1

GROWTHREPORT

20122012

2

Leadership Boards

Board of Advisors

Robert AbernethyPresident, American Standard Development Company

Madeleine K. AlbrightPrincipal, The Albright Stonebridge Group

Coit BlackerDirector, Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University

Gregory B. CraigPartner, Skadden, Arps

Gary HartScholar in Residence, University of Colorado

Leslie H. GelbPresident Emeritus, Council on Foreign Relations

Lt. Gen. Donald L. Kerrick (Ret.)US Army & Former Deputy National Security Advisor

William MarshallPresident, Progressive Policy Institute

William J. PerrySenior Fellow, Hoover Institute

John D. PodestaPresident, Center for American Progress

Anne-Marie SlaughterBurt G. Kertstetter ’66 University Professor, Princeton University

Directors, Truman National Security Project

John DriscollChair, President, Castlight Health

Stephen BaileyFounder and CEO, ExecOnline

R. Hunter BidenPartner, Rosemont Seneca Partners, LLC

Pierre ChaoManaging Partner, Renaissance Advisors

Ron KlainPresident, Case Holdings

Sally PainterCOO, Blue Star Strategies, LLC

Rachel KleinfeldPresident, Truman National Security Project, ex of�cio

Directors, Truman National Security Institute

Stephen BaileyChair, Founder and CEO, ExecOnline

Lukas HaynesVice President, Mertz Gilmore Foundation

Michael SignerManaging Principal, Madison Law & Strategy Group PLLC

Rachel KleinfeldPresident, Truman National Security Institute, ex of�cio

3

Dear Friends,

I am often asked if I get discouraged trying to change policy in Washington. The politics are poison-ous. The culture tolerates egos and discourages values. The bureaucracy sti�es entrepreneurship.

This is all true. And yet, as Benjamin Disraeli is claimed to have said, “History is made by those who show up.”

Because one Truman Member made it her life’s work to stop Joseph Kony’s deprivations, we now have 100 U.S. military advisors helping African militaries stop the Lord’s Resistance Army. Because a handful of decision-makers who cared about human rights were in the right positions, we were able to stop potentially tens of thousands of deaths in Libya. Because a Truman Member took the reins of a tiny NGO, NATO changed its policies on civilian deaths in wartime.

The bottom line is this: Policy decisions are not made by a culture, or a bureaucracy. They are made by real, individual people. They are made by the people who angle to get in the right jobs, who work ex-traordinary hours for little pay, who raise their hands for tough assignments, who get themselves into the rooms where decisions are being made. The more one knows Washington, the more one understands the role of real individuals in the big decisions that change our world.

Who those people are matters. One person with a different set of values, poorer skills at bureaucratic wrangling, or weaker communication abilities can profoundly affect policy. That difference might be whether we go to war in Iraq, or start a future war in Iran. It might be allowing another genocide, or stopping one in progress.

As the following pages describe, Truman’s success is, above all, a story of people. It’s about �nding the right people who are on a path toward success, positioning them to have a seat at the table, and giving them the tools and network they need to do their jobs.

This year has been another year of tremendous growth and success for the Truman National Security Project. We’ve expanded our political Partners program to create a national base of political activists supporting good policy. We’ve created a new leadership development program speci�cally for veteran leaders and advocates. We introduced our �rst piece of legislation and released a Security Brie�ng Book that the DCCC provided to all the Democratic congressional candidates. And we’ve tripled our Communications staff to get our members’ ideas into the public debate across America.

It is easy to be frustrated with government. I am, every day. But government makes decisions that matter – decisions over life and death, war and peace, that only governments can make. It’s our job to make sure that our policy makers and political and organizational leaders make the best decisions they possibly can, for the good of America, and for the good of those billions around the world who do not have a seat at the table.

Sincerely,

Rachel Kleinfeld Co-Founder & President

54

Understanding national security is a litmus test for leadership. The Truman National Security Project is a national security leadership institute — the nation’s only organization that recruits, trains, and positions a new generation across America to lead on national security.

Our mission is to provide the skills, knowledge, and network to create an in�uential force of leaders across the country who advance strong 21st century national security policy through advocacy initiatives, media ap-pearances, and public service in elected and appointed of�ce.

Today you will �nd leaders we have trained running for of�ce across the country, advising presidential and con-gressional campaigns, drafting legislation in the halls of Congress, appearing on national television and radio, and advocat-ing for smart policies in state legislatures across the country.

Human capital: Our greatest strength

strength for a changing world.

Headquartered in Washington, DC with a presence in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Truman Members provide powerful reach.

Across nine regional chapters, Members advance policies tai-lored to 21st century security challenges – policies that will keep America safe, keep the world stable, and ensure that America upholds the ideals of

democracy, human rights, and opportunity. Members receive ongoing training through our leadership development pro-grams and are tightly integrat-ed into a life-long community that advances values through media, advocacy, and policy.

Alongside our Members, Truman activists engage policymakers at the state and federal level, promote strong and principled policies in their communities, and provide a ground game which no other national security organization can claim.

San Francisco

LA

Denver

Chicago

Boston

New York

Philadelphia

Washington

Atlanta

A litmus test for leadership

76 76

650+ copies of the Truman Security Brie�ng Book distributed to legislators, staff, allies, and advocates

In July 2012 alone, the Truman Project was featured in the media 132 times, appearing in outlets ranging from CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC to Politico, Buzzfeed, the New York Times, and the Huf�ngton Post.

“Some are running for of�ce; others eventually will–and they will bring to public life the pragma-tism, intellectual rigor and decision-making ability they learned overseas….No matter what you think about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, their service and the leadership quali-

ties they bring home may be the best news to come out of the past 10 years of con�ict.”

Joe Klein“The New Greatest Gen-eration,” Time Magazine, 8/29/2011, in an article featur-ing numerous Truman Project community members.

If Truman didn’t exist, I don’t know where I would go for message advice on these issues.

Rod SnyderPresidentYoung Democrats of America

Truman members are in policy-impact positions on Capitol Hill and in the Administration.

125Phil NobleDirector, Politics Online and Leader, South Carolina New Democrats

Capitol Hill staffers have been trained by our Congressional Security Scholars program on a range of issues, including communications, nuclear non-proliferation, international development, and Military 101.

There is, in Operation Free’s strategy, a lesson for the President of the United States.

Joe KleinTime Magazine

I just �nished the brie�ng book – really brilliant. In all my years in politics, it’s the most useful and thorough book of its type I have ever seen… really something that y’all should be proud of.

598I’ve been involved with the Truman National Security Project since 2007. It is an incredible organization with exceptional people, and I rely on Truman as my primary source of informa-tion on national security issues. Through Truman, I’ve had opportunities to serve as a defense advisor for the last presidential campaign, a speaker at conferences, and a spokesman on CNN and other prominent news outlets.

State Rep. Scott Holcomb Veteran & Truman Fellow

98 98

The ranks of Obama 2012 include Truman Members serving as Director of Speech Writing, Director of Research, Veterans and Military Families Director, and lead staff working on the Latino vote, the Asian-Paci�c Islander vote, the southern region, and key positions in swing states including Florida and Ohio.

CHIC

AGO

In every media market of Ohio, there are now media and communications trained veterans working to change the public discussion on national security. Truman Member John Heavy runs Ohio Veterans for Obama, while Truman Member Zach Roberts is revolutionizing statewide veterans outreach. It’s paying off: US Senator Sherod Brown, a champion of international development and a target of super-PAC money, is deploying these messengers across the state. In total, Truman has trained hundreds of Ohioans and held expert brie�ngs for numerous congressional candidates.

OHIO

The conservative group ALEC began pushing for states in the northeast to leave RGGI, a regional clean energy program that reduces the threat multiplier effects of climate change. Our response in New Jersey not only won awards, but convinced them to skip New York all together. The last stand would be New Hampshire. Mobilizing our network, we secured the �nal GOP vote in the state Senate to support clean energy.

NEW

HAM

PSHI

RE &

NEW

JER

SEY

The military is working hard to pull their installations off the electrical grid for security reasons and to decrease dependence on oil. Our legislation in California, passed in 2012, made it easier for the state to work with DOD to build alternative energy projects on and around bases.

CALI

FORN

IA

Truman Members are winning races around the country. Two examples: Wins in Colorado for key state legislature and local executive positions.

COLO

RADO

Florida now counts well over 150 Truman-trained military veterans and political activists. Leaders in state political life are counted among our Members and Activists, including Leo Cruz, congressional candidate Heather Beaven, and Ricardo Rangel, who’s headed to the state legislature.

FLOR

IDA

42 Truman Members hold elected of�ce.

100+ campaigns have been trained by Truman on communications, policy, and veteran organizing.

Impact Across America

Activists

MembersMAP

KEY

10

leadershipacross America

Local Chapters, National ImpactIn nine chapters across the country, Truman Members gather for regular meetings. They plan media, advocacy, and political activities, form-ing a grasstops force with representation across the United States. The result is a network of active, trained, and knowledgeable opinion leaders across America.

Chapters also hold regular events ranging from �lm screenings and security issue discussions to volunteering at local veterans hospitals and organizing their communities.

Expert GroupsFifteen topical Expert Groups provide policy content and depth to all of our work. Expert Groups bring together Truman community members with deep knowledge for regu-lar discussions and meetings with senior of�cials to further their understanding of today’s security challenges.

Expert groups shape policy documents, such as our Security Brie�ng Book, provide expertise for congres-sional testimony, help advise candidates, and offer policy options for the Administration and Congress.

Annual ConferenceOnce a year, the entire community convenes in Washington, DC for three days of high-level brie�ngs, hands-on training, skill work-shops, media exercises, and networking. From across the country and around the world, they share ideas, learn new ones, and connect with other leaders.

Members have the chance to interact with leaders such as Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, CIA Director General David Petraeus, and top-tier political candidates.

11

OverlapIn the middle sit training and educational programs, such as Congressional Security

Scholars, run by our sister organization, the Truman Institute, a robust com-munications shop that positions our members in the media, our advo-cacy programs focused

on important national security issues like Clean

Energy and Climate Change and International Development. Local leaders organize events and discussions, engage in local political work, and appear in the media.

VeteransOur veteran leaders hail from all over the country and bring a credible, experienced, and pro-gressive national security voice to dif�cult-to-reach audiences.

Policy expertsOver 500 Security Fellows and Senior Advisors in nine Chapters across the country are dedi-cated to advancing Truman values in government and NGOs.

Political ProsOver 300 Political Partners in four regions are campaigners, con-sultants, communications specialists, and more, dedicated to changing the general public discussion on security issues in their daily work.

1212

The Truman Security Fellowship is a highly competitive program for rising policy stars who will, over the course of their careers, change the way America’s foreign policy is conceived and conducted.

The Security Fellowship brings together our country’s most promising policy leaders under 40 who share our values on security, human rights, de-mocracy, and opportunity. We provide Fellows with training, skill-building, and a communi-ty of like-minded peers in key positions. We also offer them opportunities to impact the na-tional security debate through policy creation, brie�ngs, testi-mony, speaking engagements, and media appearances. These Truman Fellows will have long-term impact throughout their careers, bolstered by the values fostered in the Truman community.

Policy ImpactA full quarter of Security Fellows serve in the current Administration and on Capitol

Hill. They include speechwrit-ers to President Obama and Secretary Clinton, senior staff on Capitol Hill, and roles such as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, and the Director of Strategic Planning on the National Security Council.

National ImpactMeanwhile, in nine differ-ent chapters across the na-tion, Fellows are running for Congress, directing national advocacy organizations, serv-ing as policy experts and leaders in homeland security, law enforcement, and trade. Fellows also crisscross the globe, ground-truthing policy knowledge from China to Egypt, and Manila to Kabul.

The Now Generation of policy leadership

There are 515 Truman Security Fellows in 9 chapters across America, with a presence in 33 states.

25% percent of Truman Fellows hold policy impact positions in the Administration or on Capitol Hill.

Truman Fellow Catherine Wiesner has served in policy

making positions at the Departments of State

and Defense.

1313

Truman Fellow Catherine Wiesner has been mak-ing change and �ghting for children’s rights in con�ict-affected countries around the world since the beginning of her career. In October 2011, Catherine’s efforts within the Department of Defense came to fruition when President Obama announced he was sending 100 US troops into Uganda to advise regional forces pursuing the notori-ous Kony and his Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). A

Catherine Wiesner, Security Fellow

Bringing the LRA to Justiceparticipant in the 2006-2008 peace talks between the Government of Uganda and the LRA, Catherine had run several large child soldier re-integration programs in Africa before going into government. Her work with a small net-work of similarly determined individuals to de�ne and champion the Administraton’s policy to put an end to Kony’s destruction proves that one person can make a difference in government.

The Truman Security Fellowship provides the opportunity to serve my country, re�ne critical policymaking skills, and develop long-standing professional relationships with colleagues who share my values.

It fosters regular interaction with the best and brightest progressives in US national security today. In doing so, it serves as an ideal venue for shaping ideas and building coalitions for action for issues I care deeply about. I am honored to be a part of such a distinguished community.

–Joseph Costa, Truman Fellow

14

As a local elected of�cial and

leader in my community, I am

deeply appreciative of the Tru-

man community ... I’m part of a

nation-wide team that I can call

on for support both in policy,

friendship, and politics. Truman

is helping the next generation of

progressive leaders reclaim the

conversation over national secu-

rity and patriotism.

Ben Allen Truman Member

Santa Monica-

Malibu School

Board President

15

The Truman political partnership is a highly selective leadership development program designed for rising political stars, ensuring that elected leaders, advocates, and campaign consultants can work with security constituencies and communicate effectively on security issues.

In 2012, we selected 150 emerging political leaders across four national regions to become Truman Partners. After an intensive orientation featuring values discussions, policy scenarios, military 101, and communications training, Partners join the Truman community. Regular trainings, policy updates, and message guidance calls are supplemented with weekend salons with policy and political leaders.

Message & TrainingPartners and the political and advocacy organizations they work for frequently come to us

for talking points, policy back-ground, and communications advice, particularly as they pre-pare for media appearances.

Since many Partners hold positions on campaigns, the Partners program connects us directly to scores of critical races across the country and hundreds of elected of�cials. Other Partners direct national communications �rms, are ad-vocacy professionals, and play key organizing roles in their states, affecting our nation’s policies and politics every single day.

Changing minds & winning elections

320 political pros and leaders have become Truman Partners.

97% of our Partners think Truman plays a unique role in connecting good policy, good politics, and values.

16

The Truman Project has been for me an extension of my time in uni-

form. It has surrounded me once again with the most dedicated minds

of my generation, this time across the boundaries of the military, foreign

policy, business and political worlds…

I am proud to have been a member of the US military. I am equally

as proud to call myself a member of this community.

Robert Diamond Truman Veteran Leader

17

Our newest leadership development program, the Veterans Leadership Academy (VLA) was created to identify and train emerging veteran leaders, allowing them to continue public service on the homefront.

Each year, we select a diverse group of 30 – 40 veteran lead-ers from across the country who demonstrate ongoing leadership, espouse Truman Project values, and have the desire and ability to in�uence policy, politics, and public opinion. We seek veterans who can engage in our community for the long haul throughout their professional lives.

Veterans are deeply trusted by the American public on na-tional security issues, but their policy and political expertise varies widely. And many have never been involved in politics or public communication.

Over the course of a year, VLA participants come together for a series of weekend-long trainings on organizing and advocacy, public service

Continuing service to our nation

¾ of Truman Members believe we have helped them bridge the gap between civilians and the military.

entrepreneurship, policy, politics, communication, their personal values, and life goals.

Public ImpactVLA members put their training into practice by as-sisting political or advocacy campaigns, appearing in the media, or creating a social entrepreneurship project.

Plugging InVLA members are con-nected to Truman Fellows and Partners to build a larger network of like-minded lead-ers who can move policy, politics, and the public debate together.

Truman Member Robert Diamond is a former Lieutenant in the US Navy and the Director of Veterans and Military Families outreach for the Obama 2012 relection campaign.

Rob previously served as the Director of Truman’s New York Chapter.

18

The Deane and Paul Shatz Congressional Security Scholars Program builds a generation of congressional staff with a broadened understanding of foreign policy and security issues. It is the go-to program on Capitol Hill for staff seeking training grounded in a 21st century world view.

Each year, 200 congres-sional staff participate in our Congressional Security Scholars program, attracting Senate and House staffers on both personal and committee staffs. Over nine weeks, they study issues from effective communication to reading the defense budget, to the role of development and human rights in national security. Alumni events provide ad-ditional brie�ngs on timely topics and social events, build-ing the intellectual and social network of progressives on Capitol Hill. Filled to capac-ity each semester, the program is a much sought-after re-source for rising staff.

Leading on Capitol Hill

2012 Curriculum

The Foundations of Security Policy

Military 101

National Security Communications

Veterans and Military Families Outreach

Intro to Reading the Defense Budget

Energy 101

Nuclear Security: The Challenge of Iran

Cybersecurity 101

Democracy, Human Rights, and National Security: MENA and Beyond

Drones in US Security

“The Hill is a place where you have to package your ideas in a succinct and compelling way, and this program was fantastic for me as a new staffer learning how to do that.”

—Capitol Hill Staffer

The Security Scholars’ alumni network includes nearly 600 staffers.

More than 94% of Congressional Security Scholars would recommend our program to an incoming staffer.

Security Scholars is a program of the Truman National Security Institute.

19

Security Bootcamps

Weekend workshops

Truman Bootcamps are educational workshops last-ing anywhere from a few hours to multiple days, often for progressive organizations, candidates and advocacy groups. They are speci�cally designed to ensure that a wide range of organizations can communicate effectively on security issues. Trainings teach participants how to think about a security worldview and value set, military basics, com-munications, and messaging. We also create custom sessions based on issues desired by al-lied organizations. Each year, we train over 1,000 people across the country on issues from Iran to the national secu-rity budget.

Campaign TrainingThe Truman Project’s leader-ship training programs house some of America’s best up-and-coming political talent. Rare among nonpro�t organiza-tions, we’ve developed soup-to-nuts political training. Where allowed by law, Truman Members receive elite-level consulting and planning as-sistance before ever entering a race. Once a Member be-comes a candidate, Truman’s Regional Political Directors leverage our membership for strategic, fundraising, and grassroots help.

Adopt-a-DistrictThrough our Adopt-a-District program, Truman Members in congressional districts across America serve as national se-curity advisers for candidates, providing policy brie�ngs, trainings, debate preparation, and veterans outreach.

After winning, elected leaders are invited to join the Truman Elected Of�cials Network, giv-ing them access to the entire Truman community.

Training the deep bench

Intern Springboard

The next generation

A narrow pipeline of progres-sives focused on national security during college means a small bench of experts, me-dia personalities, and activists twenty years down the road.

The Truman Institute’s Intern Security Springboard is solving this problem, offering young people, with a particular focus on women and minorities, an opening into national security. Each year, the Institute trains 120 promising young minds during luncheon seminars over �ve weeks during the summer. The program intro-duces Washington’s newcom-ers to an array of issues in�u-encing national security and gives them an opportunity to hear from experts in the �eld.

20

create the echo chamberThe Truman Project plan for improving US policy requires frequent and effective engagement with the American public.

Communication isn’t just getting in the news. We’re changing long-held and deeply-felt views about the threats we face and what values are best employed to meet them.

The right messageOur comprehensive national security message development operation is the only one of its kind. We use the latest public opinion data and cognitive psychology research to de-velop effective messages for our community and dozens of allied organizations and campaigns. Message guidance is an opportunity, not just to win the immediate �ght, but to build a strong, principled brand for the future.

In the newsThe Truman community writes scores of Op-Eds each week, with placement in prominent outlets -- all coordi-nated from headquarters with writing, editing, and message support. In 2012, we dramati-cally increased our presence in national television, syndicated radio, and national, regional, and local papers.

InfrastructureMedia coverage and message materials are transitory. We’re building the resources for success over the long term: the resources, trainings, connec-tions, and values that make long term change resilient.

21

For voters, national security is essentially a character issue. Which is why, unlike most communications groups, our approach stresses values, stories, and personal credibility.

Most people don’t have per-sonal experience with national security. Moreover, unpre-dictable security issues arise constantly. Research shows that Americans tend to choose security leaders whose values seem to match their own, rath-er than leaders whose policies they like. Unlike with domes-tic issues such as education or taxes, where voters have knowledge to give context to

their decisions, in national security, they look for leaders who, they believe, are “like them,” and would make deci-sions the voters would like, if only they knew as much.

Truman communications focuses �rst and foremost on �nding common ground, speaking to values, and estab-lishing credibility -- all before getting into policy detail. It’s an approach that is heavily driven by a large and grow-ing body of psychological research on belief formation and opinion persistence. This empathy- and story-driven ap-proach helps our community reach the persuadable middle while staying true to what we believe.

Security is about trust & values

22

w

98% of professional communicators say Truman is an essential part of the progressive infrastructure.

Over 650 copies of the Truman Security Brie�ng Book have been distributed to legislators, staff, candidates, and pundits in 2012.

Too often, our side of the argument lacks the tools and background to effectively respond to dangerous policies. By focusing on communications infrastructure, we’re �xing that most basic of problems.

Policy and Messaging Training CallsOur policy brie�ngs and mes-saging advice are available to a broad political audience and are increasingly essential to keeping our side of the argument on the same page. Our interactive training calls regularly reach 100 to 300 grasstops leaders, candidates, and elected of�cials.

Monthly topics are selected to re�ect issues in�uencing the national political debate, such as energy security, organizing veterans and military families, Iran, or China. Trainings pair policy experts from our community with communica-tions professionals to provide a strong balance of policy understanding and strategic messaging.

Critical community infrastructure

Security Brie�ng BookOur compilation of national security issue briefs has be-come the go-to source for political leaders to get up to speed on security issues and message these from a values-based perspective.

Security issues are broad and rapidly shifting – from en-ergy to defense budgeting to China. Political leaders need an accessible resource to guide them through the landscape. Packed with over 100 pages of issue background, policy options, and talking points, arranged in easily-digestible chapters, the Brie�ng Book helps politicians and political leaders understand and talk about key security challenges.

Hundreds of elected of�cials, campaigns, and pundits are using the Brie�ng Book, in ad-dition to thousands of online downloads – giving us real impact on the worldview and decisions of policy makers.

23

Being a part of the Truman

community and receiving their

communications and messaging

insight through their Tuesdays

with Truman conference calls have

been an invaluable asset to me

and my campaign.

When it comes to questions

about national security the Tru-

man Team have established

themselves as a key in

assuring a future

of strong, smart

and principled

leadership.

Manan Trivedi

Truman Member

Candidate for Congress

Pennsylvania 6th

2424

Rapid Response: End of the Iraq War

When the Obama Administration asked us to help tell the story of the end of the Iraq War, we had 36 hours notice.

The debate dealing with Iran’s nuclear ambitions has been long and heated. The Truman Project has long advocated for the responsible use of force, and a hasty rush to war in Iran is no exception.

De�nitive message approach. With the help of the most re-cent polling and research, we developed the message used by dozens of campaigns and organizations.

Training surrogates. We held training calls and 1-on-1 ses-sions with members of our community, candidates, and communication pros.

From principles to press conferences

Iran and the responsible use of forcePlaced media. Numerous Op-Eds and media appearances fo-cused on the question of Iran and how to deal with it.

Earned media. The political de-bate over Iran moved quickly into the 2012 presidential as well as senate and congressio-nal races. We used media calls, often bracketing prominent events and appearances, to highlight the responsible and irresponsible choices available to policy makers.

Turning to our network of trained surrogates, we went to work. Over three days we held eight media calls and events in six states, including press conferences in Central Ohio and Arizona, and press calls in New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Northern

Virginia, North East Ohio, and South Carolina.

Each event featured a local elected leader, a local veteran in our community, and a Truman policy leader.

Simulations are an important part of Truman’s educational program for rising policy makers and political leaders alike.

Our Iran simulation, developed in partnership with Graham Allison of Harvard University, forces participants to consider the real-world implications of their policy choices.

2525

Start with the right messageEvery Tuesday morning, leading communications and political professionals — on Capitol Hill, in media rela-tions, and in our community — dial into “Tuesdays with Truman,” a weekly national security message guidance call we run in partnership with Media Matters for America.

Designed for busy commu-nications professionals, this 10-15 minute call provides straightforward take-away mes-sage guidance and sound-bites on key issues so that members of Congress, Truman Partners, and other allies are ready for the week. Through our part-nership with Media Matters, we walk through conserva-tive narratives in the news, highlight counter-productive messages, and provide tested message guidance to listeners.

Get into the papers and on TVIdeas need an echo chamber to be heard above the noise of today’s media landscape. Truman’s communications staff works with local me-dia teams to place Truman

Members’ ideas in the public eye, and then amplify those appearances. Media teams, built around our national chapter network, work daily to draft and re�ne Op-Eds and letters to the editor, place members in television and radio appearances, and echo their work across social media platforms.

Truman Members regularly appear in national papers like the New York Times and USA Today, as well as local outlets and hometown papers where they can reach everyday Americans.

Blog about it on the Truman DoctrineIn 2012, the Truman Project launched a new blog which serves as the basis for our so-cial media strategy and ampli-�cation efforts. The Truman Doctrine features thought leadership, opinion pieces, and rapid response material. Today, over 50 writers are mak-ing a regular contribution, and senior national security leaders and members of Congress are lined up to write for the Truman Doctrine.

Flooding the zone every day.

91% of Truman message guidance recipients �nd our guidance helpful when communicating on national security.

97% of professional communicators say the Truman Project is a credible voice on policy issues.

26

the �ght on the ground

Good policy is too often destroyed by bad politics. That’s why savvy policy leaders know that it’s not enough to have policy consensus in Washington.

To get good policy passed, we need outside-the-beltway advocates who can shape the debate and affect the decisions of elected leaders.

A Challenging TaskTruman’s advocacy efforts �ght for legislation, regulation, and executive actions that re-�ect our values at the national, state, and even the local level. Usually, this means boiling down complex policies into something that any American can grasp quickly and easily.

Bringing it all togetherAdvocacy professionals co-ordinate across the Truman Project to create �eld pro-grams, generate messaging, videos, press coverage, and paid media, all aimed at

changing the political debate. Truman Members — as well as a broader force of veterans, national security experts, and elected of�cials — serve as validators and organizers. Together, these grasstops and grassroots leaders organize across the nation.

Winning campaignsOur campaigns have success-fully built bipartisan coalitions to advocate for essential policy priorities such as climate secu-rity, defense energy research, and international development funding.

27

Advocacy: Part of everything we do.

Integrating political advocacy into our organization has resulted in real impact across a range of issues.

Advocacy requires all of our abilities: from grassroots events with celebrities to media advertisements and viral videos. We have sponsored a racecar, run a 37-state, 36,000-mile campaign bus tour, held forums with the legislatures of 14 states — even supported a cross-country bike ride — to get our message out. Our spokespeople give congres-sional testimony, and have briefed President Obama and Vice President Biden.

Veteran Values & VoiceAmerica’s veteran community has seen �rst-hand the threats America faces in the 21st century. And in some parts of the country, veterans and their families make up 20% of the population.

Their stories and commitment to service help our campaigns resonate across the political spectrum. The military is, according to polls, the most trusted institution in the country. Progressives have too often overlooked this crucial constituency, many of whom share our values on issues from development to human rights, and are trusted by more conservative Americans.

2828

Truman’s advocacy is changing the way Americans think about international development and the tools of American power.

American GreatnessThe Truman Project has long been an advocate for a broad understanding of American power and the tools that make us a world leader. Diplomacy and development must be paired with a strong defense to ensure foreign policy is both effective and closely con-nected to human rights and democratic values.

International development, sometimes mistakenly called foreign aid, is not charity—it’s strategy. Development creates stability and security around the world, meaning stronger allies, fewer con�icts, new markets, greater good will towards America abroad, and more jobs at home. It is one of the tools that made America a world leader—and it’s been too-often neglected.

Make US Strong CampaignIn response to threats to the international affairs budget, people from across the coun-try have joined our Make US Strong Campaign, an effort to send a clear message to Congress: international development keeps us safe and makes America great.

Make US Strong is engaging the public and key U.S. law-makers through a wide range of tactics including communi-cations trainings, press events, media, social media strategies, and grassroots and grasstops coalition building.

In Spring 2012, we recruited, trained, and deployed doz-ens of veterans and security experts to lobby key members of the House and Senate on proposed budget cuts to international development. Through a combination of personal stories and effective security messaging, they made the case for why this support is vital to America’s security and prosperity.

The tools of American power

On International Women’s Day, our most accomplished female veterans joined Oxfam America Global Ambassador Kristin Davis to carry a valuable message about the connection between food security and national security to Congress.

2929

Our four-time national award winning ad, “GI JOE” connects the Marshall Plan programs of the Greatest Generation to today’s international development efforts and the need to ensure American in�uence abroad.

Member Project: Cycle for SecurityIn August of 2011, Truman Partner Janessa Goldbeck came to us with a plan. As a former anti-genocide activist and future Marine, she wanted to bike across the country to raise awareness about the importance of interna-tional development. In three months, Janessa biked 4,287

Award-Winning Advocacy

“Tell ‘em Joe Sent You”

Best Web Independent Expenditure

Best Use of Voiceover Talent

Best National Public Affairs Television Ad, Silver

Best Web Video, Bronze

P O L L I E A W A R D S

miles through 21 major cit-ies. Truman helped her hold 24 meetings and events with elected of�cials, community

leaders, students, and veterans, to educate Americans about the important role interna-tional development plays in America’s national security. Featured in local and national media outlets from coast to coast, Janessa is now working on a book on how internation-al development keeps America strong.

3030

The US military has always been a leader in technologi-cal innovation. From GPS to the Internet, military R&D has had a huge impact on Americans’ daily lives. Today, they’re investing in energy technology, including biofu-els that power aircraft carrier groups and supersonic jet �ghters.

The bene�ts are clear: Less dependence on oil from un-friendly nations, a budget that isn’t as impacted by �uctuat-ing global oil prices, and less

need to protect strategically important supply routes. In short, biofuel research and testing make the military stron-ger, more �exible, and better able to meet the challenges of the future.

So when some in Congress de-cided to ignore military leader-ship and cut these research programs, we put together an aggressive paid, earned, and social media program, includ-ing TV ads in �ve key states.

While Congress continues to �ght over this issue, we’re injecting a new and essential message into the discussion and changing minds across America.

Marine Corps Veteran and Operation Free advocate

Christopher Marzoni appeared in �ve television ads.

Policy Maker ImpactAt a meeting with EPA ad-ministrator Lisa Jackson, Operation Free veteran leader Robin Eckstein told her story of driving fuel convoys in Baghdad and connected her

Energy Security for the Military

The Case for DoD Biofuels

experience to the dangers of U.S. dependence on oil. After hearing Robin’s personal story, the Administrator repeated it at future events when she spoke on the need for strong fuel standards. OpFree vet Robin Ekstein speaks

to 40,000 people on the Mall

3131

Our award winning Operation Free campaign is leading the way to a new national consensus on the connection between energy policy, climate change, and national security.

Launched in 2009, Operation Free is a nationwide coalition of veterans and national secu-rity experts who recognize that climate change and oil depen-dence pose serious threats to America’s national security. Operation Free advocates for policies at all levels of govern-ment that reduce America’s oil dependence, �ght climate disruption, and make us more competitive as a nation.

With its groundbreaking work to recruit, train, and organize veterans across the country to speak out on the link between climate, energy, and national security, Operation Free has grown to a force of hundreds of veterans and allied organiza-tions. Together, our coalition has worked with state legisla-tors from coast to coast to pass meaningful legislation that helps achieve these goals.

Connecting energy and security

Last summer alone, Operation Free advocates reached an audience of over

1.1 million people across

354 radio stations.

Gold Pollie, Best National Direct Mail for Public Affairs

Reed Award, Best Newspaper Advertisement of 2012

P O L L I E A W A R D S

Delivered to thousands of households as direct mail and turned into a full-page newspaper ad, our “Cupcake” advertisement shows the connection between oil and security. In 2012, the concept picked up national awards, including being named the best newspaper ad of the year.

32

Senior Leadership Team

Michael Breen

Vice President

A policy leader with experi-ence at the pointy end of the spear, Mike is a former U.S. Army Captain who served with an infantry company in Iraq and led a platoon of paratroopers in Afghanistan. He has served as a law clerk in the Of�ce of White House Counsel and as a consultant for government agencies, the United Nations, private foun-dations, and an international war crimes tribunal. Mike is the co-founder of the Iraq Refugee Assistance Project. A graduate of Dartmouth College and Yale Law School, he is a proud New Hampshire native.

Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld

President & Co-Founder

An expert on issues that lie at the junction of national securi-ty and human security, Rachel was named a “Top 40 Under 40” Rising Political Leader by Time Magazine and appears regularly in national radio and television. She is the author of two books, Let There Be Light: Bringing Distributed Energy to the Developing World and Advancing the Rule of Law Abroad. A Rhodes Scholar, she serves on the State Department’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Board, holds a B.A. from Yale, and a doctorate from Oxford. Rachel grew up in a log house on a dirt road in her beloved Fairbanks, Alaska.

33

Sarah Bruno

Chief Operating Of�cer

An experienced management and development profession-al, Sarah has spent a decade improving NGO management. Sarah previously served as the National Development Director for America Votes and worked for the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. She chaired the Women’s Information Network and coordinated Development at the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. She was the recipient of a 2012 WIN Young Women of Achievement Award. A New Hampshire native, Sarah holds a Master’s degree in social work from Boston University and a B.A. from Haverford College.

Robin McQueen

Vice President of External Relations

The newest addition to our leadership team, Robin comes to Truman from the Center for American Progress, where she served as Director of Development. As part of her extensive experience, Robin maintained strategic partnerships as the Executive Leadership Council’s Director of Development, led the fundraising efforts for Women’s Voices. Women Vote, and also worked as a Major Gifts Of�cer at the Human Rights Campaign. Robin earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture.

Michael Moschella

Political Director

A leader in the rising gen-eration of political profes-sionals, Mike was named a 2012 Political Rising Star by Campaigns & Elections magazine. Before joining the Truman Project, Mike worked as a Democratic campaign consultant with expertise in large-district voter targeting, grassroots �eld mobilizations, and online political organiz-ing. He has managed con-gressional, gubernatorial, and state-level campaigns. Mike serves as Board Of�cer of both the New Leaders Council and the Netroots Foundation. He is a graduate of Cornell University and a native of Boston.

34

Leadership Development

Sarah BeckermanDeputy Fellowship Director

Brad ElkinsPolitical Associate

Justin FordVeterans Director

Karlo Barrios MarceloPartnership Director

Sidney OlinykLeadership Development Director & Democracy and Human Rights Program Director

Advocacy

Brandon FureighAdvocacy Director

John McCauleyAdvocacy Program Manager

Mike WuAdvocacy Policy Director

Communications

Stephanie DreyerMedia Relations Director

Daniel GaynorWriter and Digital Strategist

Dave SoliminiCommunications Director

Policy & Government Relations

Sophie BrillPolicy Associate

Nathan KohlenbergPolicy Fellow

Leigh O’NeillPolicy Director

Matthew RhoadesLegislative Affairs Director

Development & Operations

Emmett BloomOperations Associate

Garrett EvensonSpecial Assistant to the CEO & Development Associate

Jackie LeffyearBookkeeper

Maggie MooreProgram Assistant & Data Manager

Victoria WebbeGrants Manager

…and an amazing group of interns. Anyone who’s worked in Washington for more than a month will tell you that in-terns make things happen.

We thank the three dozen interns who have served the Truman Project this past year for their dedication to the is-sues, long hours, and incred-ible talent. We couldn’t have done it without them.

StaffWe are lucky to work with an experienced team of immensely talented and committed professionals.

35

Sara Abbasi

Wendy Anderson

Scott Bates

Peter Beinart

Haim Bodek

Janet Breslin-Smith

Elwyn Berlekamp

Rachel Bronson

Bill Budinger

Andrei Cherny

Paul Clarke

Jack Cogan

Christopher Coons

Nelson Cunningham

William Danvers

Scott Delman

Laura Dempsey

Randeep Dhillon

Larry Diamond

William Dobson

Mitch Draizin

Carl Ferenbach

Donnie Fowler

Gail Harris

Chris Howard

Mark Jacobson

Eleanor Glynn Kjellman

Paul Klingenstein

Pascal Levensohn

Mark Levine

James Marvin

Nion McEvoy

Mark Medish

Reuben Munger

Suzanne Nossel

Michael O’Hanlon

Jay M. Parker

Joe Rice

David Rose

Elihu Rose

Jeremy Rosner

Kathryn Roth-Douquet

David Rothkopf

David Samuels

Deane Shatz

Paul Shatz

Peter W. Singer

Larry Stupski

Christopher Taylor

Christopher Tucker

Douglas Wilson

Kenneth Wollack

Senior Advisors & TrusteesSenior Advisors and Trustees are respected leaders in foreign policy, politics, and business who share the Truman National Security Project’s vision. They offer trusted guidance to our policy and political work, provide �nancial support to our efforts, and serve as mentors to the leaders we train.

3636

Truman National Security Project & InstituteWashington, DCAtlanta, GABoston, MAChicago, ILDenver, COPhiladelphia, PALos Angeles, CANew York, NYSan Francisco, CA

1050 17th Street NWSuite 375Washington, DC 20036

Call: 202.216.9723Fax: 202.289.4199

www.TrumanProject.org

10 2012