There's 21 days left until election day - November 5th, 2024. It's a perfect time for me to share my compelling conversation with guest Darcy Totten, recorded some time back. We discuss the heavy weight of this political moment, what we can learn from billionaire preppers, and how we must…

In this episode of the Blueprint for California Advocates podcast, I'm honored to be joined by Arianna Z. Smith, founder of Arianna Public Affairs. As thousands of competing interests vie for attention at the California Capitol, it's hard to overestimate the importance of writing content that is compelling and persuasive.…

I have the pleasure this week of talking with Impact Strategist Earl Dos Santos. Earl supports creators like @officialjld and other mission-driven celebrities to leverage their creativity and platform to drive real change in the world. Earl's journey is not your everyday story. With a background in digital marketing, like…

Watch the full podcast episode at https://youtu.be/Gkg5XVZ5kGk In today’s episode I have the honor of speaking with California Senator Josh Newman (D-29), representing portions of Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Senator Newman shares his journey to the California Senate, from a close election victory in 2016 to being…

In today’s episode I have the honor of speaking with California Senator Josh Newman (D-29), representing portions of Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Senator Newman shares his journey to the California Senate, from a close election victory in 2016 to being the only legislator in state history to…

I'm thrilled to share my conversation with California State Controller Malia Cohen recorded Live at @welcometomannys in San Francisco on February 22, 2024. With excellent moderation by Precious Green, we explore the art and science behind effective advocacy and the role we all can - and must - play in…

Watch the full podcast episode at https://youtu.be/6hulcDmmYBU In today’s episode, Ashwath and I discuss how advocates can leverage new tools and opportunities to reach and influence their target audience - be it voters, lawmakers, or the general public. Welcome to the Blueprint for California Advocates. My name is Kristina Bas…

You may have heard about the “creator economy” and think it has nothing to do with politics or advocacy. It’s time to think again. How we communicate with each other is constantly evolving in the digital age. Advocates who adapt to and embrace these changes will have a significant advantage…

In today's episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with California ⁠Senator Lena Gonzalez⁠ (D-33), hailing from the great city of Long Beach. As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Gonzalez shared her unique insights into the legislative committee process. We discuss the behind-the-scenes work that goes into vetting…

Have you ever given your most passionate, well rehearsed pitch for a bill during a lobby visit, only to find the lawmaker or staff barely listening? You look up to find them with eyes glazed over or worse checking their phone as you speak? It’s happened to me and let’s…

Welcome to the Blueprint for California Advocates. My name is Kristina Bas Hamilton and I’m the founder of KBH Advocacy. If you’re an advocate for justice, equity, and sustainability then you’re in the right spot. Each episode will bring insights, tactics, and advice from some of California’s leading advocates and…

Storytelling is how we make sense of the world and our policies are a direct result of the story we tell ourselves of how the problem came to be. So it’s important to tell the right story. Welcome to the Blueprint for California Advocates. My name is Kristina Bas Hamilton…

I had the great fortune recently to speak with Michael Tubbs, former Mayor of Stockton and Founder of End Poverty in California (EPIC) and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income. Mayor Tubbs is also currently serving as Special Advisor for Economic Mobility and Opportunity to Governor Gavin Newsom. We discuss why…

Libby Schaaf was the two-term mayor of Oakland and she lets us know that local government is where so much good work can be done. Working in public service is about dedicating your life to a larger purpose: quality of life for your community. Welcome to the Blueprint for California…

On the 1 year anniversary of the devastating US Supreme Court Dobbs decision, which overturned the constitutional right to an abortion, I have the honor to speak with Libby Schaaf, former two-term mayor of Oakland and interim executive director of Emerge California. We discuss her journey to public office, why…

We can’t get depressed about the state of the world. There’s no time to agonize, we need to organize and grow our power. Policymakers are hungry for new ideas and for advocates to work with them. Welcome to the Blueprint for California Advocates. My name is Kristina Bas Hamilton and…

Happy International Transgender Day of Visibility! Transgender Visibility is more important than ever as a record number ⁠435 anti-LGBTQ+ bills⁠ have been introduced so far this year in state legislatures across the country. According to UCLA, more than a third of the country's 150,000 transgender youth ages 13-17 live in…

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Assemblymember Damon Connolly, who represents California's 12th Assembly District, for a spirited conversation recapping his first 100 days in office. Elected to the Assembly in November 2022, Connolly is one of 34 new members of the California Legislature. This is a record…

If you want to understand the landscape of politics and policy-making at the California Capitol, it's hard to underestimate the role of Labor. In today's episode, I have the honor to speak with Tia Orr, Executive Director of #SEIUCalifornia, one of the largest labor unions in the state. #SEIU represents…

You could spend ten years working the halls of the California Capitol to learn these lessons. Or you could listen to this podcast. Blueprint for California Advocates brings you high-value conversations with advocacy leaders and lawmakers from throughout California who share their insight and tactical advice on what it *really*…

If Kenneth Mejia’s groundbreaking campaign for Los Angeles City Controller isn’t on your radar it needs to be. In November 2022, Mejia made history by becoming the first Asian American elected to citywide office in LA. Not only did he win in the second-largest city in the United States, but…

I'm happy to share today my excellent conversation with Lauren Babb. Lauren is the chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls. She is a change-maker and community leader. Last year, she was recognized as one of four black policy movers and shakers by the Women's…

We all know getting positive press coverage is an essential part of a winning legislative strategy. But for those of us without high-powered PR firms on retainer, where do we even start? Byrhonda Lyons, an investigative reporter with the Sacramento-based news organization Cal Matters, shares her valuable insight on producing…

We are nearly three years into the pandemic. At the same time we face an escalating climate crisis and are fighting to protect democracy from the rising tide of fascism. Add to this our "normal" struggles of every day life and work. We are coping with a lot. Too much.…