Article 1 Advisors was founded based on a vision of pragmatic, practical optimism about the future of our country and the future of our democracy.
We believe there are authentic leaders on both sides of the aisle who inspire communities and organizations to grow and flourish. Our goal is to bring our experience and expertise to bear to maximize their ability to do so.
Like Article 1 of our Constitution, Article 1 Advisors seeks to strengthen a government of, by and for the people by strengthening the ability of the legislative branch to function effectively. Drawing on decades of congressional experience, Article 1 Advisors provides expert insight into the functioning of Congress and the Legislative Branch -- how the institution works, or doesn't work, and why. We offer expertise and advice on ways to work most effectively with Members of Congress and their staff, specializing in developing institutional efforts to work across partisan divisions for maximum impact. We offer strategic guidance on developing outreach and funding plans to organizations seeking to enable cross-partisan collaboration in the democracy and government innovation space.
We believe the incentives that drive hyper-partisan behavior in Congress can be shifted to reward Members of Congress to behave differently; and we work actively to develop these strategies, both with those who work inside the institution and with others in the field who share this interest. By working together, those who support strengthening the institutions of our democratic republic and a more robust legislative branch can help congressional constituents shift the incentives and rewards away from hyperpartisanship and toward improved congressional function.
Contact us to learn more about how we might work together.
Areas of Practice
Strategy Development — A Systems-based approach
Funding for organizations supporting innovation in the governance and democracy reform space has increased in recent years, even as the fundamental strength of Congress as the “First Branch of Government” has atrophied. In the context of the systems map for which we led the development for Democracy Fund we help organizations work to maximize their positive impact on the institution. We are especially adept in supporting the development of cross-partisan or non-partisan work in this inherently political field.
Expert InsightS
We bring to bear for our clients more than half a century of know-how and proven experience working in and around Congress. If you want to understand what Congress has done, is doing, or will do -- and why -- or need help navigating the surrounding terrain -- we’ve been there and we can help.
the 5 M’s of Congressional Dysfunction — Money, Maps, Media, Mingling, Masochism
We explain Congress, what drives it, and how to repair its dysfunction to you and your colleagues -- at the highest level or in the most fundamental manner. Our most popular presentation includes a 20-30 minute explanation followed by a half-hour of Q&A. Our humor, humility and real-life stories help make Congress accessible to attendees of all backgrounds with credibility and authenticity. Contact us to discuss how we can shape our presentation to best meet the needs and interests of your group.
“By collaborating across the field and across the aisle, good-government organizations can help strengthen Congress and our democracy as a whole.”