What type of data do you need to advocate? You need to start with good data about the issue you are trying to change. This means you need to start getting reliable, easy to understand data to get your ideas heard. Also, once you start sharing your ideas with government entities they will ask if you have data to “back it up”. Having the right sources can make or break any advocacy strategy. From grass-roots campaigns to full advocacy efforts having the right sources for data creates a firm foundation.
What types of sources?
You will need two types of sources. The first type is the most up to date data that illustrates how you or your issue is being affected. This data could come from your own business, such as sales figures. Or it could come from a government entity or official entity that collects data for policy reasons. You are looking for the most bipartisan information you can find. This means no data from a specific political party or a political group that may be seen as only created to serve one side of the aisle. The second type of source you need is an actual person. Yes, someone that knows your industry or issue and can help you. It could be a lobbyist that you hire or an Executive Director of your industry association.
How do I find the right sources for my issue?
For the data, this can take time. Exploring the internet and taking the latest stats you see is not the best idea. You need to study how the data is being used; whether the data collection is continuous; where the data comes from and finally how much of it is there. Not knowing these things can lead to the wrong information being distributed. Having the wrong information will not only create a bad reputation for you but will also create bad policy. Bad policy will not solve your issue.
Also, having a trusted ally such as a lobbyist can help you differentiate between good and bad information. They can also tell you how to use the information to best take advantage of certain political situations.
Finally, when you have the right information from sources that can be trusted you can go to your elected representative and drive policy decisions that will not only help you; it will solve a problem that affects your industry. Contact us today for more information.