Idealists don’t accept the world as it is.
We fight to make the world as it should be.
Hi, I’m Mike Brand, an atrocities prevention advocate, adjunct professor, strategic advisor, trainer, and content creator. Above all, I am a pragmatic idealist.
I am driven by the Nelson Mandela quote, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” I believe we can make the world a better place, if we work together. I envision a just world where human rights are respected, protected, and defended, cooperation overshadows conflict, inequality and corruption are no longer accepted as business as usual, and our leaders are altruistic instead of self-serving.
Throughout history, every major social movement, inventor, and big thinker faced naysayers who doubted them. And consistently, those naysayers were proven wrong. Let’s work together to achieve the changes we want to see in the world.
I often participate in panel discussions, give speeches, guest lectures, and offer interactive trainings and workshops. My presentations and trainings are tailored to the audience but tend to focus on preventing and responding to mass atrocities (genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing), human rights, peacebuilding, advocacy, organizing, and US foreign policy. I’d be happy to discuss joining you in person or virtually.
speaking Engagements
Consulting
With nearly two decades of experience in the nonprofit/NGO sector, domestically and internationally, I bring a diverse perspective to my work. I’ve led organizations through strategic planning processes, organizational rebranding, and navigating growing pains often experienced by nonprofits at key milestones.
With expertise in government relations, strategy development, communications, organizational management, and grassroots organizing, I work closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that drive impact.
Whether you're looking to refine your messaging, advance policy recommendations, or strengthen your outreach efforts, I provide guidance to help achieve lasting results and advance your mission effectively. Need more hands-on support? Let’s talk about how I can help fill in gaps on your team.
How I can help your organization
Strategic and smart approaches to address the challenges you are facing.
Strategic Planning
Set goals and objectives, assess challenges, develop solutions, and create an implementation strategy to achieve long-term success.
Communications
Find your organization’s voice. Targeted messaging or branding overhaul. Best practices for engaging target audiences, donors, and media, as well as list-building.
Advocacy & Government Relations
Develop a clear advocacy strategy including messaging, identifying targets, policymaker outreach, and training.
Social Media
Social media brand strategy, online activism, influencer engagement, and reaching a wider audience.
Grassroots Organizing
Improve your ability to engage and mobilize your constituents into action to further your advocacy goals.
Organizational Management
Leadership management, staff coaching, problem-solving, interpersonal challenges, and developing a healthy and productive workplace environment.
