You’re waiting too long. That's it. That's the secret.

Every year, I watch organizations gear up for August recess. This is the time to make your case and finally get in front of your federal lawmakers. And your advocates don't even have to travel to DC! Win-Win!

You tell your advocates to secure that coveted August recess meeting. Maybe they contact the DC staff (wrong office), or they reach out in July (too late).

And then August comes ... and it’s underwhelming. It feels like you missed something - because you did.

Here’s the deeper issue.

August recess isn’t where influence starts. It’s where it shows up. By the time lawmakers head home in August, a few things are already true:

• Their priorities are set
• Their staff has been shaping the August recess calendar for months
• Their schedules are packed with competing asks from every direction

You are not the only one trying to get their attention in August. You’re one of many.

So if your strategy is “we’ll engage during recess,” what you’re really saying is: We’re entering the conversation late.

The organizations that get the most out of August recess aren’t starting in July. They’ve been building toward it for months.

​Read more here​

Pro tips: How to actually effectively leverage August

1. Start earlier than you think: If July is your starting point, you’re already behind. The real work happens way before summer recess.
2. Focus where the decisions are shaped: It’s not just about getting time with the elected official. There’s more going on behind the scenes than most people realize.
3. Don’t treat August like the whole strategy: A single meeting won’t move your issue. What matters is how it fits into a bigger plan.

And if you want the full breakdown of how this actually works, this post walks through it step by step.

Now go make some good trouble,
Bethany

P.S. If you’re realizing your August strategy feels a little reactive, that’s not unusual. Most organizations are missing the structure behind the scenes. That’s the piece I can help you build. If this resonates, let's talk.​

Upcoming Training: If Data Won, We’d Be Done

If you’re thinking about how to show up more effectively, I’m hosting a free training on May 14: If Data Won, We’d Be Done: Using Stories to Change Policy.​

We’ll talk about how to move beyond information and into influence, and how to use stories in a way that actually connects with your advocates and decision-makers. Free, but registration is ​required.