There are many best practices to guide the creation of advocacy campaigns. Most best practices cover high-level concepts that both industry veterans and grassroots professionals understand. So what happens when best practices are followed...yet engagement rates aren't at desired levels? It may not be time to go back to the drawing board, but it may be time to dig a little deeper and start asking questions that lead to better insight. Here are 22 questions to ask before you launch your next advocacy campaign:

A Chamber of Commerce offers many substantial benefits to its membership. Scroll down to learn about four value propositions offered by Chambers of Commerce to its members, and how these member-focused opportunities often result in positive outcomes for the organization as well. 

It's undeniable that digital tools have had an incredible impact on influencing public policy and the government relations profession. From nonprofit staff to lobbyists and everyone in between, the adoption of digital tools and strategies has proved valuable in shaping legislation. It's important to understand trends in lobbying and advocacy in order to ensure that your organization - or your client organization - can make an impact in the digital age.

Chambers of Commerce represent the many business owning voices of a community (or state), and with such economic responsibility, it is important that chambers have the ability to advocate on behalf of their members. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce designates an entire section of their website to advocacy, including examples of regional chambers and their experience with public policy initiatives- take a look here. Digital advocacy tools give a Chamber of Commerce the ability to do just that. Below are just a few of the key reasons why a Chamber’s should design and implement a digital advocacy strategy:   

How do grassroots advocacy software and community advocacy intersect? As a leader or member of an organization you know that, more important than anything, are the community members that care about your cause. They’re the ones who help put in the footwork to make a positive change happen, especially in grassroots advocacy. It can be difficult to get your community engaged especially when you need them the most. That’s where the wonders of grassroots advocacy software come in:

Broadly defined as any organized effort to influence public perception/the policymaking process/particular legislators, political advocacy is evolving. New media platforms, social media channels, and smart mobile devices have together transformed the way that citizens connect with their representatives, reinventing how constituents can participate meaningfully in the legislative process. 

For more resources on advocacy and outreach strategy, visit our Political Advocacy Resources Center. 

There is a growing trend among advocacy organizations and Government Relations Professionals to incorporate social media as part of their digital strategy. In fact, a strong digital advocacy strategy often includes social media as a cornerstone of engagement. Social media can support
your advocacy campaign by extending the reach and influence of your mission-critical
agenda. Pushing your messaging out efficiently online will work to amplify public exposure
around your grassroots campaign. Take a look at these social media advocacy trends the Muster team has curated.