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!

Part of October encompasses National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15), and so I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the efforts of the Hispanic Lobbyists Association (HLA).

The HLA, founded in 2006, is a 501 (c)(6) organization whose mission is to “advance and empower Hispanic/Latino government relations and public affairs professionals by fostering mentorship and professional development opportunities.” Recognizing the importance and significance of diversifying the government relations & public affairs professions, the HLA believes that by doing so, this reflects the “changing face of America.” Membership in the Hispanic Lobbyists Association is open to all who self-identify or support the Hispanic/Latino community, and whose professional responsibilities are in the government affairs and/or public affairs fields.  In addition to mentorship and professional development, HLA members have access to all association events, as well as an opportunity to run for the association’s Board of Directors.

To Join the HLA, or to get more information, please logon to https://www.hispaniclobbyists.org/

Believe it or not, I will admit that I have three professional development opportunities taking place this month! I am finding that September is a great month to seize any opportunities that come your way for professional development, as many of us have returned back to work from vacations, the kids are likely back in school, and with three more months left in the year, it’s also a great time to add some more good stuff to your learning and connections hub!

My three professional development opportunities for September are all in-person events – which I love! There’s just something to be said about being in the room with a multitude of faces, stories, and experiences! The truth of the matter is, you never know who you may have the honor of chatting with during a professional development opportunity, so “carpe diem” at every chance! Also, have you ever considered attending a conference or other professional development event solely just to learn more about a different culture or group? No? Well, why not? I would argue that such an opportunity would be an awesome learning experience, and you’re likely to meet some people who would be more than happy to discover that you are open to the idea of embracing new and different networks!

I’m looking forward to attending the upcoming Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference, the Women in Government Relations (WGR) Leadership & Advocacy Conference, as well as the Practising Law Institute (PLI) Corporate Political Activities 2024 Event! Attending any or all of these events? Look for me and let’s connect!

Last month, I had the opportunity and pleasure once again to attend the annual retreat of a board that I joined last year. This board generally has a retreat twice per year – once in January, which is a day-long gathering, and then a slightly longer (two-night) retreat which is held during the summer and is usually somewhere just outside of Washington, DC (but still far enough that you feel like you are having an “outing” for that time!).

In addition to the goal-setting and strategic planning that occurs during these retreats, I particularly enjoy the bonding and connections that are either made or strengthened by spending this time together – especially during the away retreat!  There is something to be said for providing a safe space in a focused and hopefully less-distracting environment for discussions, collaboration, and team-building to manifest, and for relationships to develop that can last a lifetime! Retreats can also be a great way to help reinforce one’s leadership, communication, and organizational skills – impacts that most definitely can transfer positively into other areas of a person’s professional and personal life!

We are more than halfway through 2024, so it’s a great time now to think about what focused opportunities you have participated in or helped to organize for your team members this year.  It’s still not too late to get something on this year’s calendar, and/or to start thinking about opportunities for next year! Even if you are unable to do an overnight excursion somewhere, just setting aside some dedicated time to come together for a day or half day will be beneficial – let me know what plans are underway in your world!

Did you know that the very last day of July, the 31st, is observed as “Talk In An Elevator Day”? Alas, I did not either, but I just learned about this fun fact not too long ago, and I immediately thought to myself, “I need to spread the word about this!”

What immediately came to my mind thereafter was that I began to think about how we engage with each other while in an elevator. Now, granted, there is usually not a great deal of time to chat with someone while riding in an elevator, but do you at the very least give a warm smile and a friendly “Hello”? What if you find yourself in a situation where you’re on an elevator for a longer period of time (not an elevator issue, but say, for example, there are multiple floors pushed) – do you attempt to make quick chatter with your elevator mates while you’re riding? Consider this: what factors determine whether or not you will decide to engage with someone on an elevator? Is it the way they look? Is it their demeanor? Is it the fact that you’re in a hurry yourself and really can’t be bothered with small talk?  I would argue that in the world that we are living in now, most of us enter an elevator with phone in hand basically ignoring everything (and everyone) around us!

I will admit, however, that I am one of these people who will generally smile and speak to my fellow elevator mates, and every now and then, depending on how long the elevator ride is, I will strike up a very brief conversation about the weather, a coffee drink in hand, or the key cards to our respective office floors that sometimes act wonkey… These engagements always make my day just a little brighter, and so I challenge you, on “Talk In An Elevator Day”, to attempt to strike up a brief conversation with your elevator mates – you never know what connections can be made in that brief time – reach out and let me know how it goes!

I recently learned that in the month of June, the 18th is designated as International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Officially established by the United Nations General Assembly via Resolution A/RES/75/309 in 2021, the first observance of this day occurred the following year in 2022 and was established to raise awareness about the dangers of hate speech to, “…human rights, democracy, and the rule of law” (daysoftheyear.com).

Given the state of the world today, how fitting it is for me to learn about this day now! As someone who is a lover and studier of words, I, myself, am very cognizant of how I verbally show up, not only in person, but online as well. We all recognize that words matter – and they can hurt! Let us take a moment to turn down the temperature in our rhetoric and strive to do as much as we can to contribute to democracy and a civil society.

In order to observe International Day for Countering Hate Speech, the United Nations “invites governments, international organizations, civil society groups, and individuals to hold events and initiatives promoting strategies to identify, address and counter hate speech.” Below are some ideas from daysoftheyear.com that can help promote this effort:

•      Educate yourself and others

•      Participate in workshops

•      Support affected individuals

•      Promote positive speech online

•      Engage in public discussions

•      Report hate speech

•      Create awareness materials

•      Join global movements

Hate speech can be deadly! Let’s all do our part to help spread love, positivity, and encouragement – one word at a time!

Every June, the United Nations leads the world in celebrating World Environment Day. People from more than 150 countries participate and coordinate events every year. At State and Federal Communications, Inc., we want to do our part to protect the environment. In our efforts, we focus recycling and sustainability, as well as supporting community partners in their sustainability efforts.

Recycling and sustainability:

We focus on four areas of recycling: single-use packaging, paper and cardboard, electronic waste, and fluorescent bulbs.

In 2017, we started working with the city of Akron and Downtown Akron Partnership as part of their single-stream recycling program. This makes it much easier to recycle single-use containers, like plastic bottles and aluminum cans, and boxes to prevent them from going to landfills. We have also worked with Weaver Industries, based in Akron, for their SecurShred services to shred, then recycle, all business paper. Additionally, the city of Akron collects flattened cardboard and processes it at a local facility.

Because electronic waste and fluorescent bulbs are toxic when buried in landfills, our policy is to upgrade all failed fluorescent bulbs or fixtures to LED. We also recycle all e-waste (computers, monitors, cables, batteries, and small electronic items) at a facility in Hudson, Ohio, who handles and disposes of them properly.

In 2023, we recycled:

• 1,141 lbs. (.571 tons) of e-waste
• 6,233 lbs. (3.117 tons) of paper
• 48 lbs. of fluorescent bulbs

This resulted in a total of 7,411 lbs. (3.711 tons) of materials recycled.

Community partnerships:

We’d be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge that access to environmentally sustainable options is not equitable and the results of environmental injustices harming communities not only in our own city, but all over the world.

Through our Corporate Social Responsibility and DEI efforts, we support organizations that are working to bridge these gaps.

We began working with the Akron Zoo in September 2019. By bringing aluminum cans to the Akron Zoo’s collection center, they can recycle them and send the money to the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, which helps plant trees in the Brazilian rainforest. In 2023 alone, we collected 3,443 cans, resulting in 68 trees planted in the Brazilian rainforest.

We have also been long-time supporters of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, which plays a critical role in local sustainability. Through a variety of programs, they rescue food that would otherwise go to waste to feed families facing hunger. Some of these programs are Direct Distribution, Community Harvest and Starbucks Foodshare programs, the agency direct pickup program.

These are just a couple of the organizations that we support in their missions to protect our planet and our neighbors. With our focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, in conjunction with our commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, we aim to do our part in supporting our community and our planet.

Earlier this year, I attended a lecture about lobbying that was held here in Washington, DC at the Institute of World Politics. The lecturer spoke about the fundamentals of lobbying, and also about how one can lobby on a variety of different issues (not just on tobacco, gun rights, or gaming, which I believe are some of the issues that seem to draw a lot of angst from people).  When this reality is communicated, oftentimes, a lightbulb goes off in one’s brain and they begin to think, “Okay, this might not be so bad after all?”  This exchange (whether real or imagined) always makes me think about how the “real deal” on lobbying needs to continuously be articulated. I then ask myself, “What are YOU doing to contribute to the ‘right’ narrative?”

One of the best things about working on compliance and DEI issues for State and Federal Communications is the variety of people that I get to meet on any given day, and tell them about what I do and about the lobbying profession in general. One of the best conversations I like to have is when I get the chance to converse with the college & university students!  Many of them already have their thought-paths carved out, and that leads them many times to wanting to say in the Washington, DC area after graduation to prepare for their first lobbying job. I say, however, that the pipeline to lobbying needs to begin even at the high school level; The earlier students know about the lobbying profession and the impact they could have, the better!  Students of color and other underrepresented groups, in particular, need to be aware that they can enter the world of lobbying, and strive to make a difference for themselves, their clients and their communities…

I ask you to commit this month to spreading the word about lobbying – you never know whose curious mind you might influence to take that lobbying leap!

Spring is finally here! Daylight is making a much longer appearance now, warmer weather will hopefully become more consistent, and people have already started thinking seriously about spring and summer vacation plans!

This season, I am also reminding myself that civil discourse never goes out of style! It is still okay to disagree with someone respectfully and remember that they are first and foremost human beings.

Diverse viewpoints matter and can make for a healthy dialogue and debate! Let’s, however, do remember to maintain respect and civility – lessons to which (with less than eight months away now from Election Day) we all can take heed!

Happy Connecting!

Gamble

March is always a great month for me! Not only is it the month of my birth, but it’s also the month that boasts the arrival of Spring and the observance of National Women’s History Month!

I want to shine a light on the first woman ever to be elected to the United States Congress — Jeannette Rankin! Rankin, a Montana politician and a lifelong pacifist, was elected to Congress in 1916, and went on to become an influential leader in the women’s suffrage movement. While serving in Congress, Rankin was the only member to cast a vote against participation in both world wars, and in 1968, Jeannette Rankin led a protest march in Washington, DC. The “Jeannette Rankin Peace Brigade” consisted of some “…5,000 feminists, pacifists, radicals, and students” to protest the Vietnam War. Rankin died in 1973 at the age of 72, and at the time of her death, she was considering another run for Congress (again, in protest of the Vietnam War).

I encourage you to read more about the life of Jeannette Rankin, as well as to research other powerful women who deserve to be recognized and whose stories need to be told!  Wishing you a wonderful, enlightening March!

We are now into the month of February, a month that arguably is considered by many to be thought of as the month of Love! While I may agree with this notion as it relates to familial or romantic love, I also believe that February can also be the month where we begin to focus on L.O.V.E. as it relates to: Laughter; Opportunity; Voice; and Exchange.

LAUGHTER — I personally seek out every chance to break out into a hearty laugh! Laughter (when used appropriately) can relieve stress, break the ice in a seemingly tense situation, and just all around makes us feel good! Remind yourself to share a good laugh with someone, or even just laugh with (or at) yourself!

OPPORTUNITY — Take advantage of every one that comes your way! Whether this be attending a professional development conference, taking on a greater job role, or joining a committee or board, you never know what greatness will come from the chance for you to strengthen your skills and build stronger relationships.

VOICE – Be sure to allow your voice to be heard! Speak up and contribute during meetings and make sure that you are showing up for others. Allyship is still in style, so be sure to let someone know how much you value and support them!

EXCHANGE – In today’s polarizing world, an exchange of ideas amongst people can quickly escalate into a volatile situation. This noted, I still welcome opportunities to engage in dialogue with people who do not always look or think like me! I can always learn something new from someone, and to me, it is still one of the best ways to foster a connection, so why not seize these moments and discover how much you really may have in common with someone you at one time considered as “the other”?

I wish you all of the best this L.O.V.E. month – go forth and progress!

The new year has now arrived, and I am already too excited about the learning, development, and engagement opportunities that may come my way in 2024! In relation to engagement, I have been thinking about ways that I can continue to build even stronger and more meaningful connections with people this year, because let’s face it, in such a time as is the current state of our nation, cherishing connections with your family, friends, colleagues, and your community (as well as fostering new connections) is as important now as ever before!

I have been thinking about some different ways I can strengthen my connections portfolio, and I stumbled upon an online article by Dex which focuses on the “10 Sure-fire Ways to Build Life Lasting Personal Connections”.  The article featured the following great tips (you’ll have to read the article to get the inside specifics!) for building and strengthening meaningful connections:

1. Have a Wide Scope
2. Engage Repeatedly
3. Give Back
4. Develop your Listening
5. Remember Names
6. Stay Put
7. Don’t Forget to Look Up
8. Show Up
9. Keep Your Promises
10. Be Authentic

As you can tell, making, strengthening, and keeping meaningful connections takes some effort and intentionality, but the rewards will be totally worth it! I am looking forward to diving in and seeing how many of these tips I can put into action right away! Please do let me know how your journey to greater connecting is coming along – and a Happy New Year to you!

State and Federal Communications works to create, implement, and sustain a culture of DEI by incorporating practices into the company’s leadership activity, dialogue, hiring, policies, and communications. Learn more about our commitment at https://stateandfed.com/diversity-equity-and-inclusion/. 

The Season of Holidays is upon us now, and that means many people are feeling anxiety about family gatherings where the conversations may easily turn to discussions surrounding the “P” word (politics). The old adage of politics being one of the topics never to be brought up for discussion has all but vanished in today’s times, and so inevitably, you may find yourself at the dinner table in a heated exchange with another family member whose political thoughts, feelings, and ideologies are vastly different than yours. I urge you, however, not to abandon the conversation and run for the nearest exit!

Make a commitment to yourself, instead, to further engage your fellow conversationalist by asking questions and participating in active listening; see if you can put yourself in the other person’s shoes and perhaps understand their point of view. To be clear, however, I am in no way advocating for you to subject yourself to someone whose rhetoric is either physically, mentally, or emotionally harmful (some people you will never agree with and that’s just the way it is!). I am simply suggesting that just because someone’s point of view is different from yours, does not necessarily mean that there aren’t areas where you can empathize or maybe find some common ground.

Try this out during your dinner table conversations and make notes to yourself on the highlights, challenges, and opportunities for growth that you could leverage in preparation for future conversations. Feel free to drop me a line and let me know your thoughts! I wish you a very happy, healthy, safe, productive, and unifying holiday Season!