The work isn't over when the event ends. A thoughtful debrief process is the crucial final step that turns a good event into a great one next time. By capturing what went well and what could be improved, you build invaluable institutional knowledge that will make your future advocacy more effective. Furthermore, your follow-up with candidates after the election is key to turning your efforts into long-term relationships.
The Debrief: Learning from Experience
Soon after your event, while memories are still fresh, gather your core planning team, key volunteers, and your moderator for a debrief meeting. The goal is to have a frank and open conversation about what worked and what didn't. If an in-person meeting isn't an option, consider an email thread or common Google Doc where people can share their feedback.
Key Questions for Your Debrief:
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Key Questions for Your Debrief:
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Key Questions for Your Debrief:
Use these questions, inspired by learnings from past events, to guide your conversation:
Venue and Logistics:
- Did the venue meet our needs? Did we have enough space?
- How was the setup? What would we change about the layout, check-in process, or any special features like a bike valet?
- Did we have all the materials we needed (e.g., nameplates, signs, question cards)?
Format and Timing:
- Did the overall format work? Did the event feel too long, too short, or just right?
- Were the time limits for speeches and answers appropriate? How was the overall pace?
- Did our timekeeping system work effectively?
Content and Moderation:
- How was the quality of the questions? How could we improve our process for sourcing and screening questions?
- Did the moderator have everything they needed to succeed?
- Were the ground rules for candidates and the audience clear? How could we do a better job of communicating and enforcing them?
Promotion and Turnout:
- Did we meet our turnout goals?
- Which promotional channels were most effective?
- What could we do differently next time to increase attendance?
The Golden Rule: Write It Down
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The Golden Rule: Write It Down
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The Golden Rule: Write It Down
The most important outcome of your debrief meeting is a written document. Create a "Learnings" document that captures the key takeaways from your discussion. This document will be an invaluable resource for the team planning your next event, ensuring you don't have to reinvent the wheel.
After the Election: Building Relationships
Your engagement shouldn't stop when the polls close. The work you did during the campaign is the foundation for your future advocacy.
- Thank All Candidates: Send a thank-you note to every candidate you engaged with, regardless of whether they won or lost. Thank them for their time and their willingness to discuss your issues.
- Congratulate the Winners: Send a separate, public and private congratulations to the winning candidates.
- Schedule a Follow-Up Meeting: Within the first few months of them taking office, request a meeting with the newly elected officials. Use this meeting to:
- Remind them of the conversations you had during the campaign.
- Reiterate your organization's key priorities.
- Position your organization as a helpful, expert resource they can rely on.
This post-election follow-up is where the real work of advocacy begins. It turns the goodwill you built during the campaign into a productive, long-term relationship that can lead to real policy change.