America, the Owner's Manual: You Can Fight City Hall - and Win / Edition 2

by Bob Graham, Chris Hand

Overview

In 2016, Americans fed up with the political process vented that frustration with their votes. Republicans nominated for president a wealthy businessman and former reality show host best known on the campaign trail for his sharp rhetoric against immigration and foreign trade. Democrats nearly selected a self-described socialist who ran on a populist platform against the influence of big money in politics.

While it is not surprising that Americans would channel their frustrations into votes for contenders who pledge to end business as usual, the truth is that we don’t have to pin our hopes for greater participation on any one candidate. All of us have a say—if we learn, master and practice the skills of effective citizenship.

One of the biggest roadblocks to participation in democracy is the perception that privileged citizens and special interests command the levers of power and that everyday Americans can’t fight City Hall. That perception is undoubtedly why a 2015 Pew Charitable Trusts survey found that 74 percent of those Americans surveyed believed that most elected officials didn't care what people like them thought.

Graham and Hand intend to change that conventional wisdom by showing citizens how to flex their citizenship muscles. They describe effective citizenship skills and provide tips from civic experts. Even more importantly, they offer numerous examples of everyday Americans who have used their skills to make democracy respond. The reader will see themselves in these examples of citizens who chose to be victorious participants rather than tranquil spectators in the arena of democracy. By the end of the book, you will have new confidence that citizen participation is the lifeblood of America — and will be ready to make governments work for you, not the other way around.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781506350585
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	08/16/2016
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Following 12 years of service in the Florida Legislature, Bob Graham was elected governor of Florida in 1978. During two successful terms as governor, Graham was nationally recognized for reforms in education, environmental protection, and economic diversification. Upon concluding his two terms as governor, Graham had an 83 percent approval rating from the people of Florida.

Graham was elected to the United States Senate in 1986, serving three consecutive terms. As a member of the Senate Finance, Environment and Public Works, and Veterans Affairs Committees, he was a leader on health, trade, tax, water and infrastructure issues.

One of Graham’s most important contributions came during his last Senate term, when he was named chairman of the Select Committee on Intelligence. As Senator he cosponsored the bill to create the Director of National Intelligence position and co-chaired the Joint Inquiry into Intelligence Community Activities Before and After the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. In 2016, Graham received international attention for urging President Obama to declassify and make public 28 pages redacted from the final Joint Inquiry report. Graham also authored the 2004 book Intelligence Matters and the 2011 novel Keys to the Kingdom, both revealing serious faults in the U.S. national security system.

Graham may be best known for his workdays. During the nearly 30 years that he campaigned for or served as Florida’s Governor and U.S. Senator, Graham worked at more than 400 jobs alongside Floridians. His first workday was teaching citizenship at Carol City High School in Miami Gardens, Florida. Graham wrote of these experiences in his first book Workdays: Finding Florida on the Job.

Since leaving the Senate in early 2005, Graham has led national commissions on weapons of mass destruction, the BP oil spill, and financing public higher educations. He spent the 2005–2006 academic year at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government as a senior fellow. Graham continues his work in environmental protection as chair of the Florida Conservation Coalition. The former Governor and U.S. Senator leads efforts to enhance citizen engagement and train the next generation of public leaders through the Bob Graham Center for Public Service at the University of Florida.

Chris Hand is an attorney with a long record of public service. He previously served as speechwriter, press secretary, and campaign press secretary for Senator Graham and as campaign manager for Florida’s former statewide elected chief financial officer, Alex Sink. In 2008, Hand served as one of 27 Florida electors in the United States Electoral College. In 2010, Graham and Hand authored the original version
of this book, entitled America, the Owner’s Manual: Making Government Work for You.

From 2011 to 2015, Hand served as Chief of Staff at the consolidated City of Jacksonville, Florida—the largest city by area in the contiguous United States and the 12th largest by population in the entire nation—during the administration of Mayor Alvin Brown. As Chief of Staff, Hand managed the Mayor’s Office team, with oversight for policy, advocacy, communications, outreach and scheduling. He also led the advancement of strategic initiatives, including efforts to achieve comprehensive pension reform for taxpayers and public safety employees. Those efforts culminated in the enactment of a landmark agreement in 2015.

Hand graduated with honors from the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton University and the Fredric G. Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. At Princeton, Chris was honored with the Daily Princetonian Award for his successful efforts to reform the university’s then centuryold Honor Code. At the University of Florida, the law school student body elected Hand as president of the student bar association. He also served as a research assistant to former Florida Governor and U.S. Representative Buddy Mac Kay.

Table of Contents

Preface
Prologue: Green Tea
An 800-Pound Gorilla
The Odd Couple
The Right Level at the Right Time
Framing the Problem and the Solution
A Legislative Champion
The Bright Future
Introduction: In the Arena
Chapter 1: What's Your Problem? Defining the Challenge That Active Citizenship Can Solve
Case in Point: A Road through the Mountains
How to Define the Problem
1. Look with a Telescope, Not a Microscope
2. Focus the Telescope if Necessary
3. Begin with the End in Mind
Tips from the Pros: Anticipate the Decision Maker’s Needs
4. Suggest Solutions as You Define the Problem
5. Define the Problem in Public Terms
6. Be Prepared to Refine the Problem
7. Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
Checklist for Action
Chapter 2: Just the Facts, Ma'am: Gathering Information to Sway Decision Makers
Case in Point: A Penny Saved Is a Penny Earned
The Information-Gathering Process
Why Conduct Research?
Inform Every Citizenship Skill
Enhance Credibility
Learn from the Past
Locate Precedent
Out-Prepare Your Opponents
Another Case in Point: Stormy Weather
Effective Research: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Above All, Be Credible
2. Stay on Target
3. Use All Your Tools
Tips from the Pros: Data Engagement Leads to Innovative Solutions
Tips from the Pros: Finding Public Records
Tips from the Pros: Make the Most of University Researchers
4. Harness the Power of Real People
Knowledge Can Be Power - If You Use It
Checklist for Action
Chapter 3: The Buck Stops Where? Identifying Who in Government Can Fix Your Problem
Case in Point: Putting the "Be" in South Beach
You Know the Problem - Who Has the Solution?
Aiming at the Right Target
1. Determine Which Level of Government Is Involved
Tips from the Pros: Contacting Local Governments
Tips from the Pros: Success in Your State Capital
2. Pinpoint Your Specific Targets within the Proper Level of Government
3. Use Representative Democracy to Your Advantage
Tips from the Pros: Maximizing Customer Service
Tips from the Pros: I’m Your Elected Representative— and Also Your Neighbor
Checklist for Action
Appendix: Constitutional Sources of State and Federal Authority
Chapter 4: Testing the Waters: Gauging and Building Public Support for Your Cause
Case in Point: Reversal of Fortune in Steamboat Springs
Why Does Public Opinion Matter?
1. Determine the Level of Support
2. Identify the Arguments Most Likely to Resonate with the Public
3. Anticipate and Rebut the Opposition’s Arguments
4. “Microtarget” Specific Groups of Persuadable Officials or Citizens
Tips from the Pros: Microtargeting 101
Tips from the Pros: Targeting (aka Microtargeting)
5. Get the Most Bang for Your Buck
How Do I Determine What Public Opinion Is?
Polling
Tips from the Pros: The Dos and Don’ts of Public Opinion Surveys
Other Methods of Measuring Public Opinion
Different Types of Survey Research
Tips from the Pros: Leadership Polling
Focus Groups
Tips from the Pros: The Dos and Don’ts of Focus Groups
Cost-Effective Public Opinion Research
Tips from the Pros: Affordable Public Opinion Research
Conclusion: Putting Public Opinion Data to Good Use
Checklist for Action
Appendix: Steamboat Springs Schools Survey
Chapter 5: Winning Friends and Influencing People: How to Persuade the Decision Maker
Case in Point: Getting MADD at Drunk Drivers
Influencing and Persuading the Decision Maker
1. Educate Decision Makers before They Become Decision Makers
2. Define the Relationship with the Decision Maker before You Create It
3. Follow the Chain of Command
Tips from the Pros: Back to School
4. Respect Professional Staff
5. Know the Decision Maker before You Advocate
6. Determine Who Influences the Decision Maker—and Influence Them
7. Understand Internal Politics and Dynamics
8. Do Your Homework—Always Be Credible
9. All Politics is Local
Tips from the Pros: Ridesharing Gets a Lyft in Portland
10. Maximize Your Face-to-Face Opportunities with the Decision Maker
Tips from the Pros: Getting in the Door
Tips from the Pros: Make a Lasting Impression on a Decision Maker
11. Don’t Assume that the Final Decision Maker Is the Right Target
12. Don’t Let the Perfect Be the Enemy of the Good
Checklist for Action
Chapter 6: Timing is Everything: Using the Calendar to Achieve Your Goals
Case in Point: A Watershed Moment in Sports Activism
Manage the Clock
1. Be Aware of Fixed Deadlines— and Start Long in Advance
2. Know the Official Time
3. Study the Budget
4. Think in Terms of “Best Time” to Achieve Your Goal
5. Play the Long Game
Tips from the Pros: Time after Time
Take Advantage of Trends and Cycles
Trends
Cycles
Checklist for Action
Chapter 7: All for One, and One for All: Coalitions for Citizen Success
Case in Point: Equality Means Business
Building Your Own Coalition: A Step-by-Step Guide to Forging an Effective Alliance
1. Define the Problem to Attract the Widest Possible Coalition
Tips from the Pros: Ingenuity and Innovation Are Keys to Effective Coalitions
2. Build the Coalition around a Solution
Tips from the Pros: Home Defense in San Francisco
3. Tailor the Coalition to the Decision Maker
4. Don’t Reinvent the Wheel
5. Draft for Talent and Need
6. Turn Opponents into Allies
7. Pick a Strong Champion to Celebrate Your Cause
Another Case in Point: The Trail of Dreams
8. Have a Simple, Direct Message—and Repeat, Repeat, Repeat
9. Be Vigilant in Keeping the Coalition Together
Checklist for Action
Chapter 8: All Your News Is Fit to Print: Engaging the Media
Case in Point: The Street Doctor
Planning for Media Success
Getting to Know the Media
Traditional Media
Tips from the Pros: Citizen Advocacy on Camera
Tips from the Pros: Cut Through the Static— How to Stand Out on Radio
Tips from the Pros: Talk to Me. Quickly
Multicultural Media
The New Media
Tips from the Pros: Engaging the New Media
Tips from the Pros: Social Messaging Strategies
Tips from the Pros: Social Media Success Is All about Personality
Tips from the Pros: Podcasting for Citizen Success
Designing and Implementing Your Media Plan
1. Know Your Goals, Message, and Media Audience
Tips from the Pros: The Right Message
2. Distribute Your Own Message
Tips from the Pros: To Win Digital, Be Flexible, Mobile, Versatile—and Real
3. Do Your Homework
4. Walk a Mile in the Media’s Shoes
5. Make Contact
6. Take Multiple Bites at the Apple
7. Stay Credible at All Costs
Tips from the Pros: The Dos and Don’ts of Advocacy Storytelling
Checklist for Action
Chapter 9: The Prices of Progress: Finding the Resources to Support Your Initiative
Case in Point: Nothing But Nets
The Most Popular Labor-Saving Device
Paying for Your Advocacy Effort: A User's Guide to Successful Financing
1. Determine How Much Money You Need
2. Develop a Fundraising Plan
Tips from the Pros: Digital Fundraising Success
Another Case In Point: Following the Crowd in Jersey City
3. Establish a Finance Infrastructure
Tips from the Pros: The One B and Five Cs of Financial Management
4. Be Creative
Another Case In Point: Comic Relief
5. Demonstrate Financial Credibility to Decision Makers
Tips from the Pros: Mastering Local Budgets
Tips from the Pros: Thinking Outside the Fiscal Box
Another Case In Point: Soccer Advocates Net Goals in Newburyport
Checklist for Action
Chapter 10: You've Won! You've Lost: Preserving Victory and Learning from Defeat
Case in Point: A Victory Born in East L.A.
If You Have Won: Capitalizing on Victories
1. Look over Your Shoulder
2. Run through the Tape
3. Say Thank You
4. Chronicle the Campaign
5. Turn Opponents into Friend
6. Close the Doors Correctly
7. Keep Your Momentum
If You Have Lost: Recovering from Defeat
1. Try to Snatch Victory from the Jaws of Defeat
2. If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again
3. Be Gracious
4. Finish Strong
5. Diagnose the Problem and Fix It
Checklist for Action
Final Thoughts: The Journey Continues
Index

Editorial Reviews

Bob Graham and Chris Hand's book, America, the Owner’s Manual: You Can Fight City Hall–and Win, is an exciting, energizing and hope-giving guide to effective citizenship.

Donna Brazile

"Senator Bob Graham and Chris Hand have provided a how-to manual complete with clear examples, simple rules of the political road and smart strategies for Americans ready to get off the couch and get results from their government."

Rick Wilson

"Bob Graham belongs to that now practically endangered breed of public servant that put country above politics. Sen. Graham and Chris Hand provide an important read to those of us who want to see citizens restore those governing values in American democracy."

Ana Navarro

Americans need to be reminded of the importance of their role in our democracy. We are the only ones who can change the direction of our country. America, the Owner's Manual provides just the roadmap to achieve those changes."

Christine Todd Whitman

Senator Bob Graham and Chris Hand have produced an invaluable primer on how American citizens can be involved in politics and affect policy change."

Russell J. Dalton

In America, the Owner's Manual, Senator Bob Graham and Chris Hand honor the ideal of a government of, by, and for the people by preparing citizens with the skills they need to hold public officials accountable."

Joe Lieberman

America, the Owner's Manual is the only book that comprehensively explains how to be effective in American politics and civic life, and it does so brilliantly. It’s consistently practical, realistic, accessible, and inspiring."

Peter Levine

"Combining expert advice with relevant and timely examples, America, the Owner's Manual is a straightforward and accessible ‘how to’ guide to working for change in any political system. “

Annise Parker

"When it comes to the state of American democracy, are you a doer or a complainer? In America, The Owner's Manual, Bob Graham and Chris Hand don't just urge more Americans to be better citizens. They provide the instructions.

Chuck Todd