By Laura Jackson Local government takes many forms. We elect city councils, school boards, and county commissioners. But there’s another layer (quiet, powerful, and often overlooked) that many citizens don’t even know exists: groundwater conservation districts. These...
The Power of Showing Up (and what happens when you don’t) 🚫🏛️
In leadership, business, and community life, one of the most powerful things you can do is show up. Presence signals commitment. Consistency builds trust. Intentionality creates influence. Simply put: showing up changes outcomes. This summer, the Texas legislature...
Influence Like a Boss (Even If You’re Not One…Yet) 💼
We tend to associate influence with authority: a big title, a corner office, a vote on the dais. But the most effective changemakers know how to lead from wherever they are, whether just starting out or as high-level executives. That’s right, even senior leaders need...
Your Summer Syllabus: Federalism 101📚
School might be out, but it’s the perfect season to brush up on something that still shapes our lives every single day: federalism. CWJ’s own Laura Jackson recently published an op-ed, “Federalism Isn’t Just for Textbooks — It Shapes Our Daily Lives.” In the article,...
Jackson: Federalism isn’t just for textbooks; it shapes our daily lives
By Laura Jackson I recently listened to a podcast featuring a discussion between Congressman Dan Crenshaw and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Secretary Rice was one of my heroes growing up, so getting to know her thoughts on contemporary issues was a huge...
Turn Up the Heat & Keep Your Message Glowing 🔥
Summer is all about energy, momentum, and making the most of those long, sunny days. For businesses and community leaders, that means staying front and center in your customers’ and constituents’ minds. The conversations you have now can spark lasting loyalty and keep...
Start a Ripple. Make a Wave. 🌊
We all know someone who’s quick to spot a problem but stops short of doing anything about it. Noticing an issue is one thing — real change starts when we shift from “someone should” to “I will.” Take Dallas resident Lori Charles. When she saw cars speeding down her...
Tidy Up to Level Up 🧹: Spring Cleaning for Smart Businesses
Spring is the season for clearing out the clutter—and your business is no exception. Old habits, outdated tools, and clunky processes could be slowing you down. Now’s the time to reset, refocus, and make room for what actually moves the needle. 🧠 Nerd Alert: Remember...
Jackson: How our system of government keeps the spirit of Texas independence alive
By Laura Jackson On March 2, 1836, Texas declared its independence from Mexico, marking the birth of the Republic of Texas. Frustrated by living under the rule of President Santa Anna, Texians and Tejanos sought self-governance, culminating in the Texas Revolution....
Don’t Leave Relationships Out in the Cold ❄️ — Warm Up Your Network!
Ever had a friend who only calls when they need something? Don’t be that person in business. Relationships — whether with clients, colleagues, or mentors — need a little TLC to stay strong. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and assume your network will...
New Year, Same Us (but better) 💪: What we’re bringing into 2025 from last year’s lessons.
As the CWJ Team kicks off 2025, we’ve been reflecting on the lessons we’re taking forward from last year. One of the biggest game-changers for us in 2024 was more effectively incorporating AI into our processes. By integrating AI tools, we streamlined tasks like data...
Serving Up a Feast of PR Tips 🍽️: A Recipe for Success This Holiday Season 🍂
They say, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and when it comes to your business or organization, nothing rings truer. A public relations strategy is your trusty ounce of prevention, ensuring you're ready to tackle potential pitfalls before they...









