In The Know

If you’ve built a strong base of supporters, the last thing you want to do is let the momentum fade. However, it’s only natural for some (or possibly even most) of your advocates to want to take a breather in the aftermath of a major campaign or project. 

Advocates are an invaluable part of your organization. And though you should give these staunch proponents some time to recharge, you need to keep them engaged all year long. By doing so, you’ll ensure that they are ready to step back into their roles at any time. 

With that in mind, here are a few tips for keeping your advocates engaged year-round: 

Communicate Regularly

One of the most effective ways to keep advocates engaged is also one of the simplest. Keep them informed, ask for their input, and make sure they feel valued through regular communication. It’s not enough to reach out only when you need something from them. Advocates should feel like they’re part of an ongoing conversation with your organization. 

You can work to bolster your communication efforts by creating a calendar that outlines when and how you’ll reach out to your advocates. You can use a combination of mediums to make that contact, including monthly newsletters, exclusive updates, or personalized emails. You could also send text messages to make things more convenient. Above all, though, you must make sure that the content you share is relevant and informative. 

Be Wary of Signs of Burnout

While you want your advocates to be engaged, you must be careful not to burn them out. Most of your supporters probably have full-time jobs, family obligations, and a variety of other responsibilities they have to attend to. Don’t push them too hard for too long, or they will reach a point of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.  

They don’t have to be in the office or at every meeting to be engaged. An engaged person is one who actively thinks about your mission, participates in activities, and contributes to the cause. As such, each member will exhibit different levels of engagement based on their availability and the parts of their lives they are in. 

Create Opportunities for Meaningful Involvement

If they don’t feel burnt out after major initiatives or campaigns, your advocates may feel as though they don’t have a purpose in the time between them. As such, you need to provide your members with opportunities to continue to get involved in meaningful ways. Consider ways they can contribute their time, skills, or ideas to your organization or cause at any point in time.

For example, you might invite your advocates to participate in focus groups or volunteer opportunities. These activities not only allow members to feel more connected to the organization but also give them a sense of ownership and pride in their involvement. 

Just make sure that the tasks or opportunities you offer aren’t simply busy work. Advocates should never be there solely for the sake of engagement. Instead, keeping your advocates engaged should be a byproduct of providing them with meaningful involvement opportunities. 

Recognize and Reward Contributions

Recognition can be a powerful motivator. If your team members and supporters feel appreciated for their efforts, they’re more likely to stay committed and continue their advocacy work. With that in mind, make it a priority to regularly recognize and reward your advocates for all they do.

There are many ways to show your appreciation. For instance, let’s say you’ve just wrapped up a major initiative meant to bring attention to your cause ahead of a big vote. After your work is finished for that election season, organize a luncheon and share your plans for the “off-season.” It’s a simple move that can make your team feel valued while also getting them excited about what you have in store.

Provide Continuous Education

Advocates are most effective when they’re knowledgeable and well-informed about your cause. Providing continuous education and training resources to your team will, therefore, empower them with the tools they need to be successful.

Consider offering regular training sessions, workshops, or even webinars. All of these mediums are great environments to learn and grow. Additionally, keep your advocates informed about the latest developments and news related to your cause. Newsletters and exclusive briefings are a few useful tools for staying connected, as mentioned earlier.

Build a Community

If your advocates feel connected to you, your cause, and their peers, they are more likely to stay active and committed for the long haul. One way to build a strong sense of community is by creating online forums or social media groups. Private groups provide a feeling of exclusivity and give members a chance to interact. These platforms allow advocates to engage in conversations, exchange tips, and collaborate on projects. 

Equip Your Team With Powerful Tools

Technology plays a critical role in modern advocacy. By equipping your team with robust technology solutions, you can help them achieve more and maximize productivity. 

The right set of tools can also promote engagement by making it easier for your advocates to complete essential projects and outreach activities. If your team members believe you are putting them in a position to thrive, they will be more likely to sign up for volunteer and outreach assignments. 

Power Your Advocacy Efforts With Aristotle

No matter how they contribute, advocates are foundational to the success of your movement. If you want to drive meaningful change and get people talking about key issues that you are passionate about, you’ll need the right mix of technology, strategies, and talent. 

Aristotle can provide you with dynamic advocacy technologies that maximize the reach and impact of your movement. We also offer consulting services to help drive better engagement and inform your strategic planning processes. Schedule a demo today to learn more.