When meeting with lawmakers, your leave behind should be concise, compelling, and packed with data that directly connects your issue to their constituents. Well-structured leave behinds not only reinforce your message but also serve as a reference for legislative staff after your meeting.
Here are the types of data that will make your leave behinds more effective:
1. District-Specific Impact Data
Lawmakers (theoretically) prioritize the needs of their constituents. Providing data that ties your issue to their district increases the likelihood of engagement. Consider including:
- Jobs Created: Show the number of jobs your industry or organization supports in the district.
- Economic Contributions: Highlight tax revenue, business investments, or funding allocations that benefit the local economy.
- Facilities & Operations: Identify any facilities, offices, or programs your organization runs in the district.
Example: A renewable energy company might showcase how many solar panel installations were completed in a representative’s district, along with the number of local jobs supported by the industry.
2. Constituent Benefit Data
Legislators want to know how policies impact their voters. Use data that demonstrates real benefits to individuals, such as:
- Healthcare Access: Number of patients served, clinics in the district, or the percentage of uninsured residents benefiting from your programs.
- Education & Workforce Development: Scholarships awarded, job training participation, or graduation rates improved through your efforts.
- Public Services Impact: Metrics on public transportation use, infrastructure improvements, or social services funded.
Example: A nonprofit advocating for affordable healthcare might present data showing that 5,000 district residents received care through their programs last year.
3. Legislative or Policy-Specific Data
Your leave behind could also include key facts that help lawmakers understand the broader context of your issue:
- National & Statewide Trends: Show how your issue aligns with broader economic or policy trends.
- Comparative Data: How does the district compare to neighboring districts or the national average?
- Projected Outcomes: If a bill is passed (or blocked), what would the impact be on the legislator’s constituents?
Example: If advocating for small business tax credits, you could highlight how similar policies in other states have increased business growth by a certain percentage.
4. Visualized Data for Maximum Impact
Data is most effective when it’s easy to understand at a glance. Include:
- Infographics & Charts: Summarize key numbers in visually compelling ways.
- Maps: Show geographic distribution of your organization’s footprint, like facility locations or grant distributions.
- Case Studies & Testimonials: Pair data with real-life stories to humanize the numbers.
Example: A map showing where infrastructure funding has improved roads in a district can visually reinforce the impact of a transportation bill.
Make Data Work for You
Using data strategically in your leave behind ensures your message is clear, compelling, and relevant to lawmakers. Quorum’s Impact Reports streamline this process by integrating custom district and state-specific data into professional, visually engaging reports. With the right data, your advocacy efforts can leave a lasting impression and drive legislative action.