The Tanck Blog
Politics, policy, campaigns and advocacy.
We give you our latest insights on political trends, elections, lobbying and advocacy news, as well as tips and ideas for better government engagement and government relations.
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Lazy Advocacy: Why a Media Release isn’t a strategy (and how it hurts your chances with government)
There’s a persistent myth in advocacy and campaigning that issuing a media release aimed at government equals influence. On the contrary: it doesn’t, it never has, and likely never will.
In fact, it’s often the least effective form of government engagement and, if anything, it sets your cause backwards. This includes the all-too-common “bundling”, where a heap of organisations put their logos at the bottom as well. Putting out a public statement telling a government to “do better” might feel like action, but will rarely get a mention in the media, and is regularly seen as lazy advocacy.
Interview with Katie Acheson
For Katie Acheson, a healthy, vibrant democracy doesn’t start with politicians or policies or even political institutions.
It starts with people – specifically, young people.
Katie has been examining youth inclusion as part of the Churchill Scholarship she was awarded in 2023. That journey took her to the United Kingdom, Europe and Canada seeking out what Australia can learn from other countries about better ways of including young people in decision-making.
Political engagement lessons every organisation must learn
The world is changing quickly, and political engagement is more important than ever. Organisations need government engagement skills, but they also require knowing how to transform that engagement to real advocacy power to make things happen.
Video isn't just Tiktok and Reels - this is why it matters for leaders
Most of us spend more time we’d like to admit scrolling through TikTok or Instagram reels. There are some genuinely funny and talented people out there and then there are others who are…a little unusual.
From the completely absurd, to the moving and informative, online videos have transformed social and traditional media as journalists and content creators use short form video to build authority and boost their profiles.
Media and PR alone do not lead to government money
In the pursuit of government funding, relying solely on media and PR is risky. A strategic approach, prioritising authenticity and collaboration, is crucial for effective government engagement and advocacy efforts.
Campaigns, Politics and the Voice
As we head toward the Voice referendum on October 14, join us in analysing the political campaigns from a strategic perspective. Who will emerge victorious? The answer awaits, and the lessons drawn here can extend beyond this specific context.
What makes people care?
The social purpose sector works in often very difficult and complex spaces. But as humans, we understand stories over divisive language, and imagery over facts. How can we effectively use these principles in advocacy?
Why negative works
Our brains are hardwired to seek out and remember negative information, which is why it’s so important for social purpose organisations to understand the power of framing.
Why our brains don’t register social issues like climate change – and how neuroscience campaigning could change that.
Smart advocacy organisations are learning to understand framing and this is having a huge impact on political issues and government advocacy in Australia.