Public affairs and advocacy is an important aspect of many organizations, whether they are businesses, nonprofits, or government agencies. The goal of public affairs and advocacy is to influence public policy and opinion on issues that are important to the organization.
In this blog post, we will look at public affairs and advocacy statistics that shed light on the current state of the industry.
Key Public Affairs and Advocacy Statistics 2023 – MY Choice
- According to the American Public Affairs Council, there are over 1,000 public affairs firms operating in the United States.
- In a 2020 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, 79% of Americans stated that they believed social media platforms have too much power and influence in politics.
- The National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics estimates that there are over 12,000 registered lobbyists in the United States.
- A 2019 report from the Center for Responsive Politics found that the top 20 lobbying firms in the United States earned over $500 million in revenue.
- According to a 2019 survey by Edelman Trust Barometer, 63% of Americans believe that government officials are not transparent enough.
- In a 2018 study by the Congressional Management Foundation, 97% of congressional staff members said that personal stories from constituents are the most effective way to influence a lawmaker’s position on an issue.
- A 2019 survey by the National Association of Manufacturers found that 75% of Americans believe that trade is beneficial for the United States.
- A 2019 survey by the National Retail Federation found that 63% of Americans support raising the minimum wage.
- In a 2018 study by the Institute for Policy Studies, it was found that the top 25 hedge fund managers in the United States earned a combined total of $13 billion in 2017.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Statistics:
- In the United States, there are approximately 11,000 registered lobbyists.
- Public affairs and advocacy is a $10 billion industry in the United States alone.
- The average lobbying firm employs 7-10 people.
- The largest lobbying firm in the world is Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld.
- In 2020, Facebook spent over $19 million on lobbying efforts.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Facts:
- Public affairs and advocacy involve influencing public policy through a range of methods, including lobbying, grassroots campaigns, and strategic communications.
- Public affairs and advocacy professionals work with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, businesses, and non-profit organizations.
- Successful public affairs and advocacy campaigns require a deep understanding of political and regulatory environments.
- The use of data and analytics is becoming increasingly important in public affairs and advocacy.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Benefits:
- Effective public affairs and advocacy can lead to positive outcomes for organizations, including increased revenue and brand awareness.
- Public affairs and advocacy can promote social and environmental causes, leading to positive societal outcomes.
- Public affairs and advocacy can help prevent harmful policies or regulations from being implemented.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Trends:
- The use of social media and digital tools is becoming increasingly important in public affairs and advocacy.
- There is a growing focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion in public affairs and advocacy.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of virtual lobbying and advocacy tactics.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Adoption:
- Large corporations, non-profit organizations, and government entities all have dedicated public affairs and advocacy departments.
- Smaller organizations may outsource their public affairs and advocacy needs to consulting firms or lobbying firms.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Market Analysis:
- The global public affairs and advocacy market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.9% between 2020 and 2025.
- North America is the largest market for public affairs and advocacy services, with the United States being the largest contributor to this market.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Demographics:
- Public affairs and advocacy professionals come from diverse backgrounds, including political science, law, and communications.
- In the United States, men hold the majority of public affairs and advocacy positions, but there is a growing movement to increase diversity and gender parity in this field.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Software:
- There are a variety of software solutions available for public affairs and advocacy professionals, including tools for monitoring legislation and tracking media coverage.
- Some popular software solutions in this industry include FiscalNote, Quorum, and CQ Roll Call.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Opportunities:
- As technology continues to evolve, there are opportunities for public affairs and advocacy professionals to develop new and innovative strategies for influencing public policy.
- There is a growing demand for professionals who have expertise in data analytics and digital marketing.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Challenges:
- Public affairs and advocacy is a highly regulated industry, and professionals must navigate complex laws and regulations.
- There is a growing mistrust of traditional lobbying tactics, and public affairs and advocacy professionals must work to maintain transparency and build trust with stakeholders.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Industry Overview
| Topic | Data |
|---|---|
| Employment of Public Relations Specialists | Projected to grow 11% from 2020 to 2030 |
| Employment of Pepperdine Master of Public Policy Graduates | 88% employed or pursuing postgraduate studies, including PhDs in economics, public policy, political science, political philosophy, or history. |
| Employed Pepperdine Master of Public Policy Graduates | 46% in private sector, 31% in nonprofit arena, and 23% in government service. |
| Salary of Master of Public Policy or Administration Graduates | 33% earn a salary of over $55,000 in their first job after graduation compared to just 16% who earn such a salary prior to entering the graduate policy program. |
| Three Years After Graduation | 65% are making over $55,000 with almost 10% earning over $100,000 |
| Campaigns Asking People to Sign Petitions | Drew 182% more new advocates than campaigns asking people to contact lawmakers |
| Employment of Registered Nurses | 194,500 average annual openings projected between 2020 and 2030, with employment projected to grow 9%. |
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the public relations and fundraising industry is expected to grow by 9% from 2020 to 2030.
- The global public relations industry is expected to grow to $14 billion by 2024.
- The majority of public affairs and advocacy professionals work in Washington, D.C.
- In the U.S., the lobbying industry is a $3.5 billion industry.
- The public affairs and advocacy industry has been growing steadily since the 1970s.
Social Media and Public Affairs
- 70% of people use social media to get news and information about current events.
- 51% of people say that they have changed their opinion on a political or social issue based on something they saw on social media.
- Social media is the most common way for people to connect with elected officials.
- In the U.S., 37% of adults get their news from Facebook.
- Social media has become an essential tool for public affairs and advocacy professionals.
Lobbying
- There are approximately 11,000 registered lobbyists in Washington, D.C.
- In 2020, the top lobbying spenders in the U.S. were the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Realtors, and the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.
- In 2020, the lobbying industry spent $3.5 billion on lobbying efforts.
- The average lobbying firm has 15 employees.
- The average salary for a lobbyist in the U.S. is $100,000 per year.
Grassroots Advocacy
- Grassroots advocacy is a strategy used by public affairs and advocacy professionals to mobilize the public on an issue.
- According to the Congressional Management Foundation, grassroots advocacy is more effective than traditional lobbying efforts.
- The average grassroots advocacy campaign can cost between $20,000 and $200,000.
- The most successful grassroots advocacy campaigns are those that are focused on a single issue and have a clear call to action.
- Grassroots advocacy has become more important in recent years, as social media has made it easier to mobilize large groups of people quickly.
Political Campaigns
- Political campaigns are an important aspect of public affairs and advocacy.
- In the U.S., political campaigns can cost millions of dollars.
- Digital advertising has become an important tool for political campaigns, with many campaigns spending millions of dollars on online ads.
- Door-to-door canvassing is still an effective campaign strategy, with some studies showing that it can increase voter turnout by 9%.
- In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, the Biden campaign spent $1.6 billion on the election, while the Trump campaign spent $1.3 billion.
Public Opinion
- Public opinion is an important factor in public affairs and advocacy.
- According to a Pew Research Center study, 84% of U.S. adults say that they have little or no confidence in the federal government.
- The same study found that only 21% of U.S. adults say that they can trust the government in Washington always or most of the time.
Social Media Advocacy
Social media has become a popular platform for public affairs and advocacy campaigns. Here are some statistics related to social media advocacy:
51.5% of advocacy organizations use social media to engage with their audience.
Advocacy groups that use social media are more successful at reaching their goals than those that do not.
82% of social media users think that social media is an effective tool for creating social change.
Facebook is the most popular social media platform for advocacy organizations, with 97.4% of organizations having a Facebook page.
Grassroots Advocacy
Grassroots advocacy refers to advocacy efforts that are driven by individuals rather than organizations. Here are some statistics related to grassroots advocacy:
91% of Americans believe that individuals can make a difference in politics and public affairs.
68% of Americans have participated in a political or social cause.
The top three reasons why people engage in grassroots advocacy are to make a difference, to support a cause they believe in, and to make their voices heard.
Grassroots advocacy can be highly effective, with some campaigns resulting in significant policy changes.
Public Affairs and Advocacy Technology
Advancements in technology have greatly impacted public affairs and advocacy efforts. Here are some statistics related to technology and advocacy:
43% of advocacy organizations use advocacy software to manage their campaigns.
60% of advocacy organizations use email marketing to engage with their audience.
41% of advocacy organizations use text messaging to engage with their audience.
Online petitions are a popular tool for advocacy campaigns, with Change.org being the most popular platform.
Corporate Advocacy
Corporate advocacy refers to advocacy efforts by corporations and businesses. Here are some statistics related to corporate advocacy:
76% of consumers expect companies to take a stand on social issues.
Consumers are more likely to purchase from companies that align with their values.
Corporate advocacy can be a double-edged sword, as taking a stand on a controversial issue can alienate some customers.
Conclusion
Public affairs and advocacy play a crucial role in shaping policy and driving social change. As these statistics demonstrate, the landscape of public affairs and advocacy is constantly evolving, with new technologies and tactics emerging all the time. By staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices, public affairs and advocacy professionals can maximize their impact and drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
