UW LEND – Policy and Advocacy

Worksheet: Preparing A One-Pager

Who am I/we? (student, professional, parent, self-advocate; & where you live/work) What is my story? (what I want you to know and why important to me; write your story) What is the purpose of my story/message? (i.e. educate/inform, gain emotional support, gain acceptance & inclusion, to make a change)

What is the problem?

Use 1-2 sentences to state the problem/issue; why it is an urgent concern.

Who is your target audience?

Who do you want to share your message with?

What do you know about this audience? (knowledge & exposure to issue, openness to the message)

Background Information -What do you have? -What do you need?

What information does your audience need to have to form a clear understanding of the problem? Is there any current or pending legislation addressing the issue?

What data will you use?

Find at least 3-4 sources of data for evidence-based information to support your message. Might include:

Research data

Graphs or other visuals

A personal story or quote

Who might be your champions?

Are there others – agencies, coalitions, individuals who are stakeholder in this issue. Do you want to get information from them or talk with them? Perhaps partner together?

What recommendations will you make? What is your ask?

Recommended action.

Identify a title Your title should be informative, engaging, short – compel your audience to learn more.

GUIDE TO CREATING A ONE-PAGER FOR POLICYMAKERS & OTHER STAKEHOLDERS

Creating a One-Pager for Policymakers & Other Stakeholders In order to have an impact on policy, it is important that researchers are able to communicate

about their work. Policymakers often rely on “one-pagers” to help them learn about a topic

quickly and make decisions. A strong one-pager provides background on an issue, includes facts

and analyses, and may propose a solution or make a policy recommendation.

Key Recommendations for a One-Pager • Create an interesting, understandable title (so the reader easily knows what the paper covers)

• State your messages clearly and succinctly

• Use headings with big font to organize points and use bold/CAPS/underline

• Include graphs, charts, or boxes if you can

• Include bullets in lieu of paragraphs

• Cite or footnote facts, data, or studies—but avoid too many

• Spell out acronyms and define any “specialty” terms

• Include your name, title, contact information (or staple your card), and a date

• Proofread for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting consistency (font, spacing, etc.)

• Share your one-pager with someone in a non-academic setting to gather feedback

General Outline of a One-Pager

Introduction/Background Write a brief overview of the issue to provide context: state the problem you are addressing,

impacts on the state, region, or nation, and the objective you hope to achieve. It is important to

identify your key point.

Facts, Facts, Facts Use evidence from your own research and other research studies, reputable surveys, or other

sources to support your perspectives (even policy experiences in other states).

Consider Using a Visual or Visuals Charts, graphs, boxes with information, or a simple picture can break up the one-pager and

convey important information in an easy-to-read and understandable format.

Conclusion End with a summary statement, and perhaps, a recommendation, particularly about how this

might have benefits for patients, communities, the region, state, or nation.

Personal Visits with Legislators

One of the most effective ways to communicate with legislators is a face-to-face visit.

Here are some tips to making your visit run smoothly.

Make an Appointment:

Find out when the legislator will be in their home state or district office

Schedule a meeting.

You may be asked what you want to meet about. You might say:

o to provide an update on the research, education, training, and services NAME

YOUR CENTER is providing.

o issues impacting people with disabilities in NAME YOUR STATE

o the importance and impact of NAME YOUR TRAINING PROGRAM.

Persist: it may take several calls, emails and completing electronic forms to get your visit

scheduled.

Before the Meeting:

Learn a bit about the legislator’s background and previous occupation.

Find out, if possible, the legislator’s stance on the issues you will be discussing.

Be organized. Know the key points you need to make and try to make them in one or two

minutes. You may only get a few minutes of the legislator’s time.

Let the legislator know if you are a constituent or are active in the community. Identify

who you are and why you are bringing this message.

Be clear about what your position is and what you would like your legislators to do.

Leave one-pager or fact sheets or issue papers with the legislator or staffer, and offer to

follow with supplementary information and further assistance. Attach your business card

or other identifying information.

Be courteous and on time.

After Each Meeting:

Send a thank-you letter. (Thank staffers by name too). In your letter, re-state your

position and the action you want the legislator to take; attach any information you

promised to provide during the meeting.

Become a resource for your legislator on disability and health issues in your district.