Blueprint for California Advocates
By Kristina Bas Hamilton
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 - www.kbhadvocacy.com/subscribe
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
Blueprint for California AdvocatesMar 02, 2022
34. How to work with Celebrity Advocates with guest Earl Dos Santos
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
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🗣️ CONNECT WITH KRISTINA BAS HAMILTON
Website: www.kbhadvocacy.com/
Twitter: twitter.com/kbashamilton
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/
IG: www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy
© 2024 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
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
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⭐ 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.
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
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⭐ 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.
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.
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📱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.
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 Responsibilities
00:09:33 - Importance of Advocate Letters and Communication
00:10:45 - Committee Consultants and Their Role
00:13:08 - Last-Minute Advocacy and Committee Decisions
00:14:35 - Utilizing Social Media for Advocacy
00:15:48 - The Impact of Sample Messaging and Personalization
00:17:43 - The Dynamics of 'Rolling the Chair'
00:18:24 - The Importance of Advocacy and Community Engagement
00:19:33 - The Role of District Staff in Advocacy
00:21:46 - 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.
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.
28: Narrative change is how we win with guest Michael Tubbs
I had the great fortune recently to speak with Michael Tubbs, former Mayor of Stockton and Founder of End Poverty in California (EPIC) and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income. Mayor Tubbs is also currently serving as Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity to Governor Gavin Newsom.
In today's episode, we discuss why and how advocates must focus on narrative change as a key yet often missing component of campaigns for policy and political change.
Storytelling is how we make sense of the world. Our laws and policies are products of the stories lawmakers believe about how social problems came to be.
My #1 takeaway:
As advocates, we must use every opportunity - and create new opportunities - to radically uplift narratives missing from our dominant paradigm, i.e. the dominant storylines that pervade our culture. Over time, this creates space for real change. As Mayor Tubbs explains, “an accurate story will lead us to more accurate solutions”.
In this episode you’ll learn:
2:20 - Our stories don’t often match reality 6:00 - Government is just people making decisions 7:40 - Why advocates need to change the narrative 10:40 - Change through Pop culture 12:44 - Here’s how we flip the script 17:38 - Engaging with showrunners and writers 20:27 - Why orgs need to invest in communications and PR 24:11 - Telling more accurate stories will lead to more accurate solutions
Click here for the full transcript and video: www.kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/michael-tubbs
EPISODE RESOURCES: Watch the Mayors for a Guaranteed Income Feature-Length Documentary - “It’s Basic” at https://www.mayorsforagi.org/tour
Check out the End Poverty In California (EPIC) Documentary – “Poverty and Power” at https://endpovertyinca.org/povertyandpower/
National Domestic Workers Alliance - https://www.domesticworkers.org/
Task Force to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Final Report - https://oag.ca.gov/ab3121/report 📧 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 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.
27: “If you’re uncomfortable it means you’re growing”: Lessons for women who want to lead with guest Libby Schaaf
On the 1 year anniversary of the devastating US Supreme Court Dobbs decision, which overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, I have the honor to speak with Libby Schaaf, former two term mayor of Oakland and interim executive director of Emerge California.
We discuss her journey to public office, why we need to elect more pro-choice women into all levels of government, and what it really means for women to "step into your own power".
In this episode you’ll learn:
2:20 - How Emerge California is nurturing the next generation of CA leaders
8:00 - How we fight back after the Dobbs decision
10:52 - If you’re uncomfortable it means you’re growing
14:44 - Don’t agonize, organize
17:47 - How to breakthrough to reach legislators
22:19 - Set your sights on local office
28:42 - One last piece of advice
Click here for video and to read the blog post
EPISODE RESOURCES:
https://timothysnyder.org/on-tyranny
📧 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLUEPRINT FOR CALIFORNIA ADVOCATES NEWSLETTER
Get valuable insight & advice on what it *really* takes for your advocacy campaign to succeed.
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 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
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXUzqjDz0RWXOEUo1PTQuXQ/videos
© 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
26: Going into the #CABudget May Revision 2023: What you need to know
The most anticipated - and dreaded - event of this year's #CABudget process is on the horizon - the Governor's "May Revision" 😱
This is an annual event in which the Governor updates his January budget proposal to account for updated revenue estimates and economic
conditions.
For FY 23-24, it is almost certain advocates will face far worse proposed reductions to hard fought investments in
services and programs from past years.
Join Anthony Wright, Executive Director of Health Access CA, Scott Graves from the California Budget & Policy Center, Dante Golden, former #CALeg staffer now with the San Diego Housing Federation, and I for *real talk* with time for Q&A on what advocates need to know.
Recorded Live on Twitter Spaces on May 10, 2023.
📧SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLUEPRINT FOR CALIFORNIA ADVOCATES NEWSLETTER 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 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 Mastodon: @kbashamilton@union.place 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy/?hl=en 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy © 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
25: Inside the First 100 Days in Office with Assemblymember Damon Connolly
I had the pleasure of sitting down with Assemblymember Damon Connolly, who represents California's 12th Assembly District, for a spirited conversation recapping his first 100 days in office.
Elected to the Assembly in November 2022, Connolly is one of 34 new members of the California Legislature.
This is a record number and that turnover will only increase in the next few years. An additional 24 seats will open in 2024 and, according to Close the Gap California, by 2028 a “Motherlode” of 96 seats will have changed hands!
In today’s episode, we delve into Assemblymember Connolly’s first few months in the California Assembly. Our conversation takes you from his 18-year background in local government to the intricate world of Sacramento politics.
We discuss the learning curve all new members face when they arrive at the Capitol as they learn to navigate the complexity of the California’s legislative process to make good on campaign promises. In this episode you’ll learn about:
04:11 — The learning curve for new members 06:30 — How to use your facetime with members wisely 09:59 — The whirlwind aftermath of the November election 11:58 — Super majority caucus dynamics 17:57 — The fight to pass SBx1 2 (Skinner) 23:29 — Navigating the budget process as a new member 31:53 — Final Advice for advocates MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Senate Bill (SB)X1 2 (Skinner) Price gouging at the pump? Oil firms will have to pay up for higher prices Basic Brown: My Life and Our Times Willie Brown: A Biography A Rage for Justice: The Passion and Politics of Phillip Burton Big Daddy: Jesse Unruh and the Art of Power Politics Click here for the full transcript and video: https://kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/damon-connolly
📧SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLUEPRINT FOR CALIFORNIA ADVOCATES 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 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 Mastodon: @kbashamilton@union.place 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy/?hl=en 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy © 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
24. Trans joy is an act of resistance with guests Evan Minton and Rainer Apostol
Today begins Transgender Week of Visibility and to celebrate I am sharing this special episode with guests Evan Minton and Rainer Apostol. Evan (he/they) is a nationally recognized transgender advocate whose fight for gender-affirming healthcare reached the U.S. Supreme Court. He is a national co-Chair of the Transgender Advisory Committee of the Democratic National Committee and also serves as co-Chair of the Lt. Governor’s Transgender Advisory Council. Rainer (they/them) is a legislative aide in the California Senate with a passion for advocating for LGBTQ+ communities. They served last year as the Fellows Liaison on the LGBTQ Staff Association Board. Transgender Visibility is more important than ever as 420 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced so far this year in state legislatures across the nation. This is a record number, many particularly targeting transgender youth. To learn more about Transgender Visibility and how you can celebrate, check out this toolkit. You can download graphics and messaging to use on social media and more. Click here for the full transcript and video: https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/transgender-week-of-visibility 📧 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 © 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
23: Fighting Back Against Corporate Greed with guest Tia Orr
If you want to understand the landscape of politics and policy-making at the California Capitol, it's hard to underestimate the role of Labor.
In today's episode, I have the honor to speak with Tia Orr, Executive Director of SEIU California, one of the largest labor unions in the state. SEIU represents over 700,000 workers in both the public and private sectors.
Tia and I dive into the historic power struggle between corporations and workers and the role of unions in combating unchecked corporate greed.
From last year’s fight to pass #AB257 (Holden), historic legislation giving fast food workers the power to negotiate, to combating the manipulation of the referendum process, we discuss the ongoing struggle of low-wage workers for dignity and fairness in the workplace.
We discuss:
03:02 — Two of the Most Important Bills Passed in 2022, Blocked
05:12 — Our Referendum Process is Rigged
07:47 — Spending Millions to Profit Billions
08:30 — Pitting the Consumer Against the Low-Wage Workers
10:23 — We Will Never Be Able to Compete Dollar for Dollar
15:00 — Why Do We Need a Union? Because Everyone Else is Organized Too
17:24 — How the SEIU is Organized
20:00 — Where Do You Start? With Your Local Central Labor Councils
23:07 — Collective Power is how we win
Click here for the full transcript and video: https://kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/corporate-greed
RESOURCES MENTIONED
SEIU California: https://seiuca.org/
Pro-oil petition drive in California under question: https://apnews.com/article/california-oakland-climate-and-environment-b82cbdbb89b89890ccf24227c0493c15
California union alleges that fast-food effort to block new labor law is ‘willfully misleading voters’: https://www.latimes.com/business/story/2022-10-27/california-union-seiu-alleges-fast-food-industry-making-false-claims-to-block-ab-257-labor-law
📧 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
Mastodon: @kbashamilton@union.place
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy/?hl=en
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy
© 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
22: Inside the Campaign That Broke the Rules and Made History with guest Jane Nguyen
If Kenneth Mejia’s groundbreaking campaign for Los Angeles City Controller isn’t on your radar it needs to be.
In November 2022, Mejia made history by becoming the first Asian American elected to citywide office in LA. Not only did he win in the second-largest city in the United States, but he also did it in a landslide — earning just over 63% of the vote.
So how’d he do it?
Meet his campaign manager, Jane Nguyen.
A long-time LA housing rights activist, Nguyen had no prior experience in electoral politics before she took the helm and helped make history.
As she explains, the campaign ignored much of the traditional campaign playbook, choosing instead to introduce Mejia to voters as authentically as possible with value-added messages that focused on communities often ignored by political candidates.
Episode breakdown:
02:22 — From activism to Chief of Staff for the Los Angeles City Controller
04:23 — Ditch the rule book
06:24 — Fundraising strategy
08:32 — People want authenticity
10:58 — Don’t sleep on TikTok
14:20 — Messaging that adds value
18:16 — Personalize, personalize, personalize
21:12 — Celebrating a historical win
24:08 — What winning a campaign really comes down to
Click here for the full transcript and video: https://kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/campaign-history
📚RESOURCES MENTIONED
Find Jane Nguyen on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theglowingstars
City Controller Mejia on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LAController
LA Time Endorsement: https://www.latimes.com/opinion/story/2022-10-10/endorsement-kenneth-mejia-city-controller
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⭐ LEAVE A REVIEW AND SHARE IT WITH A FRIEND
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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
Mastodon: @kbashamilton@union.place
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy/?hl=en
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@kbh_advocacy
© 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
21: How You Can Partner With the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls with guest Lauren Babb
I'm happy to share today my excellent conversation with Lauren Babb. Lauren is the chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. She is a change-maker and community leader. Last year, she was recognized as one of four black policy movers and shakers by the Women's Foundation.
Lauren shares the amazing work that the Commission has accomplished around the state and her vision for the future. She highlights resources and opportunities from the Commission now available for grassroots organizations that serve women and girls, including grants and youth leadership development.
There's a ton of information in today's episode. I encourage you to take notes and spread the word.
02:20 — What is The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls
04:04 — How to get on a regional Commission
05:05 — Everyone has a skill set to be on a Commission
09:40 — Why advocating for yourself is how we transform policy
10:22 — Opportunities to collaborate with the Commission
11:15 — Youth Advisory Council and Women's Recovery Response grant opportunities
14:46 — The California Blueprint For Women’s Pandemic Economic Recovery report
16:11 — Get Commission support for your legislation
Click here for the full transcript and video: https://kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/california-commission-women-and-girls
RESOURCES
About Lauren: https://women.ca.gov/Commissioner-lauren-babb/
California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls: https://women.ca.gov/
California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls — Youth Advisory Council https://women.ca.gov/ccswg-youth-advisory-council/
2023- 2024 Women’s Recovery Response Grant: https://women.ca.gov/2023-2024-womens-recovery-response/
California Blueprint for Women’s Pandemic Economic Recovery: https://women.ca.gov/california-blueprint-for-womens-pandemic-economic-recovery/
Online Application for Appointments: https://www.gov.ca.gov/appointments/
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📱BOOK A FREE CONSULTATION
Are you ready to make a powerful impact in Sacramento? Book a free consultation to see how we can work together on legislative advocacy, budget advocacy, or campaign strategy.
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⭐ 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
🦣 Mastodon: @kbashamilton@union.place
💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbashamilton/
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbh_advocacy/?hl=en
🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXUzqjDz0RWXOEUo1PTQuXQ/videos
© 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
20: Behind the scenes with Capitol Press Corps reporter Byrhonda Lyons
We all know getting positive press coverage is an essential part of a winning legislative strategy. But for those of us without high-powered PR firms on retainer, where do we even start?
Byrhonda Lyons, an investigative reporter with the Sacramento-based news organization Cal Matters, shares her valuable insight on producing national award-winning news stories and the role advocates can play in the process.
We outline steps advocates can take to elevate their stories and gain more attention.
07:08 — How advocates can help reporters
09:08 — Crafting a powerful email subject line
14:37 — How to build relationships
16:53 — Create your own press list
19:34 — Become the “go-to” on your issue
21:26 — What about social media?
26:12 — Why you need to create educational content
Click here for the full transcript and video: https://www.kbhadvocacy.com/podcast/capitol-press-corp-reporter-byrhonda-lyons
RESOURCES
- Byrhonda Lyons’ work: https://calmatters.org/author/byrhonda/
- Byrhonda Lyons TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ilovepublicrecords
- Check out CalMatters: https://calmatters.org/
- Join the Sacramento Press Club: https://sacpressclub.org/
📱SUBSCRIBE TO THE TEXT MESSAGES
I share more insights on how to make legislative and political campaigns succeed. Plus, you’ll receive reminders about every episode so you don’t miss conversations or ideas that you can apply to your work.
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Are you ready to make a powerful impact in Sacramento?
Book a free consultation to see how we can work together on legislative advocacy, budget advocacy, or campaign strategy.
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 a colleague who is also an advocate for California.
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/channel/UCXUzqjDz0RWXOEUo1PTQuXQ/videos
© 2021 – 2023 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
19. There is a spiritual core to our activism with guest Victor Narro
We are nearly three years into the pandemic. At the same time we face an escalating climate crisis and are fighting to protect democracy from the rising tide of fascism.
Add to this our "normal" struggles of every day life and work.
We are coping with a lot. Too much.
During this traditional time of reflection and rest, I am sharing my conversation with Victor Narro, faculty at the UCLA Labor Center, author, and renown labor and immigrant rights activist. Mr. Narro recently released his latest book, "The Activist Spirit: Toward a Radical Solidarity". We talk openly about the toll ongoing crises take on our spirit and mental health and how we can heal and rejuvenate by tapping into the spiritual core of our social justice work.
Drawing on the words and ways of historic activists St. Francis of Assisi, Cesar Chavez, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and others, Mr. Narro uplifts the concept of "radical solidarity" - a recognition that our individual struggles, and, conversely, joys, are deeply interconnected to the struggles and joys of the broader community.
"This is true solidarity in action in the social justice movement - our interconnectedness and the spiritual force of love and compassion for one another..." - V. Narro
In other words, we are in this together.
Purchase "The Activist Spirit: Toward a Radical Solidarity" today! Available here.
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of California lobbying and political consulting firm KBH Advocacy.
Like this episode? Please share with your family and friends and leave a review!
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© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
18. Getting ready for 2023 California Budget Advocacy with guests Scott Graves, Christopher Sanchez, and Jennifer Fearing
It's mid November and California budget revenue collections are way below projections. Paired with historically high rates of inflation, the Legislature may be facing a $25 billion deficit in FY 23-24. One big difference from budget deficits of the past, however, is the state has $23 billion saved in rainy day funds. Experts agree: Is the situation serious? Without a doubt. Is it a crisis? No.
So what does this mean for advocates?
Lobbying for new program investments is going to be hella difficult.
Does that mean we close up shop and go home? Heck no!
In this episode, recorded live on Monday, November 13, 2022, I talk with a California budget expert and fellow budget lobbyists about perilous budget conditions and what this portends for advocates in the new year.
I am joined by:
- Scott Graves, Director of Research at the California Budget and Policy Center
- Christopher Sanchez, Policy Associate at the Western Center on Law and Poverty
- Jennifer Fearing, President of Fearless Advocacy
We discuss:
- What’s on your fall budget prep check list? (10:57)
- The pros/cons of running a companion policy bill when you are lobbying a budget request (15:40)
- How the state’s Budget reserves work (21:49)
- Knowing how to lobby the budget will make you a better lobbyist (25:18)
- How repurposing existing budget funding works (35:00)
- What budget advocates might expect in the Governor’s second term (43:17)
- What should we expect from our legislative champions? (51:36)
- Persistence versus being a pest (55:11)
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Share your thoughts on today's episode with me on Twitter.
Click here to join the free text community for more insight and updates from KBH Advocacy.
This episode is sponsored by:
• FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
• Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
17. How to Organize Locally to Make Change in Sacramento with Assemblymember Ash Kalra
How do you compel lawmakers to take the hard votes needed to pass bold worker's rights and climate action policies when they have Corporate America breathing down their necks?
Last fall I had the honor to interview Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-27 - San Jose) during my advocacy webinar “All Politics is Local”: How Communities can Build Political Power. Mr. Kalra represents the city of San Jose and made history in 2016 as the first Indian-American elected to the California Legislature. An unapologetic champion for workers and their communities, he is Chair of the California Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment and was elected last year Chair of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.
Mr. Kalra offers his unique insight as a former community advocate turned elected official. Tune in for actionable advice on organizing voters locally to grow outsized influence at the California Capitol.
We discuss:
- Building real relationships means you don’t just show up when you want something (2:33)
- Local government is where the real power lies (7:38)
- Why groups without Political Action Committees (PACs) can be just as influential as big ticket donors (10:03)
- How to create the space for lawmakers to take courageous votes (13:07)
- How to make your lobby visits more effective (13:49)
- How to hold lawmakers accountable (16:19)
Read the full transcript here.
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Share your thoughts on today's episode with me on Twitter.
Click here to join the free text community for more insight and updates from KBH Advocacy.
This episode is sponsored by:
• FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
• Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
16. Five things you need to know when you lobby the California Budget with guest Jennifer Kent
Jennifer Kent, knower of all things California health care policy, shares her valuable insight on how the state budget sausage gets made.
Currently the CEO of the Kent Group, Jennifer Kent served under three different Governors, most recently as the Director of the California Department of Health Care Services. She’s held leadership roles in the Health & Human Services Agency and Governor's Office and also spent time in the third house as a lobbyist.
Here are my top 5 takeaways from our excellent conversation:
1. When it comes to the state budget, there’s never a down time. Budget creation is a year-round affair so your advocacy needs to be too. [00:03:51]
2. The executive branch ecosystem is a complicated family structure. Take time to understand how the puzzle fits together. [00:11:28]
3. Never interpret technical assistance from a Department or Agency as a sign of support. [00:14:21]
4. Draft your own appropriation language. TBL vs BBL? It depends on what you're trying to achieve. [00:18:03]
5. If you don’t like what you see in the Governor's budget, bring alternatives and solutions. [00:25:20]
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Say hi on Twitter. Better yet, click here to join the free text community for more insight and updates from KBH Advocacy.
Donate here to support the Podcast.
This episode is sponsored by:
• FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
• Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
15. Two Sides of the Same Coin: Why advocates can’t afford to ignore political action with guest Bill Wong
There are few who can speak on electoral politics in California with as much authority as Bill Wong.
As former Political Director for the California Assembly Democrats, Bill led efforts in 2018 and 2020 to build the largest Democratic “giga” majorities in the state Assembly in over a century. He served as a political advisor to Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon and is a regular feature in Capitol Weekly's Top 100 Power List.
When I needed to know what was really going on behind the scenes in an Assembly race, my first call was always to Bill Wong.
Bill is a leader in the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) political community and a recognized expert on AAPI voters. You can check him out as host of The Ronin Project Podcast, launching on July 31. The podcast promises “real talk for Asian Americans who want to know more about how politics is played, political professionals that want to know more about Asian Americans and how they vote, and troublemakers who want to make the world a better place.”
My fellow troublemaker and I go behind the veil of the Assembly Democratic caucus. We discuss:
- [00:03:45] Building a “giga” majority in the California Assembly
- [00:06:56] Navigating the political fault lines in the Democratic caucus
- [00:09:10] How to get involved in electoral politics
- [00:07:18] Move away from performative politics
- [00:09:54] How to vet candidates and the fundamentals of a good campaign
- [00:14:26] If you want to change policy you have to invest time and energy in political campaigns
- [00:21:46] Don’t get distracted by the headlines
- [00:25:48] There’s politics and then there’s the business of politics
Connect with Bill Wong through his website or on Twitter.
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Find me on Twitter and let me know what you think about this episode.
This episode is sponsored by:
• FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
• Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
14. How We Fight Back: California Congressional Races with guest Bryan Blum
How many times have you heard this?
“I know federal elections are important, but I live in California - there’s nothing I can do.”
Yes, California is as blue a state as they come. But the reality is pro-Trump extremists are active throughout the state and some of them are members and/or candidates for Congress.
In California there are many critical Congressional races where grassroots support is urgently necessary.
In other words, there is a lot you can do to ensure Trumpists do not win control of the House of Representatives.
Today I talk with Bryan Blum, the political director for the California Labor Federation. Bryan shares his insight on several of the battleground races in California and how advocates on the ground can get involved by reaching out to the local Central Labor Councils.
Important: Since we recorded this conversation on Thursday, June 9, we have final primary election results pointing to the newly drawn CD 13, where Democratic Assemblymember Adam Gray will face off against Republican John Duarte, as another close race come November. Analysts are rating CD 13 as “Leans Democratic”
Resources to get involved in these races are listed below!
We discuss:
CD 47 – “Leans Democratic” Rep Katie Porter, the Democratic incumbent, vs Republican challenger Scott Baugh
CD 49 – “Likely Democratic” Rep. Mike Levin, Incumbent, vs Republican challenger Brian Maryott
CD 45 – “Leans Republican” Democratic challenger Jay Chen vs Republican Incumbent Michelle Steel
CD 41 – “Likely Republican” Democratic challenger Will Rollins vs Republican Incumbent Ken Calvert
CD 27 – “Toss Up” Democratic challenger former Assemblymember Christy Smith vs Republican Incumbent Mike Garcia
CD 22 – “Toss Up” Democratic challenger Assemblymember Rudy Salas vs Republican Incumbent David Valadao
CD 40 – “Likely Republican” Democratic challenger Doctor. Asif Mahmood vs Republican Incumbent Young Kim
Resources to get involved – If you have other organizations to add please let me know!
Orange County
Orange County Labor Federation
Orange County Civic Engagement Table
Mobilize
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles Labor Federation
Mobilize
Central Valley
North Valley Labor Federation
Kern, Inyo and Mono Counties Central Labor Council
Fresno, Madera, Tulare, Kings Central Labor Council
Communities for New California
Mobilize
Inland Empire
Inland Empire Labor Federation
Inland Empire United
Mobilize
San Diego
San Diego & Imperial Counties Labor Council
Mobilize
13. How to get people to care what you think with guest Frank Mecca
Who are the most influential groups in Sacramento?
We all know the traditional power players. Organizations that play big in electoral politics. Either they write big campaign checks, mobilize big voter turnout, or perhaps do both.
Dig deeper, though, and you’ll see they aren’t the only ones at the Capitol with clout.
Just because you don’t participate in electoral politics - for whatever reason – it doesn’t mean you are relegated to the sidelines.
Take stock of where you already have points of leverage. Maybe it’s access to information or technical expertise. Maybe it’s strategic alliances you’ve built. Maybe it’s your standing in the community.
These are your tools. If you use them effectively and consistently you will build credibility, trust, and eventually influence.
Today, I talk with Frank Mecca, former Executive Director of the County Welfare Directors Association. When Frank began his stint at CWDA he was one in a staff of three. By the time he left thirty years later, Frank had built a formidable advocacy shop with 11 staff, a history of legislative wins, and, above all, significant political standing at the Capitol.
In this episode we discuss:
4:18 - “Why would people care what you think?”
6:33 - Leverage the relationships you already have
10:04 - Create points of leverage: Be right. Be First. Be Nice.
17:53 - Building a genuine alliance with Labor
20:40 - Invite yourself to the table
21:50 - It also takes political courage.
25:00 - Separate yourself from the noise
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Find me on Twitter and let me know what you think about this episode.
This episode is sponsored by:
• FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
• Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and the clutter of email. Go to www.joinsubtext.com.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
12. What you didn't learn about politics in high school civics with guest Jovan Agee
11. Everything you always wanted to know about California budget advocacy* (*but were afraid to ask) with Senator Sydney Kamlager
Lobbying is not “one size fits all”. As any savvy lobbyist will tell you, securing funding in the California budget is very different from working to get a policy bill signed. You must follow timelines and committees that are separate and distinct from the legislative process. All of this can be intimidating and confusing for advocates, which is why I’m thrilled to have Senator Sydney Kamlager, (D-30) on the podcast.
As the new Senate Budget Subcommittee #4 Chair, Senator Kamlager gives us an inside view of the process, nuances, and relationships that successful budget advocacy requires.
Her advice and “real talk” will help advocates navigate a complex and often opaque budget process.
Episode breakdown:
01:27 - Why you must prioritize the budget when advocating for any bills that cost the state money
03:13 - Appropriations committee vs the Budget - how the two tracks work
07:55 - Beyond the “Big 3”, why you should focus on the ensemble
12:41 - Pay attention to the politics
16:57 - How advocates can build momentum and get the support they need
21:40 - The unspoken truths of the budget process
Visit Senator Kamlager's Website: https://sd30.senate.ca.gov
Follow Senator Kamlager on Twitter: @sydneykamlager
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
Find me on Twitter at @kbashamilton.
This episode is sponsored by:
FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and clutter of email.
10. What advocates should know about running for the California Legislature with guest Kipp Mueller
In 2019, Kipp Mueller, a workers' and civil rights attorney, entered the race for California State Senate District 21, challenging incumbent and then Republican Senate Minority Leader Scott Wilk.
Encompassing northern Los Angeles county and parts of the High Desert, SD 21 was a Republican stronghold for over a decade but voter registration has been trending Democratic.
A "dogfight" of a campaign, millions of dollars were pumped into the race by both sides. Neck and neck on election night November 2020, it was three weeks before the election was declared for the incumbent.
In the end, Kipp Mueller lost by less than 1% of the vote.
I recently caught up with Kipp. Having cut his teeth as a 2020 candidate, he continues to practice as a civil rights attorney and was recently elected Region 10 Director of the California Democratic Party.
There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes in grassroots campaigns, especially for a seat in the California Legislature. We discuss what it's really like to run for office and why even the smallest advocacy group should get involved in electing the next generation of California legislators.
Episode Breakdown:
2:30 - Every campaign has a tipping point
6:09 - These lessons for candidates are also lessons for advocates
10:02 - How you know a campaign stands a chance
17:44 - The Great Resignation in Sacramento creates Great Opportunity for advocates
19:13 - Why even small advocacy organizations can make an outsized impact on campaigns
Contact Kipp Mueller at kippmuellerca@gmail.com.
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
Find me on twitter at @kbashamilton.
This episode is sponsored by:
FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and clutter of email.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
9. Why advocates need to know about the Gann limit with guest Scott Graves
The Gann limit hovers over the California capitol like an ominous cloud on an otherwise sunny day.
Despite massive tax revenues and a projected discretionary budget surplus of $20.6 billion (with a strong potential to exceed this amount by $15 billion), the state must abide by an arbitrary spending cap adopted over 40 years ago - the Gann limit. This limit severely restrains any new investment by the Governor and Legislature.
Budget advocacy is already very challenging. Gann ensures that advocates will battle a terrible headwind, especially for spending proposals that do not meet the narrow exclusions allowed by Gann.
Today I talk with Scott Graves, Research Director at the California Budget and Policy Center, a non-profit and non-partisan research group based in Sacramento. We break down the Gann limit and discuss what's at stake for advocates as they advance their FY 22-23 budget proposals.
We discuss:
01:59 - What is the Gann limit?
06:49 - What are the state's options for dealing with the Gann limit?
08:24 - What is infrastructure spending?
09:26 - What qualifies as emergency spending?
12:18 - What about reducing revenue?
13:24 - What does this mean for advocates?
16:54 - Wait, there's more: how Gann interacts with Prop 98 and Prop 2 is creating even bigger problems for advocates (and the Governor)
22:03 - The Gann limit will continue to be a problem for advocates after 2022
23:41 - How can we fix the Gann limit?
Learn more:
Q&A: How the Gann Limit Threatens Ongoing Investments for Californians (California Budget and Policy Center)
The Definition of Qualified Capital Outlay for the State Appropriations Limit (Legislative Analyst's Office)
Initial Comments on the State Appropriations Limit Proposal (Legislative Analyst's Office)
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
Find me on twitter at @kbashamilton.
This episode is sponsored by:
FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and clutter of email.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
8. How to build political power from the ground up with guest Aquilina Soriano Versoza
Before you can build political power you need a base. And Aquilina Soriano Versoza knows exactly how to get it done.
Aquilina is co-founder and Executive Director of the Pilipino Workers Center based in Southern California. She is President of the Pilipino Action Center, 501(c)4 sibling organization to the PWC. She is a leader in the California Domestic Worker Coalition, which in 2013 won the historic AB 241 (Ammiano) - the Domestic Worker Bills of Rights.
And because that’s not enough, she is also President of the Board of Directors of the National Domestic Workers Alliance, whose sister organization Care in Action helped push record turnout in the 2021 Georgia Senate races.
Aqui and advocates began organizing Pilipino workers in Los Angeles back in 1997. Today, the PWC is a national model, organizing around mutual aid, voter education, community education, and leadership development.
We discuss:
- How organizations can build trust with the community
- Legislative and political campaigns as an organizing tool -
- The necessity of playing the long game
- Why it’s all about the process
- How to scale your advocacy work
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
Support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
Join my free text community or tweet me at @kbashamilton.
This episode is sponsored by:
FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.
Subtext helps you build genuine connections with your biggest supporters over text. Subtext is an award-winning texting platform that connects hosts with subscribers free from the chaos of social media and clutter of email.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
7. How we broaden the movement for workers' rights with guest Victor Narro
Is your legislation on the infamous Chamber of Commerce "job killer" list? Is your campaign facing stiff opposition from corporate America with its infinite resources? In a battle of David and Goliath, how can marginalized communities come out on top?
Today I am honored to be joined by Victor Narro, a nationally recognized expert on immigrant and low-income workers. Project Director at the UCLA Labor Center, Mr. Narro is also on faculty at the UCLA Department of Labor and Workplace Studies. An immigrant and workers' rights activist for several decades, he previously served as Co-Executive Director of Sweatshop Watch and Workers’ Rights Project Director for the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA).
Mr. Narro was instrumental in the recent passage of the landmark worker protection bill SB 62 (Durazo), the Garment Worker Protection Act despite, facing fierce opposition from corporate interests. SB 62 was sponsored by the Garment Workers Center, the Western Center on Law and Poverty, and Bet Tzedek. In banning the exploitative "piece rate" payment system and for the first time holding retailers liable for wage theft committed by their subcontractors, the bill has international implications.
In this episode we discuss:
- recognizing our interconnectedness
- how organizing campaigns by Garment Workers, Day Laborers, and Domestic Workers serve as a model for future organizing efforts
- how non-traditional alliances helped push SB 62 to victory
- why we should embrace the never-ending process of relationship building
"Relationship matters. Interconnectedness matters. Otherwise we're not going to be successful in carrying out the work for justice." - Victor Narro
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.
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© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
6. How to break through the noise to make the greatest impact with guest Eduardo Martinez
Trying to break through the noise at the California Capitol to get your issue front and center?
You're hustling. But why is your message is not resonating?
Today I talk with Eduardo Martinez, Legislative Director for the California Labor Federation, who shares his insight - based on years of experience as a legislative staffer - on how to ensure your message is not only received but resonates.
Eduardo most recently served as Chief of Staff to former Assemblymember and now Mayor of San Diego Todd Gloria.
At the beginning of 2021, Mr. Martinez left the Legislature to take a position in the "Third House" - Sacramento vernacular for the community of lobbyists and advocates who descend on the Capitol each year to promote and influence legislation.
Eduardo serves as Legislative Director for the California Labor Federation, an alliance of 1,200 affiliated unions from around the state, leading their efforts to pass laws that protect California’s families and strengthen workers’ rights.
Over ten months of each year, 120 legislators and their staff consider thousands of bill ideas with the potential to impact hundreds of diverse issue areas. Since no one person can digest thousands of pages of information, staff are responsible for vetting proposals, meeting with stakeholders, understanding the politics, and making recommendations. You can't overstate the critical role of legislative staff.
In this interview, we talk about:
- Transitioning into the Third House during the chaos of 2021 COVID
- Why advocates need to over-prepare, remain disciplined, and always lead with emotion
- How to condense your message into high impact "elevator pitches"
- How to create more opportunities for Labor and Advocacy groups to partner around common goals
Learn more about the important work of the California Labor Federation.
Want to organize your workplace into a union? Learn more.
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy.
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Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
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The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
5. Beyond the Capitol: How to influence regulation with guest Jaime Schrabeck
Advocacy is not just about lobbying the Legislature or Governor's Office. Advocates should pay attention to the less known but highly impactful "rulemaking process". California agencies adopt, amend, and repeal regulations in order to "implement" the laws adopted by the Legislature. For small business owners, these regulations can have a huge impact on everyday operations.
In today's episode, I talk with Jaime Schrabeck, veteran beauty industry advocate and owner of Precision Nails. For the last 16 years, she has worked tirelessly to promote equity, inclusion, and dignity throughout the beauty industry.
We discuss:
- the power of “showing up” consistently to make your voice heard
- why building relationships with staff is the key to growing your influence
- the challenge of organizing diverse stakeholders around big policy changes
- transforming the beauty industry from a reactive to a proactive advocacy community
I'll leave you with this excellent advice from Jaime Schrabeck: Just take a step back and realize where you need to go is where the power sits.
More information about today's guest:
Licensed since 1992, Jaime Schrabeck, Ph.D. works as manicurist and owner of Precision Nails, an employee-based salon in Carmel, California. Beyond her salon, Jaime advocates for compliance and safety, co-hosts Outgrowth: A Slice of Pro Beauty podcast, presents classes, writes savvy articles including feature columns for Beauty Cast Network, mentors educators and advises California's Board of Barbering and Cosmetology as an expert witness.
This is the last episode of the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast until 2022! Thank you for your support!
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy.
Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks.
Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
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The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
4. How advocacy organizations can build their capacity to win with guest Ludovic Blain
There is so much knowledge in my interview with Ludovic Blain I don't know where to start!
Mr. Blain is the Executive Director of California Donor Table, a statewide community of donors who pool their funds to make investments in communities of color so they have the power and resources they need to elect people who represent their values and needs and help govern and hold decision-makers accountable.
He helmed CDT's work, starting in 2010, with community organizations in Orange and San Diego counties and in the Inland Empire that, over time, yielded historic election results with national implications. Democrats won seats in Congress, in Sacramento, and on the local level that had been widely regarded as "unwinnable".
I am a huge fan of CDT's laser focus on, in Mr. Blain's words, "investing in communities of color and working with organizations to build up their capacity to win, to win over time, to win consistently, and to be resilient. To survive when they lose in order to win more in the future."
We discuss:
- The transformation of San Diego and Orange counties and the Inland Empire
- Winning is not linear and it's our job to keep trying
- How organizations can and should expand their work into partisan campaigns, i.e. don't play checkers when your opponent is playing chess
- Where orgs can look for C3 and C4 dollars
- CDT's efforts to establish civic engagement and power building collaborations around the state
- How organizations can "help govern" right now
- What organizations can do right now to start building capacity
Like I said, there is so much value for advocates in this discussion.
Learn more about California Donor Table. Also check out these CDT supported collaborations: Inland Empire United, Orange County Civic Engagement Table, Lift Up Contra Costa, and Communities for New California.
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy.
Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks.
Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
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The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
3. Raising your community's voice in Sacramento with Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes
There are few lawmakers I admire more than California Assembly Majority Leader Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-47). The first Latina to hold this leadership position, Leader Reyes is an unequivocal champion for working families in her district and throughout the state.
Her emphatic advice for advocates: remember your true power. You are the ones who send representatives to Sacramento to give voice to the community. You can also hold them to account if they lose their way.
I am grateful to the Majority Leader for taking time out of her busy schedule to share her wisdom.
We discuss:
- building long-term relationships with lawmakers
- securing votes outside your traditional base of support
- legislative priorities for the Inland Empire in 2022
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy.
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Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
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The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
2. How to build bipartisan support with Assemblymember Chad Mayes
As any good lobbyist in Sacramento will tell you, at the end the day what matters is getting the 21/41 votes you need to move your bill. This has always been a significant challenge; in our era of toxic political polarization it's can be near impossible.
That's why I'm excited to share my recent conversation with Assemblymember Chad Mayes (I - 42). A former Minority Leader of the Assembly Republican Caucus and now the only Independent in the Legislature, he knows first hand the impact of hyper-partisanship. I am grateful to the Assemblymember for taking time to share his valuable insight on how advocates can win support from lawmakers across the aisle/caucus.
Bottom line: it comes down to building trust. It's hard work and takes time. But it can be done. As always, my focus is sharing actionable steps and real-world advice for advocates working to build just, sustainable communities.
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy.
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Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
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The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.
1. How to become a more effective advocate with guest Amy Everitt
Today, I talk with Amy Everitt, President of Golden State Opportunity, a nonprofit that strives to end poverty and improve the lives of low-income workers in California. Ms. Everitt shares with me the top 4 lessons she's learned in her more than two decades of advocacy, both in California and federally.
We also talk about the challenges facing the anti-poverty movement as California heads into another year of historic budget surplus and GSO's long term goal to support low-income communities as they build political power.
Learn more about GSO and their amazing work on their website here.
Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy. Learn more about KBH Advocacy.
Learned something new in our conversation? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share with your networks.
Help support the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast so we can produce more content like this.
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The Blueprint for California Advocates podcast is supported by Subtext, an award-winning texting platform that empowers organizations to communicate quickly and effectively.
© 2021 – 2022 KBH Advocacy, Inc.