Success ultimately comes from planning and executing a good strategy. The coaches in the class plan strategies for their teams while all the educators plan strategies for learner successes. Both my parents were high school coaches and planned strategies that matched the teams’ abilities.  The Bakers were proud of their winning records especially since little Tuscarora Valley was the smallest schools in the league.  My Dad always believed that one’s ability to “close” or win the tightly contested games set exceptional coaches apart.  

Click for a fun site on basketball strategy. 

You may have noticed that the name of our firm is Versant Strategies.  If you do a quick web search using “public affairs firms and strategies” you will find over one million possible sites to surf.  Lobbyists sell their strategies to clients to help them accomplish preset goals.  In this lesson, we will examine the elements of a good advocacy strategy.  Ultimately, class members should be able to plan and execute a long term strategy for governmental affairs.

             A. Roy Wells went from academia to being the majority partner in TRIAD Strategies LLC.  Listen to Roy’s vision for his firm.

 
           B. Mike Aker spent time on the Bush Transition Team as well as at White House Christmas parties.  See what this Philadelphia native can teach us about the lobbying process as well as a few ethical guidelines to follow.

Why did our instructor name her firm Versant Strategies? 

Does Versant have an agricultural connection?  Vericot greens (food) and veranda all hint of a green connection.

Want to see a Versant? -- Click here to look at a versant! 

In sum, Versant ties together the Latin root meaning truth, the concept of having knowledge of, and the ability to converse on many differ levels of differing subjects with an agrarian tie.  This brand seemed to fit our team.

Using the framework found in the text, complete the Legislative/Regulatory Planning Worksheet for a real or imagined organization.  Modify as needed to develop a strategy that makes sense for your group.  Try to incorporate some of the activities selected for the timeline assignment in Lesson Five.  Again, this should be a practical exercise that could be shared after completion.  Feel free to use any group that might appreciate your efforts.