Here it is. The #1 mistake I see advocacy organizations make on a regular basis. ➡️ Failing to claim victory! Often, leaders and communicators are so understandably exhausted after they win a legislative battle, pass a ballot measure, win in court, meet a milestone, or dominate an election that they take a break and immediately gear up for the next fight. They forget that it's VITAL to publicly reflect on the good work your team and supporters have done so far! When your goal is large-scale, world-bettering systemic change, there are going to be setbacks. That's why it's crucial to celebrate, express gratitude, and claim victory at every opportunity. 🔥 THIS is how you continuously demonstrate your value to donors and supporters. 🔥 THIS is how you keep hope alive when things get hard. If you want to build a resilient movement, celebrate, express gratitude, and claim victory loudly and publicly as often as you possibly can.
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Yes! The way to build power is to use the power you do have. And celebrating victories is part of that.
Strategist, organizer, coach, trainer, facilitator, thought partner. Advancing social justice by helping individuals, campaigns, organizations & coalitions build long-term power while reaching short-term goals.
6moMay I push back just a wee bit? I agree completely that it's tremendously important to claim victory when you have won - no matter how small the victory. You got your bill introduced? Declare victory - even if the bill is DOA. It's a step in the right direction. But... I have seen a lot of organizations declare victory in ways that misrepresent how much they had to do with that victory. I have also seen individuals do this - which is even more absurd. The takeaway? When you declare victory, be inclusive. Acknowledge the various ways in which your supporters helped to make that victory possible - and your coalition partners, too.