FAMM’s Recipe for a Powerful Advocacy Story
FAMM’s Recipe for a Powerful Advocacy Story
You will be telling your advocacy story in person or in writing, and your goal is to persuade people to change laws and policies.
1. Keep it short. Goal: Pack a powerful punch in as few words as possible. Your advocacy story should be no longer than 2 minutes.
2. Do not argue your loved one’s case or your case. IMPORTANT: The point of your story is to humanize people in prison and show the listener/reader the harsh impact of the criminal justice system – especially as you and your family have experienced that impact.
3. Use specific details like names, ages, jobs, hobbies, plans for after prison – colorful things that make your story unique and memorable. Goal: Make your listener/reader remember your story and feel like they care as much about your loved one as you do.
4. Meet your listener/reader “where they are” on the issue. Do your research around your listener/reader’s point of view or connection to what you are asking for, and make that a part of your story.
5. Do not be afraid to get personal and a little emotional. Goal: Be yourself and show yourself – connect with your listener/reader on a one-to-one, human level. Even though your listener/readers may be elected officials, they still put their pants on one leg at a time like all of us!
6. Make sure to end with an action that your listener/reader can take and a thank you. “I am telling you my story so you will ________________________________________. Thank you for listening, and I hope you remember my family and me as you make important decisions that affect us.”
Suggestions for your “ask”:
- … understand that people can change and second chances are important to families and communities.
- … support legislation that will help my loved one get the second chance that will help our family and community. [name the legislation if possible]
- … give my loved one a second chance through clemency.