How Should Advocacy Organizations Celebrate Policy Wins?

Your organization and your stakeholders worked hard for a major policy win.

Now what?

Many groups jump to the next project and forget to show people what they accomplished. If you want your win to matter, you need a plan to thank lawmakers and explain the results to supporters and the public.

Look at the Inflation Reduction Act. When President Biden signed the law, it brought new jobs, lower costs, and cleaner air and water. It covered many issues, which gave advocates plenty to highlight but also made the story harder to tell. Now that people are seeing the effects, you need clear messages that explain what changed and why it matters.

Define the Goals

Start with clear goals. Do you want press coverage? Do you want lawmakers to restate their support? Do you want to move opinion in specific places? Your messaging should focus on the strongest benefits of the policy. Break those benefits into short, direct statements. Match the message to the audience. Show how the policy improves life for real people.

Set the Targets

Next, identify who needs to hear the story. You might focus on voters in certain districts. You might focus on decision makers in grant programs.

Stakeholders

Talk directly to your partners, donors, and members. Show how their support led to results. Explain how the policy improves their community or their interests.

Legislators

Thank lawmakers who supported the bill. Show them data and stories that connect the policy to their districts.

General Public

Avoid jargon. Explain the policy through real stories. Use clear examples. You can reach people through social media, op eds, newsletters, and in person events.

Find Data and Stories

Your message needs evidence. Use data and simple visuals to show results. Build a database of visible impacts, from dollars saved to new facilities. You also need stories. Start a storybank with real examples that show the value of the policy. When I worked for Gov. Wolf, we tracked economic development projects and shared updates with reporters. Photos and progress reports helped people see the results.

Once you know your goals, targets, and stories, you can start telling the story.

Develop Unique Content

Build the core materials first. Create talking points, message boxes, one pagers, scripts, and simple written collateral. Use these materials to make graphics and videos.

Collaborate with Influencers and Experts

Work with people who have a strong following or deep knowledge of the issue. Ask them to join events, co author content, or help explain the impact. This adds credibility and expands your reach.

Engage in Thoughtful Media Outreach

Develop a focused media plan. Write pitches and press releases that highlight clear wins. Tailor each pitch to the reporter’s interests. Offer spokespeople who understand the issue and can speak plainly.

Use Digital Channels and Multimedia Content

Use your website to show the outcomes of the policy. Post videos, photos, and interactive tools. Stay active on social media. Share stories and answer questions. Keep content simple and focused on real results.

Conclusion

Fitler Square Strategies works with advocacy organizations to secure and celebrate policy wins. Reach out to talk with us about how we can help your organization or campaign achieve its advocacy goals.