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Author: Compass Advocacy

Preparing For Legislative Session

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

As we approach the upcoming legislative session, Compass Public Relations stands ready to navigate the complexities of government affairs on your behalf. With a commitment to excellence and a proven track record in government relations, our team is dedicated to helping you achieve your advocacy goals.

Our Range of Services

  • Patch-Thru Phone Calls: Direct communication channels to legislators to convey your message effectively.
  • Letters to Elected Officials: Tailored letters that articulate your stance on pertinent issues.
  • Constituent Engagement: Mobilizing community support through targeted outreach and engagement efforts.
  • Targeted Canvassing: Strategic outreach to educate and rally support from key demographics.
  • Independent Expenditures: Expert management of resources to maximize impact in support of your goals.
  • Direct Mail Campaigns: Utilizing direct mail to reach targeted audiences with compelling messages.
  • Polling & Public Opinion Surveys: Gathering data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions and messaging.
  • Compliance & Operations: Ensuring all activities align with regulatory requirements and operational best practices.

Preparing for Success
As legislative priorities evolve, preparation is paramount. Our proactive approach ensures that we are not only responsive to current issues but also anticipate future challenges and opportunities. By partnering with Compass Public Relations, you gain a dedicated ally committed to achieving favorable outcomes for your organization.

Contact Us
We invite you to connect with our team to discuss how Compass Public Relations can support your advocacy efforts during this legislative session and beyond. Together, we can navigate the complexities of government affairs and advance your agenda effectively.

 

Read More Here!

Government Relations in D.C.

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

August recess marks a pivotal turning point in the congressional calendar for policy makers and government relations services. As lawmakers depart from the bustling halls of Washington, DC, and return to their home states and districts, this annual exodus provides a crucial opportunity for elected officials to reconnect with their constituents, listen to their concerns, and gain insights into the issues impacting their communities firsthand.

Beyond the notion of summer break, August marks a period of intense engagement for government officials and lobbyists.  Lawmakers immerse themselves in their communities, attending town halls and participating in community events. These face-to-face interactions serve as a vital conduit for understanding the pressing issues and concerns of constituents. From economic hardships to infrastructure challenges, lawmakers gain invaluable firsthand insights that inform their policy making decisions when they return to Capitol Hill.

The insights gleaned during recess cannot be overstated, as they inform legislative agendas, shaping policies that directly impact the lives of millions. It’s a dynamic interplay between the national stage and the local realities that defines the essence of effective representation. For those seeking to present their issues to officials during this period, government relations services can be pivotal. Navigating the process of engaging with federal lawmakers may initially appear daunting, especially if you’re unsure where to begin. However, strategic advisory services can bridge the gap between state government and local organizations. 

As the countdown to August begins, it’s essential to remember that while many anticipate a leisurely respite, for our elected officials, it’s a period of intense engagement and connection with the people they were elected to serve. Need help connecting with members of Congress for your organization or business? Compass Advocacy’s Government Relations branch is here to help. With extensive lobbying practice and knowledgeable insights, our government relations services extend to local governments throughout Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and D.C. Read more about our services or contact us today to get started. 

Empowering Grassroots Movements

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

While grassroots movements thrive on passionate individuals and organized action, even the most dedicated campaigns can benefit from additional expertise. Compass Advocacy’s grassroots campaign management services can improve strategy, connect resources, and mobilize supporters to increase community impact. Moreover, we can help these movements reach new communities and people to power their ideals and progress. Consulting Compass for your grassroots campaign enables you to see the impact of your efforts.

Below, we outline how an advocacy service provider can uplift your campaign:

Boosting Strategy and Planning

The most prominent benefit grassroots campaigns can reap from management services is effective coalition-building strategies. Advocacy services employ strategists with years of experience navigating campaign complexities. These experts can help you define your goal, craft a compelling message, and develop an action plan.

Moreover, strategy services can help your message reach the right people at the right time. By leveraging data analytics, Compass Advocacy can identify crucial supporters, optimize outreach strategies, and measure campaign impact. Additionally, our services can connect you to volunteers, donors, and other resources to strengthen your impact.

Empowering Grassroots Action

Grassroots movements aim to spread their messages organically. With grassroots campaign strategy services guidance, you can streamline your message to target audiences. Such services include patch-thru calling, letters to elected officials, and public opinion polling. These tools help to mobilize supporters, organize communication, and facilitate action.

Advocacy services can further support your grassroots coalition building by advising you on the legal and regulatory landscape, as compliance is critical to campaign success. Finally, grassroots management services deliver cost-effective solutions for running your campaign by making your resources go further and maximizing your impact.

To learn more about our services and how grassroots campaign management can help, call (443) 343-7143.

 

Read Our Public Relations Navigator Here!

5 Reasons Your Organization May Need to Work With A Business Lawyer

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

The gulf between deciding to start a business and doing so is broad and twisted. Among such responsibilities as building a website and hiring employees, legal hurdles can derail your efforts. Even the most detailed business plans can’t replace your leadership while you juggle legal obligations. Nevertheless, an experienced business law attorney can help you construct an inviolable business structure, draft iron-clad contracts, and navigate complex regulations.

Businesses of all sizes seeking reliable legal counsel can turn to Compass Law. Our team is licensed to practice in both Maryland and Washington, DC. Our attorneys (well-versed in business law) have a thorough knowledge of helping clients’ companies get off the ground and navigate the legal landscape. Call (240) 560-3030 to learn more about hiring our lawyers for your business.

Below, we outline 5 ways a business attorney can help your young organization:

1. Contract Drafting and Review 

As the backbone of your business dealings, contracts must be straightforward, comprehensive, and airtight to protect your interests. Business lawyers possess the expertise to translate your agreements into detailed legal language. They can anticipate potential issues and include clauses to mitigate risk against you and your assets.

Furthermore, lawyers can identify unfavorable terms presented by other parties, negotiate on your behalf, and ensure outside contracts align with your business goals. Examples of the contracts business lawyers specialize in include:

  • Client contracts
  • Vendor contracts
  • Employment contracts
  • Leases
  • Mergers and acquisitions

2. Employment Law  

Employee and labor laws are a maze of federal, state, and local regulations. Staying compliant with the labyrinth of expectations (in addition to all their other tasks) can feel overwhelming for new business owners. Yet an experienced business attorney can be your guide through these hoops.

They can ensure your hiring practices are fair and non-discriminatory, that your employee handbook is clear, and that you adhere to minimum wage and overtime rules. Proactively ensuring compliance through your lawyer’s expertise can prevent disgruntled employees and costly lawsuits.

3. Business Formation 

Choosing the right business entity for your company is crucial because it comes with tax and liability implications. Based on your specific needs and goals, a lawyer can educate you on the options and guide you toward the best structure. Examples of common business entities include:

  • Sole Proprietorship
  • Partnerships
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)
  • Corporation

You can lay the proper groundwork for your organization by involving a business legal professional from the start.

4. Intellectual Property

In today’s economy, your intellectual property (ideas, inventions, creative works, and more) is among your most valuable assets. Partnering with a business lawyer is essential for safeguarding these unique creations. With the assistance of a legal expert, you can register trademarks and copyrights, navigate the patent process, and keep trade secrets protected. Moreover, your lawyer can take legal action to stop them and recover damages if a competitor infringes on your intellectual property.

5. Regulatory Compliance 

For new business owners, navigating regulatory compliance can be daunting. However, in the same way they assist with employment laws, business lawyers can help decipher complex federal, state, and local regulations that apply to your industry. They’ll ensure your licenses and permits are up-to-date and keep you up-to-date on changing standards.

Furthermore, a lawyer can advise you on data protection, environmental regulations, and proper advertising practices to minimize the chances of fines or legal action. Again, you can confidently run your business on the right side of the law by ensuring compliance from the outset.

Even if your organization is small or just beginning operations, consulting a business law attorney is a wise investment. Their expertise can help you avoid legal pitfalls and set your business up for long-term success. Learn more about how our business lawyers can aid your organization by calling (240) 560-3030 today!

Posted in Law

Delaware Elections 2024 Overview

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

We last covered Delaware’s Elections in our November, 2023 Navigator. Since then, there have been some updates, changes and further running announcements from candidates, including Governor Carney, who is running for Wilmington City Mayor.

In this edition, you will find Primary Election candidates for Governor, Lt. Governor, dates and deadlines, and we’ll even cut to the Maryland Primary Election Results!

As always, reach out to our Delaware lobbyist, Alex Shull McKitrick for any questions about Delaware.

How Advocacy Action Alerts Influence Change

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

Public policy moves quickly. Organizations that want to make an impact need to respond just as fast. Advocacy Action Alerts empower associations, coalitions, and advocacy groups to mobilize supporters when it matters most. With the right message and delivery method, alerts connect individuals to legislators and decision-makers in a way that feels personal and actionable.

At Compass Public Relations, we help Mid-Atlantic clients amplify their voice by turning grassroots energy into measurable influence. Whether your goal is to support new legislation, oppose harmful regulations, or raise awareness on a key issue, Action Alerts deliver results. Contact us today to learn how targeted outreach can move your advocacy efforts forward.

Below, we explore the influence of targeted Action Alerts:

What Are Action Alerts?

Advocacy Action Alerts are targeted communications designed to prompt immediate action from a specific audience, usually members, employees, or supporters of an organization. Sent by email or text, alerts contain a clear message about the issue at hand, who to contact, and what to say.

Effective Action Alerts include:

  • A brief summary of the issue and why it matters
  • A direct call to action, such as contacting a legislator or submitting public comment
  • Pre-written, customizable messages that advocates can send with a single click
  • Built-in targeting to match recipients with their appropriate legislative contacts

These alerts are especially useful during active legislative sessions, when committee votes, floor debates, or bill signings happen quickly and require a fast response from constituents. With clear direction and low barriers to participation, Action Alerts turn passive supporters into active advocates.

Case Study: Maryland State Childcare Association

During the 2024 legislative session, Compass Public Relations partnered with the Maryland State Child Care Association to support the passage of two critical childcare bills. The campaigns focused on mobilizing providers, parents, and stakeholders across the state to contact lawmakers at pivotal moments in the legislative process.

 

  • Two campaigns were launched during the legislative session
  • Over 7,000 emails were sent to aid in the passing of two bills
  • Over 600 advocates from across the state took action to contact their legislators based on district, committee, and respective chambers in the General Assembly.

By targeting messages to each advocate’s elected officials, we helped the association build strong legislative momentum. This effort demonstrates how coordinated communications, backed by strategic targeting, can turn advocacy into tangible legislative success.

How Compass Public Relations Supports Your Advocacy Goals

Compass Public Relations designs, deploys, and manages Advocacy Action Alerts tailored to your organization’s structure and priorities. Whether you’re representing an industry, nonprofit, or member association, we help you:

  • Identify key legislative moments that warrant action
  • Draft effective messaging for lawmakers and advocates
  • Build targeting lists to reach the right decision-makers
  • Track engagement and outcomes for reporting and refinement

Policy influence is not just about volume, but about reaching the right people with the right message at the right time. Our team works directly with clients to ensure every alert supports broader communication and advocacy goals.

Reach Decision-Makers With Action Alerts From Compass Public Relations

Engaged supporters make an impact. With Compass Public Relations, your Mid-Atlantic organization can activate its network, influence public policy, and build stronger relationships with lawmakers. Let us help you craft strategic, targeted Advocacy Action Alerts that deliver results. Call (443) 343-7143 today to schedule a consultation and learn how Compass Public Relations can support your next campaign.

Read More Here: https://mailchi.mp/compassadvocacy/compass-pr-navigator-may-2024-9660428

Taking Action this Legislative Session

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

Are you wondering how to effectively advocate your organization’s priorities to legislators and key decision-makers? Our team specializes in crafting targeted campaigns to generate emails, & texts mobilizing members of your organization to reach the right legislators. This personalized approach ensures that constituents and advocacy groups can engage directly with their representatives based on their district and specific concerns, whether it’s a particular bill or topic area. With Compass PR, you can elevate your advocacy efforts to influence policy and public opinion. Contact us today!.

Taking Action in Legislation

Expert Public Affair Services

At Compass Public Relations, we excel in providing top-notch bipartisan public affairs consulting . Whether your focus is on grassroots coalition building to managing public affairs campaigns, our team tailors messages specifically for your intended audience, be it for your business, association, or coalition. Effective messaging is key to shaping public perception and understanding of the issues that matter most to you. Collaborating closely with our clients, we craft compelling narratives to present to policymakers and media outlets. From framing the messaging to developing arguments and creating visual materials, we ensure your message resonates across various platforms.

Proven Success in Advocacy Campaigns

In the past few weeks, we partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness in Maryland (NAMI – MD) to launch Advocacy Action Alerts, empowering constituents to reach out to their legislators on critical issues facing the General Assembly. Through one targeted campaign, we developed messaging and implemented an advocacy outreach system.The outcome was remarkable: 203 advocates took action to send 2,212 emails to members of the Maryland General Assembly, urging their support for legislation crucial to mental health in the state.

Why Choose Compass PR for Government Affairs and Lobbying?

  • Public Relations Firms: As one of the leading public relations firms in DC, Our team of seasoned public relations specialists excels in fostering grassroots movements and collaborating with advocacy organizations and associations to amplify your voice.
  • Lobbying Firms in Annapolis and Delaware: Our expertise includes working with top lobbying firms in Annapolis and Delaware, ensuring your voice is heard at both the state and federal levels.
  • Business Regulation Services: Navigate the complexities of business regulation services with our experienced team, ensuring compliance and strategic advantage.
  • Public Affairs Consulting: Leverage our federal and local PR consulting services to gain insights and develop strategies that influence policy and regulatory landscapes.

Partner with Compass to enhance your government affairs. Our team of seasoned professionals is dedicated to achieving your advocacy goals and making a significant impact on public policy. Contact us today!

Read More Here:  Compass PR Navigator March 2024 

Legislation Updates: Potential Impacts to Your Business Operations in 2024

Posted on by Compass Advocacy
As we dive into 2024, the legislative landscape surrounding employment and business in the Mid-Atlantic region is undergoing significant changes, with a plethora of bills introduced in both the Maryland General Assembly and the Delaware Legislature. With over 2,700 bills proposed in Maryland alone and hundreds in Delaware, the business community is poised for potential shifts that could affect operations and workforce management.
Maryland Bills:
Navigating the intricacies of these legislative changes can be daunting for businesses, but proactive measures can help mitigate risks and ensure compliance. Seeking guidance from legal experts at Compass Law, can provide invaluable support in understanding the implications of these legislative developments. We can help implement strategies to adapt to the evolving regulatory environment.Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact us now to schedule a consultation with Compass Law and safeguard your business against potential legal challenges.

Posted in Law

New Year, New Goals: Advance Medical Directive

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

Compass Law has an easy check off your New Years’ Resolutions List:
Advance Medical Directives

January 1st rolls around and a new year’s resolution seems like a great idea. New Year, New You, right? But what happens when the winter drones on in March and you just want to nestle back into the couch with some cookies and cocoa. New You isn’t so exciting anymore…
But what if you could set a new year’s resolution that is an attainable goal from the beginning!?
The Resolution: Complete Your Advance Medical Directive.

Compass Law now has an EASY way to help you check this new year’s resolution box!

But first, what is it?
An Advance Medical Directive (AMD) is a legal document that allows you to designate a Medical Agent to make medical decisions for you in the event you are unable to make decisions for yourself. An AMD also allows you to express some medical treatment and end of life care preferences in the event you become unable to make or communicate those decisions yourself. This document is an important part of healthcare planning and is vital to have in place in preparation for situations where a person is incapacitated due to illness, injury, or cognitive decline.

Who is my Medical Agent?
Your Medical Agent, sometimes referred to as Healthcare Proxy, is the Primary Person(s) or Alternative Person(s) you designate to handle your medical decisions if you are unable to yourself. The alternative person(s) you designate steps into the role if your primary agent is unable or unwilling to act. A second alternative is preferred, but optional. It is important that you communicate your desires to your Medical Agent and Alternative Person(s).

How it works
Click the link below to fill out the Advance Medical Directive Form. This secure form will then be sent to our team at Compass Law via DocuSign. Once our team conducts a brief conflict check, an invoice will be sent and a consultation scheduled with our team of estate planning attorneys.

Our AMD service is billed as a flat rate!
Click here to get started!

Delaware 2024 Election Overview

Posted on by Compass Advocacy

There is much to cover since the end of Delaware’s 2023 Session!

Leadership Changes:

This is how it went down last June:

  • Speaker of the House, Peter Schwartzkopf who served as Speaker for a decade, stepped down.
  • He recommended Majority Leader Longhurst, and that night, she was elected to Speaker position
  • This left a vacancy in Majority Leader role
  • Democratic caucus members elected Rep. Melissa Minor-Brown as House Majority Leader

House Democrats Elect All-Female Leadership Team, Setting Historic Firsts in Delaware

Valerie Longhurst
Speaker of the House
District 15

Valerie J. Longhurst is the first female Speaker of the House in Delaware history. She was first elected to the Delaware House of Representatives in November 2004 to represent the 15th District. The district consists of 24,000 people living in Bear and St. Georges. In 2008, she was elected as the House Majority Whip and served for four years. After the 2012 election, her caucus elected her House Majority Leader. In June 2023, she was elected Speaker of the House. – https://housedems.delaware.gov/members/house-district-15/

https://apnews.com/article/delaware-legislative-session-house-speaker-longhurst-6a2be3b6d0bc8336b70edb57dd05d1a6

Melissa Minor Brown
Majority Leader
District 17

Rep. Melissa ‘Mimi’ Minor-Brown is determined to make a difference by using her platform as a springboard for change, advocacy, and empowerment for her community. Rep. Minor-Brown knows what it means to work hard. She is an American success story, pulling herself up as a single teenage mother to evolve into a licensed practical nurse, to a registered nurse with a master’s degree in Executive Leadership, graduating Cum Laude from Wilmington University, to now serving as a legislator in Delaware’s House of Representatives. On a broader scale, Rep. Minor-Brown serves as the Region III Chair for the National Black Caucus of State Legislators. – https://housedems.delaware.gov/members/house-district-17/

Governor’s Race

Governor John Carney’s two terms as Delaware Governor ends in 2024! Below are the candidates for Governor in Delaware.

Bethany Hall Long
Lt. Governor (2017-2024)

Dr. Bethany Hall-Long has served as Delaware’s 26th Lieutenant Governor since 2017. As a member of the Democratic Party, she served in the Delaware House of Representatives from 2002-2008 and in the Delaware Senate from 2008-2017. –https://ltgov.delaware.gov/biography/

In the news:
How Hall-Long’s refusal to release audit findings sparked elections reform talks

Check out her campaign website here.

Matt Meyer
Newcastle County Executive (2017-2024)
In 2016, Matt Meyer was a sixth and seventh grade Math teacher when he first ran for public office, defeating a heavily-favored three-term incumbent in a grassroots campaign to serve as the Chief Executive of Delaware’s largest county. – https://www.newcastlede.gov/125/Matt-Meyer—County-Executive
Check out his campaign website here.

Lt. Governor’s Race

Kyle Evans Gay
DE State Senator
District 5

After becoming a vocal advocate for the successful Equal Rights Amendment to the Delaware Constitution, Sen. Gay was elected to the Delaware Senate in 2020, becoming the first Democrat to represent the Fifth Senate District in more than 40 years.She currently serves as the chair of the Senate Elections & Government Affairs Committee, vice-chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, co-chair of the Joint Legislative Oversight and Sunset Committee, and a member of both the Senate Transportation Committee and the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee. – https://legis.delaware.gov/AssemblyMember/151/Gay

Check out her campaign website here.
Debbie Harrington
Retired Army Colonel
As a Social Justice Advocate, Debbie Harrington, has been the “boots on the ground” in Delaware communities, organizing food donations, back to school supplies, health fairs, financial literacy seminars and environmental protection initiatives. She still serves on boards where she has been able to affect education and health policies for all people. She is known for getting the hard jobs done. – https://debbiefordelaware.com/meet-debbie/
Check out her campaign website here.
Sherry Dorsey Walker
DE State Representative
District 3
Representative Sherry Dorsey Walker, a native of Wilmington, Delaware, is the first Person of Color elected to the Delaware House of Representatives from the 3rd District in 2018. As well, she is First Woman and the First Person of Color elected in the 6th District to the Wilmington City Council in 2012. She earned a Masters in Film from Howard University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Delaware in English/Journalism. She is a proud product of St. Elizabeth School, where she attended for 12 years. – https://housedems.delaware.gov/members/house-district-3/
Check out her campaign website here.

Congressional Race to Watch

 

Colleen Davis
DE State Treasurer
Colleen C. Davis was elected State Treasurer in November 2018 and re-elected to a second term in 2022. Since taking office, Treasurer Davis has focused on three main priorities: bolstering retirement security and readiness, creating pathways to economic empowerment, and promoting a culture of financial excellence. Highlights of her first term include maintaining Delaware’s AAA bond rating, increasing return on the state’s investments by more than $58 million, and creating Delaware Expanding Access to Retirement & Necessary Savings (EARNS), an Auto-IRA program for Delaware private-sector workers not otherwise covered by an employer-sponsored retirement plan. – https://treasurer.delaware.gov/about-colleen-davis/
Check out her campaign website here.
Sarah McBride
DE State Senator

District 1As a state senator, McBride has passed legislation expanding access to health care, requiring mental health and media literacy education in public schools, promoting green technologies, and protecting workers and families. In just her first term, McBride also passed the landmark Healthy Delaware Families Act, providing paid family and medical leave to workers throughout the First State and marking the largest expansion of Delaware’s social safety net in decades. She currently serves as chair of the Senate Health & Social Services Committee, and a member of the Senate Banking, Business, Insurance & Technology, Education, Executive and Judiciary committees. – https://senatedems.delaware.gov/members/senate-district-1/

Check out her campaign website here.

Eugene Young
Director of Housing Authority
Delaware’s Director of the Delaware State Housing Authority, Eugene R. Young, Jr. was appointed to
his current position by Governor John Carney in May of 2021. In cooperation with other state agencies and advocates, Director Young drives DSHA’s mission to provide and assist others to provide, quality, affordable housing opportunities and appropriate supportive services to low- and moderate-income Delawareans. – https://leadershipdelaware.org/teams/eugene-young-jr/

Check out his campaign website here.

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