Mitchell S. Muncy

Many professional lives have more than one chapter. My second career as a public affairs expert, fortified by a first in journalism, began with a leap to Washington DC. I landed as the press secretary for the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee under Chairman Joe Biden. A seasoned public servant, he was admired for many reasons; the most surprising to this former Beltway outsider was how he embodied the principle that partisan politics stops at the water’s edge. A previous SFRC chair, Michigan Republican Arthur Vandenberg, coined that maxim and modeled it by working with President Harry Truman, a Democrat, on some of the biggest issues of their day, including support for NATO and the Marshall Plan. No stranger to domestic partisan issues and no shrinking violet on the campaign trail, Chairman Biden was committed to inter-party collaboration in international affairs – on the dais with the gavel, in the anteroom twisting arms to seek legislative consensus, and as a member of the loyal opposition during the George W. Bush presidency.    This lesson in steady professionalism during trying times, including 9/11 and its aftermath, served me well later as senior staff with the House Foreign Affairs Committee, at the State Department, and in subsequent roles. A year into my career’s third act – consulting on communications, government relations and public affairs – I often see how crucial that bipartisan bedrock can be. The notion that foreign policy should be immune to politics may now seem naive. Partisan divisions infiltrate every aspect of our lives, from the media we follow to the products we purchase to where we choose to live. Our political affiliations even shape our perceptions of fundamental facts. But if you speak with some of my clients at Citrus Strategies or Perceptual Advisors LLC, you’ll detect a common thread: Amid all the noise, politics matters far less than making your authentic voice heard with conviction and clarity. From the non-profit association supporting national security to the human rights advocacy group to the global company facing gale-force political and business headwinds during a U.S. election year, these clients would agree that embracing their principles and making their case forthrightly, free of partisan bias, is the best path to making an impact. President Biden will keynote the Democratic National Convention tonight. It’s a political event, yes, so he’ll make some pointed observations that will irk the opposition. But listen too for that approach so familiar to those who’ve had the honor to get to know him: He truly wants to bring together as many Americans as possible for the greater good, especially when it comes to our leadership role in this often-chaotic world. Joe Biden took a chance and moved this recovering journalist from an observer’s front-row seat to a master class in how big things get done behind the scenes. I’ll always be grateful for that. https://lnkd.in/em2r5heS

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At the start of 2024, I highlighted the critical role YouTube and Google Search would play in shaping the political narrative, particularly in right-wing digital strategies. This focus was grounded in a deep understanding of these platforms’ outsized influence on public opinion and their prominence in right wing digital campaigns. This year, I worked closely with progressive teams and abortion ballot initiative campaigns, training others on a proven strategy and developing targeted interventions to counter disinformation from search on these key platforms. This article, in addition to recent research, validates this focus. Our analysis of search behavior and digital platforms continues to provide valuable insights. This process is providing clarity in the post-election landscape and revealing the impact of our efforts. As the media landscape evolves, understanding how voters access and engage with information becomes increasingly important. The data we’re examining offers a clearer picture of online advocacy strategies and potential new approaches for progressive outreach in the digital space. And this is what is giving me life this week. #disinformation #misinformation #abortion #election #google #googleseo #seo #informationecosystem

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A new monster report from the Government Accountability Office, Congress’s in-house think-tank, shows that “Open Topic” awards in the $4 billion Small Business Innovation Research program draw a larger number of technology companies to apply for funding, promoting competition and increase innovation. Open Topics enable businesses “to define problems and pitch innovative solutions... rather than soliciting only solutions to predefined problems,” GAO wrote. But, as technology companies have been complaining for years, GAO found that many of the “Open Topic” SBIR solicitations are actually just conventional topics in disguise, “narrowly defining needs and suggesting potential solutions.” GAO’s report says the Defense Department should clarify for its components what open topics actually are and how they differ from conventional topics, ensuring the awarding agencies “consistently release open topics that are more broadly defined than their conventional topics.” “We found that DOD may define some open topics too narrowly and miss opportunities to collect innovative proposals,” GAO wrote. The $4 billion SBIR program, run by the Small Business Administration and participating government agencies including DoD, HHS and DHS, acts in essence as a seed fund for technologies with the highest potential impact in the commercial and defense markets. Open Topics invite bidders to describe problems they have discovered and solutions they have developed, and augment and often surpass in impact the priorities the DoD advances on its own. Conventional topics, meanwhile, typically focus on well-understood problems in existing systems and can suggest a preferred technical approach targeted toward a favored potential bidder. That format gives preference to incumbents and SBIR mills, which are operations that treat SBIR funding as a perennial source of revenue, against commercial innovators. To quote Warren Katz, chairman of The Alliance for Commercial Technology in Government: “Open topics enable new ideas the DoD did not think of to be evaluated against things they thought they needed. Almost half of SBIR funding is now awarded via open topics, proving that the innovation ecosystem is coming up with surprise ideas DoD evaluated as superior to their own preconceived notions.” The Alliance represents startups in the commercial tech sector and advocates for policies that expand the government’s base of technology vendors, improve our government services, strengthen our national security. If you want to know more, contact me, Warren or Eric Blatt, the group’s executive director.

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Many thanks to OGIS Director Alina Semo & OIP Director Bobak Talebian for fielding so many questions, & State Department Chief FOIA Officer Eric Stein for his fulsome answers. Thanks to the U.S. National Archives, video of today's public meeting is online. I'll summarize the answers to my questions in text, separately. https://lnkd.in/egn5_DCv #OpenGov

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Anti-democratic forces often co-opt those with vast wealth. That is starting to happen in America, creating a two-tiered economy of those tight with politicians and those trying to run real businesses. One casualty will be press freedom. My analysis:

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How to approach a performance review? Having recently retired from the public service, I thought I would share a few thoughts on performance reviews. If you work in the federal government then you are likely knee-deep in the mid-year review process. Usually, this involves a meeting with your supervisor followed by some data entry and completion of forms. Here’s a few points to consider: The mid-year check-in is a good opportunity for you to get feedback on your work, in terms of results to date and how you have been going about it. Both are important and can help you understand how ready you are for career advancement. Don’t let your supervisor simply assess your results. Ask for feedback on the competencies you have demonstrated. Are there areas to improve? What are your strengths? Be prepared – gather some stats based on the objectives set at the beginning of the year. Be honest with yourself before the meeting. Are some activities behind schedule? Are there competing priorities or other factors causing issues? Be ready to address constructive ideas on how to get back on track (if needed). Don’t forget the qualitative. Any kudos received from clients or partners? Bring them along. Don’t forget to discuss training/learning plans. Have you made good progress on planned training? Often this part of the conversation gets overlooked. Mid-year is a good time to propose career development or training if time and budget permits. Let me know what you think. If you need a coach to help you get to the next level or you’re a manager wanting help to prepare for year-end reviews or difficult conversations, please reach out: www.tcweilconsulting.ca #coaching #career #performance #publicservice #training #learning #development 

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Improving FOIA should have been at the center of a 5th #OpenGov U.S. national action plan in 2022, but this White House chose to prioritize equity plans & commitments over restoring transparency & accountability in accord with the mandates of Congress & the petitions of civil society advocates. https://lnkd.in/eXC3PP76 The ongoing lack of oversight of FOIA in Congress is paired with an appalling lack of oversight of open government and US participation in the Open Government Partnership: https://lnkd.in/gz3CEuvy

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second episode now available too

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Great POLITICO article on think tanks and dark money based on a report by Ben Freeman and Nick Cleveland-Stout from Quincy Institute. I like this analysis from Michael Schaffer: “Instead, the danger is that the foreign governments, and the rest of the special-interest universe, stop seeing think tanks as a worthwhile investment. If the second Trump administration is at all like the first, it will be a period notably light on influential white papers and difference-making wonk trends — but big on personal connections to the boss. Against that backdrop, there could be a lot less incentive for deep-pocketed types to underwrite the kind of research that aims to shape policy. For think tanks, which can’t rely on tuition dollars like universities can, that’s an enormously dangerous scenario.” Full article here: https://lnkd.in/eQYzx6Ki This and other critical issues for think tanks will be focus of the On Think Tanks 2025 global Conference in South Africa:

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Social Media Diplomacy is a more focused approach, Digital Diplomacy is generalized approach. That term was launched by Nathaniel Fick he was selected to lead the U.S. State Department's Bureau for Cyberspace and Digital Policy in 2022. This was written in 2023, This is how New This Conversation is #CreateTheWay #IndustryBuilders https://lnkd.in/egBbs7Ei

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🌟 EXCITING PERSONAL NEWS!!! Announcing the launch of FAIRGROWTH! 🚀🌟 After decades of experience at the micro level—from launching, innovating, and scaling businesses—to the macro level of shaping strategies in government, politics, the labour party and public policy, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of Fairgrowth, a strategic advisory firm driven by my passion for empowering businesses to reach new heights. 🚀 Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of partnering with businesses of all sizes—helping them innovate, scale, and transform in competitive markets. Along the way, I’ve seen firsthand that business can be a powerful force for good when driven by purpose and strategy. With Fairgrowth, our mission is clear: to help companies identify bold opportunities, tackle their toughest challenges, and grow their influence—fairly, sustainably, and inclusively. 🌍💡 I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead and to work alongside leaders who are ready to drive meaningful change. If you’re looking for a partner to help you grow smarter, scale faster, and make a lasting impact, let’s connect! 💪 Here’s to building a future where businesses thrive and create positive change! www.fairgrowthpartners.com #Fairgrowth #StrategicAdvisory #BusinessGrowth #NewBeginnings #SustainableSuccess #Entrepreneurship

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I recently shared my insights @Arisenews about this critical issue: Does U.S. policy inadvertently fuel the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? The ongoing tensions in Gaza and Lebanon demand urgent attention.   #USPolicy #GlobalConflict #InternationalCooperation #PeaceAndJustice #AriseNews #ConstanceIkokwu #JournalismMatters #NewsAnalysis #MiddleEastPeace #GlobalLeadership  #DRconstanceikokwuinsights

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EIU has just released white paper titled, US election: the impact for the Middle East. * The white paper ​explores the potential implications of a Trump presidency for the Middle East region, focusing on key areas such as the Israel-Hamas conflict​ and wider regional ​relations.   * It analyzes how the policies and stances of the US leadership could impact the dynamics in the region and potentially influence the ​crucial energy markets.  * The paper provides insights into the potential scenarios that could unfold under different US administrations and how they might shape the future of the Middle East.  * It offers valuable information for businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders who are closely monitoring the political​ and energy developments in the region. Link to download the report is: https://bit.ly/3yukhIg We hope you find it insightful and informative for understanding the potential​ implications of the US election on the Middle East.​

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Here I share some thoughts on the upcoming budget for 2024-25. Focus on reforms, growth and creditworthiness. #NextLeveL

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#CitizenAssemblies If we want people to be engaged and supportive of the system (their workplace, school, system of politics), two things are really helpful: 1. Distributive justice: Getting a fair shake in terms of outcomes. Feeling that the system produces fair outcomes, e.g. work pays enough to live a decent life, and similar inputs result in similar rewards. 2. Procedural justice: Getting a fair shake in terms of process. Those affected by decisions have an opportunity to be heard and shape the outcome. Citizen assemblies can make a big contribution to the latter. When both distributive and procedural justice are lacking, things can get toxic real fast. If we want to return to a more cohesive, less polarized society, there is work to do on both these fronts. Thank you, Guido Palazzo, for sharing this great #NewYorker piece!

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"Over the course of time, we’ve written repeatedly about the confusion many Americans have about which level of government provides which services," write Barrett and Greene Inc. in the latest B&G Report . . . But in the past, we’ve largely omitted confusion about the services provided by localities that are generally thought of as the province of the federal government." Barrett and Greene Inc. delve into a number of areas in which many people (including potentially, some public officials) wrongfully think the responsibility lies exclusively with the feds -- when there's a very significant state and local role. This list just starts with: * Climate Change * Clean Air and Water * Medicaid * Education, which they write "is yet another area where there’s a vast amount of confusion. While the threat to defund the Department of Education is politically charged, that department only provides less than 14% of funding for public K-12 education. That doesn’t mean its role isn’t important. But it’s not where the big dollars come from." "We think this is a particularly pertinent time as election day draws near" argue Barrett and Greene. "Confusion over the place where services are delivered can translate into voting for the principles you believe; but not for the right person." To read more, click here: https://lnkd.in/eH2rgjCr American Society for Public Administration National Academy of Public Administration Coleman Stallworth Nancy Y. Augustine, PhD Miles Murphy John M. Kamensky Don Kettl John Bartle Shelley Metzenbaum Robert Shea The Volcker Alliance ICMA - International City/County Management Association Julia Burrows National League of Cities Merl Hackbart Julia Merlo

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If you read half as much as I do, here is your fall shopping list

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"Why is the battle for minds just as crucial as the fight on the ground? In my latest piece, I explore the Israeli conflict through the lens of Strategic Epistemology, revealing how narratives shape outcomes in modern warfare. Read more: [Strategic Epistemology and the Israeli Conflict](https://lnkd.in/ez2Y7dFM) #StrategicEpistemology #WorldviewWarfare #Israel #NarrativePower #VitalGround"