Since 2018, Matt Okarmus has served as a communications associate at Alabama Arise. Like many other staff, Matt did not begin his career in advocacy. 

After graduating from Auburn University with a journalism degree, he spent eight years in the newspaper industry, working at the Montgomery Advertiser and the Opelika-Auburn News.

Eventually, though, Matt felt the need to look for a change. He consulted his wife, a longtime nonprofit professional. 

“My wife had spent years in nonprofit work, and it felt like it would be more rewarding and fulfilling to pursue that path,” he said.

But Matt still has a soft spot for his former career.

“Knowing [journalism] wasn’t for me makes me have even more respect for all those who are involved in providing the news,” he said.

As a communications associate, Matt is responsible for producing videos, assisting with media response and ensuring Arise’s communications team stays connected with our policy and organizing teams. He also serves on the Communications Advisory Committee for the State Priorities Partnership (SPP). Arise was a founding member of SPP, a nationwide network of more than 40 groups advocating for state policies to reduce poverty.

One of Matt’s biggest responsibilities is designing Arise’s quarterly newsletter (both the print and digital versions).

“I genuinely like looking at the puzzle-piece shifting of getting items to fit and pack them nice and neat and in a way that anyone who’s reading it doesn’t find it hard to do so,” he said about assembling the newsletter.

“I feel proud when I see something I’ve worked on out in public and people are looking at it,” he said. “Sometimes in comms work, we feel a bit siloed to our computers, and once we’re done with one project, another one immediately comes along.”

‘The fight continues’

When asked to describe this year’s legislative session in three words, Matt responded simply: “The fight continues.” And to prepare for that fight, he makes sure to find ways to care for himself.

“That mindset was really solidified after my daughter was born. If I’m not taking care of myself, I’m not doing my best job of taking care of her,” he said.

“She can really bring me back to Earth sometimes. If I’m talking about policy issues too much, I can go to her and talk about Disney princesses and Paw Patrol characters instead.”

In Matt’s seven years at Arise, he has seen a lot of changes. Most recently, the staff union ratified its first contract.

“I was intimidated at first, because I had only seen negative things about unions in movies and TV shows,” he said. “But everyone – not just from the union side but from Arise as well – has been incredible about working together and finding common ground.” 

Whether through editing and publishing fact sheets or recording video at Arise events, Matt has been able to connect with and learn from Arise’s members, who have provided valuable insight.

“I was humbled quickly about how knowledgeable and passionate our members are,” he said. “My biggest lesson has been to really lean in to what members are saying and realize a lot of them have been fighting the good fight for years.” 

Matt encourages members to continue to engage with Arise, in any way they can.

“Show up to an event!” he said. “It doesn’t have to be in person. We’ve transitioned to having a lot of virtual sessions, so there are plenty of places to interact with the Arise staff and fellow supporters.”