Today’s guest is an author, leader, mission driven executive, podcaster, and an unabashed advocate for the future of agriculture and the people that educate those that feed us. ABOUT the GUEST Aaron Alejandro is Executive Director of the Texas FFA Foundation located in Austin, Texas. In his non-professional hours, Aaron consults with businesses, or…

"As we paused to look back four score, to honor and reflect on the brave allied soldiers that liberated a continent, my mind advanced to November evaluating the reality that lies ahead for America’s future. I am battling to find the right words to express my concern for the governing institutions of our nation." Commentary from Roger Rickard, Presi…

Running a medical association comes with many challenges. Today’s guest confronts these challenges head on while leading this community with advocacy in an ever-changing world. "The voices of those affected by cleft and craniofacial conditions are really the strongest in the room, without a doubt." - Adam Levy, CAE ABOUT the GUEST Adam Levy is the …

Nine years ago, life threw our next guest a curve ball when she learned during her pregnancy that her baby would be born with a facial birth defect. Come with us as we learn about her fascinating journey that has led her to help other families by speaking out as an author and advocate. ABOUT the GUEST Amy Mendillo, MM, MPP, is a writer, author, and…

Join us as we explore the importance of advocating with today’s guest - the Director of Advocacy Engagement for the well-known organization – who is committed to supporting policies and initiatives that make a positive impact on the lives of children and adults living with neuromuscular diseases. ABOUT the GUEST Mark Fisher is the Director of Advoc…

Today we speak to the leader of an organization that has received more than $250 million dollars voluntarily from the nation’s leading distillers to fight drunk driving and underage drinking and promote responsible decisions about beverage alcohol. Stay tuned as we learn about their dedication to advocacy. ABOUT the GUEST Chris Swonger serves as th…

Today we speak to the leader of an organization that empowers young adults to advocate for higher education, health care, and economic policies. ABOUT the GUEST Kristin McGuire is the Executive Director for Young Invincibles. Kristin assumes this role having most recently served as YI West Regional Director, where she empowered young adults to advo…

Whistleblowers have been at the top of the news lately. Today’s special guest is the founder of the leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting and rewarding whistleblowers around the world. You do not want to miss this episode as we explore the importance of advocating for stronger whistleblower protection laws and educating the public about whistle…

Today’s guest is the Grassroots and Constituent expert for the well-known organization - whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. Join us as we explore the importance of advocating for our wounded servicemen and women. ABOUT the GUEST Justin Beland serves as WWP’s Grassroots and Constituent Affairs Director where he utilizes 23 years…

Today we speak to the CEO of an organization that is the influential, unified voice of the vibrant creative arts community in New Jersey. Stay tuned as we learn about their dedication to arts advocacy. ABOUT the GUEST As President & CEO, Adam Perle manages all ArtPride operations. He leads the senior management team and is responsible for resource …

Our guest today is a farmer, and not just any farmer, Chris Hoffman is the President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and a member of the Board of Directors at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Join us as we explore the importance of advocating for our nation's food supply, after all its what's for dinner. ABOUT the GUEST Chris Hoffman owns and o…

Today we speak with the Chair of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture, Congressman 'GT' Thompson. As we learn more about the FARM Bill and the importance of constituent engagement. ABOUT the GUEST Chairman Glenn 'GT' Thompson is the descendant of a long line of dairy farmers and lifelong resident of Howard Township, Centre Cou…

Today I will speak about self-advocacy. Self-advocacy through voting. In the United States of America what could be more important than our freedom? One of our most precious freedoms is our ability to cast a ballot, to vote. We have the right and privilege to participate in our government, to set a course for tomorrow. I’m Roger Rickard and I appro…

Today we speak to the CEO of an organization that is the influential, unified voice of the travel and tourism industry in California, which supports 1.22 million jobs and $12.2 billion in state and local taxes. Stay tuned as we learn about their advocacy efforts for the California travel industry. ABOUT the GUEST California Travel Association (CalT…

Need an MBA? How Cattlemen's Beef group provides the Masters of Beef Advocacy. Today we speak the Director of Grassroots Advocacy and Spokesperson Development for an organization that began in 1898 representing the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry. Stay tuned as we learn about their advocacy efforts for more than 1,000,000 ca…

What is Too Much or Too Little to Have in Your Legislation? This and many more fabulous advocacy tips are shared as we speak with the CEO of an organization that defends and protects the ecosystem beneficial to the success of wheat growers in the United States. ABOUT the GUEST Chandler Goule is NAWG’s Chief Executive Officer, coming into that role …

The Future of Agriculture Advocacy is in Good Hands with this Former National Officer of the National FFA. Today we speak an advocate who has been engaged as a national leader of an organization that has over 760,000 members with over 8800 chapters. It is among the largest youth organizations and the largest career and technical student organizatio…

Today we speak the Executive Director of Government Affairs for an organization has 26 affiliated state associations representing 30 soybean producing states. Stay tuned as we learn about their advocacy efforts for more than 500,000 soybean farmers. ABOUT the GUEST As Executive Director of Government Affairs, Christy Seyfert leads the American Soyb…

Do you know what 340B program is? If you said no, you are not alone. Today we speak with the National Advocacy Manager of Community Voices 340B. Come with me as we learn more. ABOUT the GUEST Since 2017 Rhiannon Klein has been the National Advocacy Manager for Community Voices for 340B. Rhiannon began her career in Global HIV/AIDS advocacy as the g…

Today’s guest represents the developers, manufacturers, formulators and distributors of plant science solutions for agriculture and pest management in the United States. Come with me as we learn more. ABOUT the GUEST Chris Novak is the President and Chief Executive Officer of CropLife America (CLA). CLA’s member companies produce, sell and distribu…

Normally this podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Today the show is dedicated to the act of advocacy. Today’s show is an editorial on gun violence in light of the all too familiar recent events. This is an editorial by Roger Rickard, the opinions expressed our those of the host. Contact Voices In Advocacy at: www.VoicesinAdvocacy.com 480 4…

Our guest began on the family farm growing cotton, tobacco, watermelon, and peanuts. He rose from Legislative Specialist to Chief Administrative Officer and shares the value of quality and quantity of grassroots farm advocacy. ABOUT the GUEST Jeffrey Harvey is the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Georgia Farm Bureau (GFB) Companies. In th…

This trade group which is 125 years old and has more than 1,000 member companies is the leading organization in North America advancing construction and agriculture equipment manufacturers in the global marketplace while using some unique programing to achieve their advocacy goals. ABOUT the GUEST Wade Balkonis is the Director, Grassroots Advocacy …

This organization has over 760,000 members with over 8800 chapters. It is among the largest youth organizations and the largest career and technical student organization in the United States. Today we speak with the Advocacy and Literacy Officer of the National FFA Organization, known to many as the Future Farmers of America. ABOUT the GUEST Celya …

On today’s show we talk with a distinguished professor of communications at the highly esteemed Carnegie Mellon University on the topic of Storytelling – which is recognized as an important component to a successful advocates’ meeting with elected officials. We speak with Ed Barr, Communications Coach for select master’s students at Carnegie Mellon…

You can see the signs of advocacy success - especially locally, as we talk with the Vice President of Advocacy for the International Sign Association, Mr. David Hickey. ABOUT the GUEST David’s main goal in his professional life to is to help government officials understand the value of signs and to enact regulations at the local, state and federal …

The power of storytelling in the face of personal tragedy. We speak with Julie Walker of the Peyton Walker Foundation. In 2013, life threw her a huge curve ball with the tragic and unexpected death of her 19-year-old daughter. Her response to this devastating tragedy was to dust herself off and immediately launch a nonprofit foundation to keep what…

America's Brightest Students Create Life Transforming Technologies for Our Country's Wounded Heroes. A fascinating look at the work behind the Quality of Life Plus program and how they advocate daily for veterans, first responders and others that serve our community. ABOUT the GUEST Mark Robbins was selected to be executive director of Quality of L…

Best of 2021: We look back on this memorable interview with Mary Kate Cunningham of the American Society of Association Executives. Find out how ASAE and their members play an important role in how associations make America stronger. Guest Mary Kate Cunningham, CAE, is the Sr. Vice President of Public Policy at ASAE: The Center for Association Lead…

Best of 2021: We look back on this memorable interview with Gail Adams of International Association of Geophysical Contractors. Gail comes with extensive high level Washington DC experience and during this interview she explains advocacy as an art and discusses what one needs to know about a person’s real advocacy why. Gail has more than 20 years o…

Best of 2021: We look back on this memorable interview with Cody Lyon of the American Farm Bureau where among the many items we discussed is his advocacy work in defending and protecting the family farm. Cody is the Managing Director of Advocacy and Political Affairs programs with the American Farm Bureau Federation. Cody Lyon Managing Director of …

Best of 2021: We look back on this memorable interview with former U.S. Senator from Alaska, Mark Begich. Mark and I got together back in April and among the many items we discussed was how does an elected official make policy decisions when they are pulled in many directions. This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advo…

On today’s show we speak with a grassroots advocacy expert whose organization created a Member Activation Program (MAP) that has sent over 4 million advocacy emails in its first 2 years. Now that is some advocacy production. ABOUT The GUEST Kristen Prather has been a grassroots professional working at the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) si…

On today’s show we have the creator of the U.S. Chamber’s Women Taking the Lead initiative, Ashley Wilson. This important major advocacy initiative brings together high-performing women leaders in business and in government to solve critical problems and advance a growing network of leaders at the VP-level and above. Today our guest is a recognized…

Roger Rickard believes in advocacy and believes in the right of each and every American citizen to be an advocate, in fact, it is our role and responsibility to participate in our form of self-government. Catch up on his advocacy reflections this Thanksgiving. Roger is the Founder & President of Voices in Advocacy®, author of 7 Actions of Highly Ef…

Promoting Better Health – Voices for Kidney Health Advocacy Campaign. Our interview with Matthew Fitting, Director of Grassroots Advocacy at the National Kidney Foundation. ABOUT The GUEST Matthew Fitting is Director of Grassroots Advocacy with the National Kidney Foundation, where he provides strategic direction and oversees implementations for al…

Advocacy Success Delivered by Multiple Touch-points with State Legislators. Our conversation with Zach Shamberg, CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA). ABOUT The GUEST Zach Shamberg, CEO of the Pennsylvania Health Care Association (PHCA). Zach is the former Director of Government Affairs at PHCA, and was also Chief of Staff to stat…

The Vital Nature of Cultivating Meaningful Relationships between Advocates and Members of Congress. Our conversation with Meghan Cruz, Director of Grassroots Advocacy at the National Retail Federation. Meghan is part of the team that was awarded the 2021 Reed Award for Grassroots Trade Association of the Year given by Campaigns and Elections. ABOUT…

On this episode we speak with Davon Gray, Senior Director of Advocacy Capacity Development at The American Institute of Architects, where he is build grassroots champions that empower their voices. Davon Gray, Senior Director of Advocacy Capacity Development at The American Institute of Architects. He is an advocacy strategist and leader in politic…

On today's episode we speak with Jon Hoffman, Senior Director of Government Affairs for Food Allergy Research and Education known as FARE. FARE is the world's largest non-governmental organization focus on life threating food allergies. Jon Hoffman, the Sr Director of G.A. for Food Allergy Research and Education known as FARE where she has served s…

In this episode, Amanda Karhuse shares how the National Association of Secondary School Principals works to protect the interests of its members and for the good of students and parents. Amanda Karhuse has served as the director of advocacy for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) since 2006. She led the creation of the N…

I wanted to take this time to share a brief update. Some of you have been asking where the show has been for a few weeks. We took a some needed personal time to recharge and refresh. As well as to set up our lineup of outstanding upcoming guests from people that know advocacy. This podcast is dedicated to the art of advocacy. Contact Voices In Advo…

Destination Relevancy 365: Why Advocating for the Destination is Good for All in the Community. A look at the advocacy work of Destinations International and their Chief Advocacy officer, Jack Johnson. As Chief Advocacy Officer, Jack Johnson manages the overall public policy operations at Destinations International including member advocacy educati…

In this episode we speak with Laura Brigandi to learn about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN), their outreach to community volunteers by having them engage in grassroots advocacy and tell their personal stories. Laura Brigandi has fifteen years of experience in government affairs. Currently, she serves as the Senior Manager of Advocacy …

In this episode, Gail Adams, Vice President of Communications and External Affairs for the International Association of Geophysical Contractors explains advocacy as an art and discusses that one needs to know what is a persons real why. Gail has more than 20 years of experience in the environment and natural resources public policy arena and workin…

Dorian Wanzer, Advocacy Manager for International Paper explains her corporate advocacy role and how they optimize civic engagement with stimulating voter resources and education to employees. Dorian is responsible for developing advocacy messaging strategy for federal and state public policy issues, coordinating grassroots communications, and coll…

We kick off Season Three with the question of, "Can Special Interest and Public Interest Go Hand in Hand?" In this episode we hear from Nate Smith the Vice President of Engagement for the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA). Smith oversees the Association’s member engagement, recruitment, and retention strategy as well as manages A…

We close out Season Two with the 2nd episode of our two part end of season two recap. Most episodes we asked the guest a simple question, which was, “What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of advocacy?” Each and every response was so decidedly unique, that we chose to share their answers in two recap shows. Enjoy. Thank you to ou…

We begin a two episode recap of Season Two. Most episodes we asked the guest a simple question, which was, “What is the first thing that comes to mind when you think of advocacy?” Each and every response was so decidedly unique, that we chose to share their answers in two recap shows. Enjoy. Thank you to our sponsor: Rap Index, tell them Roger sent…

How NIADA uses coalitions to defend and protect their advocacy interests and other tactics for their legislative success. Interview with Brett Scott, Vice President of Government Affairs for National Independent Automobile Dealers Association. With multiple years of hill and private sector experience, Brett comes to NIADA as the new Vice President …