Strategy can be a multifaceted word. Everyone understands the concept on some, if not varying, level. When Aristotle wrote seventeen centuries ago that 'we are by nature political animals,' he knew what he was talking about. His ideas about how societies should govern themselves were the foundation of all modern liberal democracies.
Today’s democracy is not an easy institution to maneuver.
There are many special interests with varying agendas, goals, and intents—political party interests, local communities, business interests, union interests, legislative interests, environmental interests, and let's not forget THE PEOPLE'S INTEREST.
Below is a list of areas where Centaur North has helped our clients navigate to reach their electoral or policy objectives by influencing the legislature, a regulatory agency, a local city council or county board of supervisors, or the voters.
Strategic Services
Candidate, statewide and local initiatives and issue advocacy campaigns Centaur North has broad experience advocating for issues and public policies before California voters.
From statewide and local initiative measures, our services include overall strategy development, research and polling, coalition building, websites, digital media, TV, direct mail, and radio advertising.
As general consultants, we also manage city and county, State Assembly and Senate, congressional, and California statewide campaigns.
brand development Make sure you know who you are before others define who you are.
Whether you are an elected or appointed official, a nonprofit executive, an entrepreneur, or the head of a charitable foundation—your brand and success depend on how others perceive you, your organization, and your message. Centaur North has nearly two decades of experience helping parties develop communications strategies to promote their issues and maximize their all-important brand.
Whenever you want to sell anything from a product to an idea, a smart purveyor should have a clear understanding of their audience's attitudes. That's why Centaur North's strategy team strongly believes in conducting research, focus groups, and public surveys for any project where public or political opinions need to be swayed. We have worked with some of the best and most innovative researchers in the nation and will add them to your strategic team.
Coalition building Centaur North has been responsible for some of California's most diverse & broad coalitions. Building a coalition is a lot of hard work, but it is well worth the strategic value.
Perhaps the most significant political/social development in California over the last ten years is the rise of coalitions. Building coalitions has always been essential for any political or advocacy campaign. However, astroturfing alliances have become increasingly less effective due to their lack of transparency.
The rise of social movements such as climate justice, environmental justice, YIMBY housing, LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant rights, racial justice, and voting rights has forever changed the how and why of coalition building.
CRISIS management We'll guide you through the upheaval
A crisis is an unplanned event that causes disruption to the brand of your organization, company, political office, NGO, or nonprofit. Every crisis has a unique flavor and cause. However, a neutral third-party public affairs professional, not emotionally connected to the situation, can be the key to mitigating damage.
Centaur North has years of experience guiding clients through the landmines and tense moments of dealing with a crisis. We will manage the media to ensure they report your story in a clear and truthful manner. That will help you avoid your situation turning from a temporary crisis into a professional tragedy.