Whether meeting with legislators, your local officials or the media, how do you describe and present your facility and organization? These helpful suggestions add to what you probably already have in your marketing materials. Show yourself to the best advantage by pulling together concise information about your organization and its impact on your community. 

Too often LeadingAge members take themselves for granted -- many think they are just another employer, or not doing anything out of the ordinary in their community. Yet, very often LeadingAge members are one of the largest employers in the area, or a provider of community rooms that the public and other organizations can utilize. 

So don’t just think about how many people in the community are involved in what you do, or assume that everyone knows, write it down on paper. Use and present the information as assets in your advocacy efforts. 

Compile and include the following information in a one-page fact sheet about your organization and facility that can be left with your legislators or reporters:

• Name of your facility 
• Contact person, with phone number and e- mail address 
• Type of facility: not-for-profit, religious or other affiliation (if any). 
• Description of facility: type(s) of care and services provided; number of residents or clients; number of employees. 
• History of facility: year founded, milestones, benevolent care programs, awards, etc. 
• Community involvement: your board members (who could serve as spokespersons), community outreach programs, volunteer programs, etc.  
• With respect to the particular issue at hand: note the specific financial impact of revenue lost, or how much funding is being sought; illustrate the need for changes or direction in a federal program.  
• Impact of action: Equate the issue to something everyone can understand: loss of revenue means loss of how many staff; needed funding will providing housing for how many elderly, etc.  
• If any program or action at the state level also has an impact, mention and include this information.