Welcome to The Loop! December 2020
In each issue, you’ll learn how to take advantage of the resources that are included with your organization’s Council membership. So, take a few minutes to stay in The Loop and learn about all the ways Council services can help you do your job better.
Going Digital: It’s a Two-Way Street
Whether catching up with friends, achieving professional goals or attending a virtual conference (shoutout to our attendees!), digital communications has been the thread keeping us together this year. During the European Digital Advocacy Summit on December 9-10, Erica Pyatt of LinkedIn and Chelsea Ritchie of the International Copper Association offered their advice for success in the digital space.
A great place to start when refining your digital presence is your LinkedIn profile. As the platform has evolved, it has shifted to a place where professionals go to find expertise and content – not just job leads. Pyatt stressed that with more than 720 million members globally across 200 countries and territories, LinkedIn is a great space to demonstrate your expertise among an expansive audience. When it comes to content on the platform, health care-related topics have dominated U.S. advocacy messaging.
Build Your Community, Position Your Industry
LinkedIn and Twitter were particularly helpful for the International Copper Association when creating a robust online community. Ritchie stressed that digital is a two-way street: You need to think beyond just pushing messages out. Take time to pause and listen to the discussions online and position yourself to be an active part of the conversation. Participating in virtual events can also be a tool for gaining exposure outside of your usual bubble.
Digital Matters
More than ever a smart digital strategy is worthy of investment. At a time when in-person meetings and events with policymakers are on hold, digital can elevate your issues and help you reach new audiences. Now is your time to educate, participate and drive change.[/vc_toggle]
Get to Know João Sousa, the Council’s Senior Manager of the European Office
Our experts are here for you and your team. From giving custom presentations to hosting events to brainstorming solutions, Senior Manager of the European Office João Sousa is helping international public affairs professionals achieve success – in Europe and the U.S. Get to know João and reach out anytime!
I believe our societies are a little bit better every single day, whenever governments, the private sector and civil society come together to discuss how they can work together and contribute to the common good. I think this is ultimately what public affairs is all about. I started my career as a practitioner some 15 years ago helping international companies and organizations communicate in more engaging and meaningful ways, and that remains my passion to this day.
Tell us a little about your role at the Council.
I have a double role within the Council. Being based in Brussels, I manage our programs and activities in Europe. I also coordinate the Council’s global public affairs practice and our International Network. These roles are complementary in very interesting ways. The transatlantic public affairs community is a space where some of the world’s brightest and most innovative ideas in this field are being shaped, and I try to bring those ideas to our global and European members through our events, workshops, debates and publications.
What advice do you have for international public affairs professionals as we head into a new year?
This has been a year of adversity in many ways. At the same time, it became clear to me through hundreds of conversations over the past few months that public affairs professionals are ideally placed to help their organizations navigate uncertainty. There are challenges ahead but also opportunities to be explored in areas like sustainability, digital, global partnerships and many others. A word of encouragement to public affairs professionals to continue being resilient, looking ahead of the curve and leading the way in helping your organizations adapt. Your contribution will make a difference.
Tell us about one of your favorite Council moments.
I love facilitating our peer-to-peer discussions, whether it is during one of our flagship conferences, workshops or webinars. The amount of knowledge in this community is truly inspiring, and it’s a privilege for me to be part of these exchanges.
How can members reach you?
The easiest way is through email ([email protected]) or connecting on LinkedIn. And I really hope very soon we can also come together for a real coffee in Brussels or Washington, D.C.[/vc_toggle]
Shoutout to These Certificate Grads
Our certificate program is growing! With three programs to choose from and an expanding list of graduates, we’re adding more flexibility for honing your skills and learning from peers. Meet two of our recent graduates and learn why they found value in completing their certificate from the Council.
Certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management
Brandon Graham, National Alliance on Mental Illness
Certificate in PAC and Grassroots Management
The Council offers certificates in Public Affairs Management, PAC and Grassroots Management, and Government Relations and Lobbying. Learn more and apply for free today at pac.org/certificate.[/vc_toggle]
2020’s Top Council Connect Resources
Did you know that you can access toolkits, examples from peers, webinar recordings and more in one place? Our online, community platform Council Connect has a resource library just for members. And this list of tools is growing! We’re continuously adding timely pieces to help you navigate challenges and stay up to date on trends. As the year comes to a close, here are some of the most-viewed resources in the Council Connect library. Log in at community.pac.org with your Council ID and password.
Companies are facing rising expectations to join conversations on social issues. This resource provides a framework for helping your team make an informed decision.
Planning a Virtual Legislative Meeting for Your Advocates
Just because we’re virtual, doesn’t mean you have to give up your grassroots efforts. Here are some considerations for planning a virtual advocacy day.
We’re covering things to consider as you map your PAC strategy – and offering some tools to help.[/vc_toggle][vc_separator css=”.vc_custom_1544039790350{margin-bottom: -20px !important;}”]
Outstanding PAC Awards Deadline Extended to January 8
We know it’s a busy time. That’s why we’re giving you more time to submit your nomination for an Outstanding PAC Award! Now more than ever we want to celebrate the creativity and hard work of the PAC community. We want to hear about initiatives that have taken a new approach or increased PAC engagement. Submit your nomination by January 8!
Thanks to Our Yearly Sponsors!
Did you hear? We’ve rolled out yearly sponsorship packages! It’s a new way for us to bring added value in a year of virtual events and position member companies in front of new audiences. Learn more about our yearly sponsorship options, and thanks to our members who are already participating! View participating members here.
Leading the Way in the Virtual Conference Experience
Thanks to your participation, our first-ever virtual conferences were a hit! Attendees told us they appreciated the high-level content and production value of the Digital Media & Advocacy Summit and the State and Local Government Relations Conference. Check out a few highlights.
Heather Conley of CSIS discusses foreign relations during a time of crisis at the virtual
Fall Board Meeting.
Catching up with fellow attendees in the virtual lounge.
Camonghne Felix of Blue State shares actionable tips for creating inclusive advocacy teams during the Digital Media & Advocacy Summit.
At the State and Local Government Relations Conference, a panel of legislators gathered to share their perspective on COVID-19 and the year ahead.
What’s next? Our largest virtual conferences are coming to you in February. Check out what we have in store for The Advocacy Conference, February 2-5 and the National PAC Conference,
February 23-26.
Additional Resources
- New Certificate Program!
Be in our first class of graduates for the Certificate in Government Relations and Lobbying - Working through COVID-19 Together
Access information, expertise, virtual programming and more. - Join our Mentor Program!