Playing the Game Ethically: Navigating the Murky Waters of Political Advocacy

Mar 22 / Tamera Stewart


Navigating the ever-complex world of politics often feels like stepping onto a chessboard where the pieces move in unpredictable ways. It's a realm where the line between right and wrong can blur, transforming well-intentioned actions into strategic plays in a game that's constantly changing. My journey into this intricate dance was marked by an unforgettable encounter — the day I mistook a senator for a coffee machine repairman. This experience was a pivotal moment, a realization that to champion a cause effectively in the political arena, one must learn to navigate the game, but with a crucial caveat: doing so ethically.
This incident, which I shared in a recent email (if you missed it, catch up here and join our EchoBreaker mailing list here for more insights), highlighted a fundamental truth. While politics is often criticized for its ambiguity and the ethical compromises it seems to demand, I believe there's a path through the maze that maintains integrity. This series of articles aims to explore that path, delving into what it means to "play the game" of politics without losing sight of the core values that drive us to engage in advocacy in the first place.

Is there such a thing as ethical politics?
Ethical politics? Now there’s an oxymoron if I ever heard one. Yet, believe it or not, it's not just a mythical creature like the Loch Ness Monster. Maintaining ethics in politics isn't just important—it's essential. As we navigate the complex game of advocacy and change-making, our commitment to ethical principles ensures our efforts truly align with the cause we're passionate about. It's about finding a way to be effective without compromising the values that drove us to action in the first place. It's challenging, sure, but absolutely possible—and it's the only game worth playing.

The Ethical Changemaker's Dilemma...

The longer I've been fighting for issues related to healthcare, the more I've realized that walking the tightrope between impact and integrity isn't just tricky—it's the heart of what we do. Every decision, every campaign, and every public statement comes with its own set of ethical considerations. In this arena, the dilemma often boils down to this: how do we play this game effectively while keeping our moral compass pointed true north? It's a constant balancing act, but one that's crucial to not just winning battles, but making sure those victories are ones we can truly be proud of.

For those of you who have followed me for long, you likely know my thoughts about how slimy and unethical lobbyists can be. Seems contradictory since I am a registered lobbyist in a few states, but I pride myself on being ethical in every regard. This year, I have fewer paid clients than before but I am proud of that. One of them is because I finished the work they hired me to do. Why would they need to continue to pay me?

Navigating the ethical dilemma in advocacy doesn't mean we have to compromise on effectiveness. Here are a few practical ways we can maintain our ethical standards while still pushing for meaningful progress:

Stick to the Facts

 In a world where bending the truth is all too common, insist on sharing only accurate statistics. However, don't just present the data; frame it in a way that resonates. Tell the stories behind the numbers to evoke the emotions and drive home the impact of your cause.

Honest Dialogue

Engage in conversations with your audience without resorting to sensationalism. Address opposing viewpoints with respect and factual rebuttals, fostering a culture of informed debate rather than echo chamber rhetoric.

Transparency in Fundraising

Be clear about where every dollar donated is going. Instead of vague promises, provide detailed accounts of how contributions are making a difference. This builds trust and reinforces the integrity of your campaign.

Only Responsible Sharing

Encourage your supporters to share your message responsibly. In the age of misinformation, it's easy to spread unverified claims. Educate your followers or supporters on the importance of fact-checking before sharing, ensuring the authenticity of your cause's voice.

Lead by Example

Demonstrate ethical leadership in all aspects of your campaign. From the treatment of volunteers to the way you handle criticism, let your actions set a standard for ethical advocacy that inspires others to follow.


Why Do So Many Turn To The Dark Side?

Every election cycle, TV ads, social media posts, and campaign mailers shout about that candidate going to clean up their state or DC. If you are like me you mostly ignore them now because it seems they quickly reveal themselves as just as dirty as the rest. But I learned something about that that shook me to my core. One of my favorite elected officials ever was someone I had met personally numerous times and had seen his work at the local level for years. He was a good guy and had never given any reason to doubt that he was as dedicated to ethics as I am. Within months of being elected to DC, I began hearing rumors about him engaging in questionable activities. I didn’t want to believe them and ended up scheduling an appointment with him to directly ask if the rumors were true. While he didn't confirm nor deny anything specific, he did explain to me how things work in DC. He said he learned quickly that to maintain party support for future elections and to get backing for the causes he was passionate about, he had to make compromises he felt straddled the line. But, he rationalized these compromises by focusing on the major issues he was making progress on, convincing himself that the ends justified the means.

This conversation revealed the harsh reality that even the most principled individuals can be tempted to "turn to the dark side" under the pressure of the political game.


Let's Wrap This Up...

In the world of politics and advocacy, the line between what's ethical and what's not can sometimes feel blurred. Yet, as demonstrated above, it's entirely possible to navigate this landscape with our principles intact, employing strategies that are as ethical as they are effective. It's about being clever, creative, and, most importantly, committed to the causes we believe in. Speaking of causes, I recently asked the lobbyists opposing my bill why they wouldn’t set up a meeting with their client directly so we could resolve the issue quicker. Two separate lobbyists for this organization told me a variation of, "Because then they wouldn’t need to pay me next year, I have to have work left to do." They were okay with allowing patients to suffer in order to ensure job security. I guess I could have done the same with my previous clients to ensure I would be retained for another year, but that is the opposite of ethical, and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I did that. This is why I fight so hard to promote ethical advocacy, in person and digitally.


Now I'm turning the floor over to you. How do you play the game ethically? Have you found effective ways to champion your cause without compromising your values? I would love to hear from you about a specific time you were faced with an ethical dilemma in your advocacy work. You can share your experiences with me via email or by posting about it on Facebook and/or X (formerly Twitter) using #IChoseEthics so I can share and respond. Your insight is not just valuable - it's essential for leading by example to ensure the next generation of changemakers doesn't just aim to win, but to win right. Together, we can prove that ethical politics isn't just a dream; it's a practical, achievable reality.