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America, the Owner's Manual Bob Graham

America, the Owner's Manual By Bob Graham

America, the Owner's Manual by Bob Graham

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Summary

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. Democrats nearly selected a self-described socialist. The authors describe effective citizenship skills and provide tips from civic experts.

America, the Owner's Manual Summary

America, the Owner's Manual: You Can Fight City Hall-and Win by Bob Graham

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.

America, the Owner's Manual Reviews

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

About Bob Graham

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 MacKay.

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

Additional information

NPB9781506350585
9781506350585
1506350585
America, the Owner's Manual: You Can Fight City Hall-and Win by Bob Graham
Bob Graham
New
Paperback
SAGE Publications Inc
2016-10-05
328
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
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