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America, the Owner's Manual
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America, the Owner's Manual
You Can Fight City Hall—and Win

New Edition


July 2016 | 328 pages | CQ Press
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.
 
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

"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
NBC Meet the Press moderator

“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
Former EPA Administrator and New Jersey Governor

“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
Democratic strategist

 "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
CNN and ABC political commentator

“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
former Vice Presidential nominee and U.S. Senator

"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
former Houston Mayor

"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
Republican media consultant

“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
University of California, Irvine

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
Tufts University

Sample Materials & Chapters

Chapter 1


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,... More About Author

Chris Hand

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 versionof 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... More About Author

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ISBN: 9781506350585
$75.00