right to vote and allow my voice to be heard.

(3) Acknowledging that I can agreeably “disagree” with someone and still be able to call them a friend.

(4) Having a job that I truly enjoy which inspires me to raise the bar on myself and embrace one of my many roles as a connector.

(5) Recognizing that there are always opportunities in life to “do better and be better”, so when you get it wrong the first time, know that it’s ok!

I hope during this eleventh month of the year, you make it a powerful one — by voting AND remembering those people, places, things, and ideas that you are grateful for!  Please feel free to reach out and share your November reflections!