Write Your Story to Influence Policymakers

Why Your Personal Story Helps in Advocacy

Your personal story is your most powerful advocacy tool. Policymakers need to know how the decisions they make affect their voters. They are often moved by personal stories

LaCAN Leaders are always looking for strong stories to be shared:

  • During Public Testimony Days at the legislature, and 
  • At advocacy events throughout the year.

Leaders can help you write and practice telling your story. Click here for LaCAN Leader contact information.

Tips

Keep in mind that a good story:

  1. Is the one you love to tell. Think about the stories you have told your family and friends when describing the situation you are trying to change. What examples do you use? What gets the most emotional response from them?
  1. Covers one main point. Do not try to cover too many issues or examples in one story. Focus on one issue and use real-life details to make it come alive.
  1. Focuses on one person that people want (or should want) to help. The more people know about you or your child, the stronger the emotional connection. And the better chance you have of making a difference.
  1. Describes the problem getting what is needed. Your story might show how there is a problem when your child needs services but the legislature has not supported funds to pay for those services.
  1. Has a “climax” or high point. Your story should build up to an example that makes your listener say, “that’s unfair” or “that’s too ridiculous to be true.” For example, if you chose to put your child in a community home or large private ICF/DD, you could do that today and the state would pay for that 24 hour/day care. But you cannot get the 6 hours/day of supports you need at home. Ridiculous? Yes. True? Unfortunately, also yes.
  1. Includes strong images. Use words to help listeners see what you mean and connect to your story at an emotional level. Do not be afraid of strong words. Words like “cold,” “dark,” “hate,” “terrified,” and “panic” create a negative emotional response. Positive words can also cause emotional reactions. Think about how you feel when you hear the words “giggle,” “sunny,” “beautiful,” “artistic,” and “loving.”
  1. Has details. The more details you can provide, the better the policymaker will understand your position and care. Make sure the details you share are related to the story you are telling. Be brief.
  1. Answers the big questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? Policymakers need the basic facts. Your LaCAN Leaders have a list of questions that can help you write your story.
  1. Has a beginning, middle, and an end. Think about a television show. You might not watch it all the time, but within a few minutes you know the characters and the situation they are in. By the end of the show, you will see the story play out and problems get solved.
  1. Is short and to the point. Policymakers are very busy. You need to be able to tell your story in three minutes or less. Stay focused!
  1. Tells the policymaker how to help. Be clear about what the policymaker can do to help you. Start and end your story with a specific request.

Reference

Minnesota Developmental Disabilities Council (2001). Making your case.