Power Moves

Many organizations think they're avoiding risk by delaying decisions: waiting to launch a campaign, delaying community engagement, postponing media buys, putting off strategic planning, or waiting for "more information." In reality, waiting is often its own decision,...

The strongest communities aren’t the ones that simply react to challenges. They’re the ones willing to imagine what their community could become and take intentional steps toward that vision. They invest in places people want to live. They create opportunities for...

Whether you’re growing a business, running a political campaign, or promoting a public initiative, most people start by thinking about advertising in the same way: How much should we spend? But the budget is only part of the equation. The bigger question is whether...

You saw the signs, read the mail, and heard the spin, but the real story behind the 2026 Primary Election is in the numbers. The CWJ team has been digging into the data from the March Republican Primary, and although we work with counties across Texas, we decided to...

November elections get the headlines. But in many communities, the most consequential decisions are made during the primary season. Primary elections were created to give voters more power in choosing party nominees. Instead of decisions being made in back rooms by...

Every January brings fresh goals. But for us, 2026 feels less about adding and more about dialing in. Last year reinforced something we’ve always believed: The strongest messages don’t win by being louder — they win by being seen in the right places, at the right...

As we wrap up 2025, the CWJ Team is taking a moment to reflect on the ideas and conversations that shaped our year. From sharpening influence skills to understanding the systems that govern daily life, each Power Moves edition reminded us why learning, leading, and...

Gratitude usually gets its spotlight in November, then quietly disappears once the Thanksgiving leftovers are gone. But with the level of polarization we’re all feeling right now — in our communities, our workplaces, and even our group chats — gratitude has a...

Growth isn’t always about the big leaps, but the steady steps. In business, the “small wins” are what quietly build momentum: a happy client, a smoother process, a small campaign that hits the mark. When you recognize those moments, you’re reinforcing the habits that...

CWJ just turned five, and here’s what we’ve learned: success takes the right strategy, the right plan, the right project. But the right team matters even more. That’s why this month, we’re spotlighting three of our incredible partners who remind us every day that it’s...

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...

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...

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,...

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...

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...