Compass Advocacy, Author at Compass Advocacy

Political Strategy: Phone Campaigns

Posted on February 1, 2023November 29, 2023 by Compass Advocacy

An important advocacy tool to influence public opinion is implementing phone campaigns. We have the ability and find that clients are successful when we develop campaigns to mobilize constituents to support or oppose policies heard before state, local and federal governments.

Compass Public Relations has the ability to target specific demographics to send a specific message. We can send through live calls, which are effective in persuading legislators. Compass PR consultants often work in tandem with lobbyists in employing such calls to advance or defeat legislation pending in Delaware, Maryland or at the local level.

We can help frame a message for or against legislation and then facilitate targeting key legislators who may play a decision-making role on such issues. Then dozens – or even hundreds – of live constituent phone calls are generated into legislators’ offices.

Preparing for Vacation

Posted on February 1, 2023March 11, 2024 by Compass Advocacy

As Spring (slowly) approaches, many families are starting to finalize their vacation plans. March and April are big months for winter-weary families to get away.

However, as families prepare for their vacations, one item is typically never found on their “To Do” list – estate planning. If you plan to travel with your family, you should really have your affairs in order in the event the unthinkable happens. Whether it is death or disability, an estate plan will provide your heirs with the information they need to carry out your wishes. Otherwise, you are at the mercy of State law and, potentially, a Judge who has no idea who you are.

The core documents in an estate plan are a Last Will and Testament, Financial Power of Attorney and an Advance Medical Directive. While preparing an estate plan may seem like an onerous task, the attorneys at Compass Law Partners will walk you through the process and ensure your estate plan is completed in a timely manner.

Compass PR: Political Strategy

Posted on February 1, 2023March 27, 2024 by Compass Advocacy

The legislative session has convened in Maryland and Delaware, so it’s time for your organization’s voice to be heard. In today’s complex and information-saturated world, simply having a good cause and dedicated supporters may not be enough for your coalition or campaign to thrive. At Compass Advocacy, our Public Relations services act as a multiplier for your efforts, bringing years of advocacy experience and long-term relationships with the legislature. Through our industry expertise, large network, and tested political campaign strategies, we position our clients in front of key legislative allies that produce tangible results.

Working at the intersection of business and government, our public relations firm develops authentic and compelling campaigns that mobilize constituents to support or oppose policies heard before state, local, and federal governments. As part of such services, our public relations specialists can facilitate patch-thru phone calls from constituents to legislators, letters to elected officials, polling and public opinion surveys, and much more. Additionally, identifying influential figures is essential for gaining traction and achieving your goals. Our team leverages targeted campaign strategies to find and engage committees, legislators, or third parties with your messaging.

While your grassroots campaign or coalition may be passionate and dedicated, Compass can provide crucial amplification, such as phone, website, and email strategies to boost your message to the right decision-makers. Broad exposure and compelling narratives strengthens your voice, builds public trust, and increases your chances of making an impact. In the unique political landscapes of Delaware and Maryland, Compass can help your organization navigate the many legislative and public relations nuances–get started today!

2022 By The Numbers

Posted on December 20, 2022November 29, 2023 by Compass Advocacy

Wrapping Up 2022 with the Gift of Estate Planning in 2023

Posted on December 6, 2022March 11, 2024 by Compass Advocacy

It is amazing how many people think about how they need a Will yet push it off from year to year. If you do this (and you probably do) you are definitely not alone!!

Creating your estate plan (including a Will, Financial Power of Attorney, a Health Care Power of Attorney) is not only difficult from a “finding time” perspective but also from the perspective of thinking about your own mortality.

Compass Law Partners can help you on both fronts. First, CLP offers either in-person meetings or virtual meetings. Virtual meetings (one of the positive things coming from the Covid-19 pandemic) allow you to schedule a meeting from your home, car, or office without having to add “commute time.” For some, removing “commute time” opens up your availability to meet.

Also, CLP’s experienced attorneys will provide empathetic guidance to you as you traverse the realities of estate planning. In the end, CLP clients walk away from creating their estate plan with a sense of satisfaction and the security of knowing that your loved ones will be taken care of after your death.

As 2022 comes to a close, make creating an estate plan in 2023 your gift to those you love.

Team Spotlight: Addison Pruitt, GR Partner

Posted on November 21, 2022December 18, 2023 by Compass Advocacy

This past weekend, Addison was awarded by the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus at the Chairman’s Farewell Reception for his service to the caucus. Addison previously served three years as Chief of Staff for Legislative Black Caucus Chairman, Delegate Daryl Barnes.
The reception was a part of the 27^th Annual Legislative Weekend hosted by the Maryland Black Caucus Foundation at Live Casino & Hotel.

We are so proud to have Addison on our team!

General Elections Preview

Posted on October 3, 2022December 18, 2023 by Compass Advocacy

The Maryland General Election this year is a rare opportunity to see the “big four” up for election: Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Comptroller, and Attorney General. With a new gubernatorial administration comes opportunity for increased legislative movement. Select legislators could move into the administration, allowing for some committee shakeups.

In Delaware, all seats are up for re-election due to redistricting. Compass will keep a pulse on contentious races that could impact the composition of the leadership in the General Assembly. This is not an election year for Governor Carney, so we do anticipate general consistency in the make up of the Administration.

District of Columbia will also hold their General Election on November 8th. We expect to see a few new faces in the coming year. Compass is monitoring contentious At-Large race between Kenyan McDuffie and Elissa Silverman.

This election lends the Compass team an opportunity to facilitate working relationships from freshman delegates to Governors’ offices, while strengthening the relationships we currently hold.

We will hold a call on November 9th to deliver a live update from our government relations team about election results in Maryland, Delaware, and D.C.

Back to School Time!!

Posted on September 1, 2022March 11, 2024 by Compass Advocacy

Parents

I, like many other parents, look forward to the kids heading back to school…not because I don’t love them but more because towards the end of the summer, they are just a bit much.

Now that the kids are back in school, you have time to focus on projects you have been putting off (for years) – including estate planning (Wills, Financial Powers of Attorney, Health Care Powers of Attorney, etc.).

Estate planning is the one extremely important service that is constantly kicked down the road. It is likely that whenever you see a television show or movie with reference to a Will, you say “I/We need to do that.” Then, that thought passes and the millions of other thoughts take over.

I am writing this to tell you that you should stop delaying and just contact Compass Law Partners. The attorneys at Compass Law Partners will walk you through the process and make it as easy and understandable as possible. If you make that call, not only will you be protecting your family, but you will never have to have that moment again where you say, “I/We need to do that.” Instead, you can say, “I’m so glad we did that.”

College Students

Do you have a child in college? Do you want to make sure you have the authority to speak with your child’s school (since you are paying his/her tuition) or with your child’s medical provider/therapist?

Well, surprise, you cannot. Your child may still look like the fun 3-year-old (in my opinion, the best age) but, legally, he/she is an adult and must provide authorization to any medical providers and school administrators to speak with you. The easiest way to provide that authorization is to have your college student sign a Financial Power of Attorney and a Healthcare Power of Attorney.

Although it is likely your child is already in school, this can still be accomplished using video conferencing. Compass Law Partners has the technology and know-how to meet with clients through video conferencing software. Then, your child can sign his/her documents when he/she visits you (a great reason to get them to visit). Or, alternatively, Maryland law now allows Maryland residents to sign estate planning documents virtually. The attorneys at Compass Law Partners have experience in virtual signings and can easily guide your child through the process.

Now is the time to make sure you remain an important part of your child’s life. Do not hesitate to contact Compass Law Partners to set up a consultation today.

Team Spotlight: Jen Kidwell, Of Counsel

Posted on August 31, 2022December 18, 2023 by Compass Advocacy

Jen brings nearly a decade of experience working with families in a variety of settings to her work as a Wills and Trusts attorney.

She views legal documents that are commonly used to help families plan for the future as tools for investing in the relationships, stories, and causes that ultimately create a legacy.

Jen prioritizes a values-based planning process and takes time with each client to educate and counsel them through potentially challenging decisions.

Team Spotlight: Rob Garagiola

Posted on August 31, 2022December 18, 2023 by Compass Advocacy

An expert on energy, tax, business regulation, and procurement matters, Rob lobbies for clients in Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, D.C. As a former Maryland State Senate Majority Leader and State Senator for ten years, Rob understands the inner workings of state government. Prior to becoming a State Senator, he spent close to a decade on Capitol Hill – both as a lobbyist and senior staffer for U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., who is now the Chairman of the Energy & Commerce Committee. In addition, he has experience lobbying in Baltimore City and Frederick County. Rob also lobbies before the Delaware General Assembly, DC City Council, and in the halls of Congress.

A triple threat for Compass, Rob serves as a Principal for Compass Government Relations and Compass Public Relations and as the Managing Member for Compass Law. With nearly 30 years of legislative, lobbying, and advocacy experience at the federal, state, and local levels of government, and over 20 years practicing law in D.C. and MD, Rob plays a leading role in managing the Compass leadership team and nurturing the firm’s enterprise growth and innovation.