Government Relations

Advocacy (also known as “lobbying”) is the strategic sharing of knowledge to influence and change policies that impact people’s lives. If your organization’s goal is to create lasting impact, you need a seat at the table with decision-makers. Without it, you are missing a crucial opportunity to help shape the laws and policies that can change lives — and even generations — for those you serve. Consider how much laws impact your daily life? Advocacy also offers an incredible, non-monetary way for your supporters to get involved in your mission. Our clients consistently see this reflected in their social media engagement when they share advocacy opportunities and policy updates (they are usually some of the highest rated posts). Decision makers want to hear from you. Government relations ensures your voice is louder and your influence is greater. Congressional appropriations and federal funding is often an underutilized resource to organizations. We position you before policy and decision makers in the highest levels of government. They say, “getting things done takes an act of Congress,” and often that’s true.

Our knowledge is your power. We leverage our extensive networks on your behalf as your representative in Congress and the Executive Branch. Do you want the decision makers to know your name, seek your advice and support your mission? We are a network accelerant, and our goal is to increase your influence, funding and impact. Relationships are at the core of effective government relations, and a good government relations firm saves you years of time in developing these relationships. We efficiently utilize our longstanding trusted relationships to ensure that you can quickly have access to shaping policies that:

• Align with your mission and values
• Secure vital government funding to support your initiatives
• Build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders and decision-maker

Service and results are what sets us apart. We have extensive knowledge and experience working in Congress and the Executive Branch, as well as legislatures through the world and state governments. Your impact can be expanded internationally and at the state level as well as in Washington, D.C.  Our team is comprised of seasoned professionals who understand the intricacies of government processes and policymaking.

We are unique because:

• We specialize in advocacy for human rights, energy, commerce and security issues.
• We make the complicated Congressional appropriations process smooth and effective
• Coalition building is our specialty at the local, national and international level
• No other public policy firm so uniquely targets human rights and security issues or is as experienced at creating large human rights coalitions at the federal, state and international level. We are the convener of the ATIP (Anti-Trafficking in Persons) Policy Roundtable in the US Senate, the convener of state-level policy coalitions, and our founder has established the Interparliamentary Taskforce on Human Trafficking which is the first international consortium to bring together legislators committed to stopping human rights abuses at the policy level.
• We have a recognized and trusted name in Congress and the federal government and are frequently consulted by government leaders around the world. We have led the charge on behalf of our clients for some of the largest human rights and security efforts in Congress.
• We make complicated federal systems simple and establish your organization as a policy leader in Washington, D.C. and beyond.
• You have access to the entire Ascend team. Alongside your primary representative, we leverage the collective expertise and network of our entire team to achieve objectives.

We work closely with you to develop a customized advocacy and appropriations strategy tailored to your unique goals, ensuring that your message reaches the right people. Together, we can achieve remarkable results.