From Capitol Hallways to Consulting Calls - Announcing Grassroots Advocacy Consulting and Stand-up Services

AI Generated Photo of me I LOVE IT!

For about a decade, I’ve helped companies navigate the complex world of government procurement, selling to state education agencies, treasury departments, and other public institutions. I’ve earned the trust of institutional buyers and built multi-million-dollar pipelines by aligning sales strategy with public priorities. But behind the scenes, I’ve also been navigating a second path. One rooted in truth, justice, and the unshakable belief that everyday people deserve to be heard over the noise of corporate influence. Today, I bring forward this second path as grassroots advocacy services under my consulting banner.

The amazing thing is, the more time I spent in the halls of government, whether through sales or civic action, the more I saw the parallels. Selling to government taught me how legislation gets shaped, who influences it, and how decisions are made behind closed doors. At the same time, my experience advocating for families in Tallahassee deepened my understanding of state systems and sharpened my strategic approach. Because I’ve worked in both arenas, I’ve learned how to win in both arenas.

Today, I’m merging these worlds with the official launch of Grassroots Advocacy Consulting, a new arm of Melody McDonald Consulting, designed to help individuals and mission-driven organizations stand up, speak out, and drive real legislative change.

This isn’t just about one issue.

Margaret Mead said it best, and I’ve carried this quote with me every step of the way.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.”

It became the battle cry of Florida Medical Rights Association, woven into the messaging for a grassroots movement I founded. Because of experiencing firsthand the devastating impact of Florida’s "Free Kill" law, a statute that denies justice to families whose unmarried, childless loved ones die from medical negligence. I couldn’t believe what I was reading in 2016, I couldn’t stay silent.

How Lobbying Was Meant to Work, and What Went Wrong

When our nation was founded, each legislator represented only a small number of constituents. But as the population grew, it became impossible for lawmakers to personally hear every voice. Lobbyists were originally intended to be stand-ins for the people, conduits through which concerns could reach policymakers.

But corporations quickly saw the opportunity. With deep pockets and legal leeway to make campaign contributions, they began paying lobbyists to influence legislation in their favor. What was meant to level the playing field has instead created a power imbalance, one where big money buys access and everyday people are left behind.

Still, I believe the voice of the people matters, and many lobbyists do too. Just like any profession, there are good ones and shady ones. I believe in advocating for truth and justice. And I believe our constitutional right to free speech is not just a freedom, it’s a force for good when used constructively, strategically, and relentlessly.

In 2016, after a deeply personal loss, I discovered the devastating impact of Florida’s “Free Kill” law, an outdated statute that denies families legal recourse when an unmarried, childless loved one dies due to medical negligence. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. And I couldn’t stay silent. You can read my story here.

From a Single Voice to a Statewide Movement

In 2017, I traveled alone to Tallahassee to testify before the Civil Justice Subcommittee on an amendment to repeal §768.21(8) or "Florida's Free Kill Law" tied to a tort reform bill. I was the only advocate in the room. I cried while sharing my story. I was cut off after two and a half minutes, "time’s up." The system wasn’t built to prioritize public voices. But I didn’t stop.

Each year since, champion legislators have filed a new House bill. In 2018, we had the first stand-alone bill. By 2019, I wasn’t alone anymore. Advocates joined me from across the state, and even from Ohio. I worked with hundreds of people to testify, to speak at delegation meetings, and to find their voice. I stood up a website, a Facebook page, social media, and a unified message. Together, we built a movement over 4,000 strong. In 2022 and 2023, a repeal passed the full House. Bills were filed in the Senate, but went unheard. In 2025, HB 6017 passed the full House for the third time and SB 734 passed every Senate committee. The Governor vetoed the bill, but we came within inches of repealing one of Florida’s most unjust laws. The people are not done yet!

📖 Read the full legislative recap here.

But this fight was never just about my story. It’s about keeping the system in check and reminding those in power that we live in America and have the right to free speech and liberty and they were elected to serve us!

Grassroots Advocacy Consulting Services

• Strategic Roadmapping - Align your cause with key legislative windows and political momentum.

• Narrative Development - Shape your story to resonate with policymakers, media, and the public.

• Legislator Engagement - Get meetings (even without a lobbyist), prepare your message, and make every touch count.

• Coalition Building - Identify and unite aligned voices to increase your campaign’s reach.

• Tactical Execution - Coordinate calls-to-action, hearings, press coverage, social media, and grassroots mobilization

• Crisis & Veto Recovery - Reframe, rebound, and reload when setbacks occur.

I believe in using my constitutional right to free speech not just as a megaphone, but as a mechanism for justice. In a political landscape too often shaped by profitable corporate contributions, I believe in restoring balance by ensuring the people’s voice carries further.

Whether you're pushing for mental health reform, education equity, school choice, rights to due process, access medicines, or accountability in healthcare, change is possible when you have the right strategy and support.

The same discipline that helped me grow state-level sales pipelines is now powering campaigns for justice and legislative reform. I don’t believe in waiting for the system to fix itself. I believe in helping people like you become catalysts for change.

You don’t need to know the system.You just need someone who does.

Let’s put your cause in motion, and make sure your voice isn’t just heard, but felt.

👉 Learn more at melody-mcdonald.com or book a 15 minute call on my calendar to start the conversation.