Take compelling data, add effective storytelling, plus a clear and concise ask and you get an effective strategy for policy change. This simple formula is an essential part of advocacy at the federal, state, local and hyperlocal levels.
Lauren Cohen, the associate director of government relations at the National Trust for Historic Preservation said, “This formula will not get you a ‘yes’ every single time, but this formula has been proven to be impactful in organizing your thoughts and streamlining your advocacy in a very clear way.”
However, this is just one of the important elements to ensure your success as an advocate and is incredibly helpful once you get in the room for a conversation. But it is equally important to make sure that you build and maintain a relationship with these officials before and after that conversation.
It is imperative to acknowledge that we live in uncertain times and that the standard way of doing our advocacy work may not be as effective as it has been in the past. But as we try other strategies and tactics the value of this formula still holds to make the case and galvanize supporters at all levels of government.
