Roger is the Founder & President of Voices in Advocacy® and author of 7 Actions of Highly Effective Advocates. He has more than 30 years of experience as an advocacy professional, speaker, trainer, consultant, and author. As a recognized expert in advocacy engagement and grassroots activation, Roger works with a wide cross-section of organizations from diverse industries. His vibrant personality and a good sense of humor make for engaging and interactive programming that is packaged and delivered in an easy to understand, easy to apply format combining his education, experience, and enthusiasm to drive advocacy success.
Roger is a proud Penn State Nittany Lion and self-confessed political junky having received his education in Political Science. He has been an advocate for citizen involvement since the age of 13. Elected, three times to public office as a young man, served as a state legislative staff member, and have worked on many political campaigns from his very own clear up to presidential campaigns.
His work spans a cross-section of local, regional, national and international organizations. Roger authored The DMO Advocacy Toolkit for Destinations International. Voices in Advocacy® built a grassroots meetings industry advocacy platform for the Convention Industry Council called the CIC AdvocacyHub™. Developed an On-Line Advocacy Academy.
He has served in numerous industry associations’ leadership roles, is a recipient of several international industry awards, and is a member of Meeting Professional International’s prestigious “Community of Honoree’s”.
He is often interviewed by radio, print and television media, highlighted by the MSNBC show Your Business. Smart Meetings Magazine did a cover story on Roger, entitled Passion & Purpose, Roger Rickard’s Call to Action. Successful Meetings Magazine named Roger one of the Six People Worth Watching in the Meetings Industry. Meetings Focus Magazine named him to their inaugural list of Meetings Trendsetters. He is often called upon to comment on or write about the advocacy issues of the day.
Roger is a BIG man at 6’8”, a BIG thinker, and he has BIG ideas for helping you succeed with advocacy. He is casually known as the BIG GUY with a BOW TIE.
Advocacy The Strength of Human Spirit
Grassroots A Week in Politics and the Lessons We Can Learn for Your Advocacy
Congress Problem Solving with the American Government
Grassroots 8 Tips for a Successful 2020 Grassroots Advocacy Campaign
Advocacy Great Advocates
Advocacy, Grassroots Old-School Baseball & Citizen Action
Grassroots Clear Eyes for Perfect 2020 Advocacy Vision
Advocacy, Grassroots Top 5 Reasons Why Your Supporters Do Not Participate In Advocacy
Speaking My Service Commitment to You
Congress Big Change is a’coming to Congress. Are you going to be ready?
Roger and I have worked together many, many times during my tenure as CEO of the Event Industry Council (EIC). I have always found him to be the consummate professional. He knows advocacy. He knows how to engage and activate support for issues that affect your members. He is a fabulous keynote speaker, educator, and moderator. I have used his talents in all of these areas and more. He is an advocacy leader that I highly endorse. If you want to effect change and advance your influence – then call Roger.