Hi, I'm Matt.
I am a government relations professional with more than 20 years of experience in public policy, advocacy, and community building.
Currently, I am founder of Campfire Strategies, where I work with nonprofits to develop their advocacy muscle.
Recently, I was Vice President at the Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities in New York, overseeing government affairs and education policy. Prior to that, I was founding Director of Government Relations & Community Engagement for Teachers College, Columbia University, where I oversaw alumni relations for 94,000 graduates, and cultivated relationships with government officials, develop innovative education programs, and secure funding for the College.
My additional professional experience includes working in government relations for Princeton University and working for two U.S. Senators.
As an adjunct professor, I have taught graduate courses in advocacy at Teachers College at NYU's Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. I completed a Ph.D. in Politics & Education at Columbia University. I run www.civiclist.org, an independent newsletter to build community and uplift voices.
Learn a little bit about my philosophy in my an interview with Idealist.org on ways to contact elected officials to make change, an op-ed about the need for colleges to lobby, and an introduction to the Advocacy Academy@Teachers College workshop series:
My practice is informed by research. Democracy demands participation. I work to help citizens realize their own power, to engage with government via hands-on workshops that result in a tangible advocacy tools. Read more about my workshops and services here.
I have taught political science at Columbia University, political advocacy at Teachers College, and SAT, ESL, GED/TASC courses though organizations including New York Cares, the New York Public Library, and Columbia Community Impact.
My research is informed by practice. My dissertation examines how and why colleges and universities lobby government in the 21st century. My research asks how non-profit organizations use social media to advocate to government.
I have a Ph.D. from Columbia University, a Masters of Public Policy from Rutgers University, a bachelor's degree with distinction from the University of Delaware with a double major in political science and psychology.
I serve on boards of the Community Service Society, the Morningside Area Alliance, and Neighbors for a Greener Harlem, and volunteer with Broadway Community Church and Team Rubicon. I am a recipient of City & State's 40 Under 40 Rising Stars.
Contact me at
matthewjcamp@gmail.com