ConnectAid: We Are All Advocates Now

On March 5, InterAction hosted the first session in our new series ConnectAid, which brings InterAction Members and outside experts together to discuss pressing issues within the humanitarian and international development sectors.

ConnectAid was inspired by the need to create opportunities for shared learning and collaboration as the conversation around foreign assistance becomes increasingly complex. Led by InterAction staff and industry experts, ConnectAid provides a space for Members to enhance and expand their practical skills.  

The first session, “We Are All Advocates Now,” featured a panel discussion with advocacy experts Kyle Matous of Advocacy Associates and Nikole Burroughs of Tiber Creek Group. Moderated by Jeff Mettille, Director of Government Relations at InterAction, the panel discussed how non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can engage in effective and bipartisan advocacy for critical issues such as global health and food security. Both Matous and Burroughs stressed the importance of building relationships with a diverse coalition of stakeholders within the foreign assistance community.

Key Takeaways:

1. Creating personal connections between individuals is key to generating long-term relationships.  
2. Concisely describing your organization’s programs and the issue at hand—within one page if possible—is essential when meeting with congressional representatives or their staff.
3. Clearly articulating how your issue area is personally relevant to a particular stakeholder is the most effective way to create and sustain interest.  

ConnectAid will be hosted on a monthly basis.  

To learn more and receive updates about upcoming sessions, see HERE. Please contact Sara Franks with questions or ideas.