Fact Sheet

What's a fact sheet?
Fact sheets introduce an issue in a format that is useful to busy people.

Good fact sheets recognize that busy people (like legislators) need something short and punchy to grab their attention. A good fact sheet says, "Read Me! I'm a painless way to get acquainted to an issue." Anything long and complicated may not simply be ignored; it can actually be counter-productive. Keep it short, accurate and interesting.

The purpose of a fact sheet

• Set out the facts: key statistics, figures, or comparisons.
• Identify a group with a particular issue.
• Provide answers to common questions about the issue. (Fact sheets are often in a Q & A format)
• Show information using graphs, charts or pictures.
• Inform, persuade or educate.
• Make an argument for a particular course of action.

A Good Fact Sheet:

• Is only one to two pages long.
• Doesn't use long sentences or wordy paragraphs.
• Is easy to read, with sub-heads, bullet points and, often, graphics.
• Includes only the most compelling, useful statistics.
• Arranges information to make an argument targeted to a particular audience.
• Uses stories, examples or other simple ways to convey complicated points.
• Reflects careful thought about the audience and facts important to them.
• Draws a conclusion and clearly states what you want the reader to do.
• Includes the name, address, telephone number, Web site address and/or e-mail address of the organizing group.
• Is honest and factual, and does not exaggerate.

Adapted from Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, Four Practical Tools: Advocacy Toolkit