Introducing Politics on Purpose

Politics on Purpose is an advocacy and strategy newsletter for those who give back, not up — written by Amy Whited, a lobbyist and non-profit Executive Director, based in Austin, Texas.

I work in politics and at times, live and breathe politics. If you’ve found me here, likely, you do too - or you’re my sister (hi Sam!). But it’s certainly not a requirement, and I’m glad you’ve found my newsletter.

As much as I hate to admit - I enjoy politics - especially when more women are involved (see PinkGranite.org for more on all of that).

My career is a bit longer at this point than I’d care to admit - and I’ve worked in almost every area of politics:

• Congressional staffer

• campaigner for Presidential, federal, state, and even local candidates

• creative director and copywriter

• PAC consultant

• lobbyist - for a state association, a national association, and for clients across corporate America.

Oh, and I founded a non-profit to develop other women leaders in politics - where I currently serve as Executive Director. Again, visit Pink Granite Foundation to learn more about that.

Over the years I’ve learned a lot, and at times even wished I could go back and re-work a certain bill, manage a committee better, or give a different presentation. And, allow me to say it a third time - my friends and I started and still run a non-profit from the ground up. We’ve gotten it wrong at times, gotten it really right at other times, and learned every step of the way.

Politics on Purpose is a place to start sharing some of these lessons with others who have big ideas but need some guidance on how to turn ideas into action - or are leaders in existing organizations but have no idea how to get more involved in the external politics that shape your work - without the algorithms or doom scrolling. We’re taking it back to 2010, WordPress style, and I am here. for. it. I’m so glad you are too.