Creating Short Project Advocacy Documents
This NISN Facilities learning module is about “one-pagers” or “leave behinds.” These are single-page documents used to advocate for support of a project or action. They are often left behind or emailed to an elected official or funder after meeting with that person.
For example, a school leader may speak with a state legislator about getting capital funding for construction of a new school building. Prior to the meeting they would create a leave behind document about the construction project that includes key details like school information, project need, project scope, and cost. They would then ask the official to support the project and perhaps commit to sponsoring a certain amount of funding. They would provide this document to the elected officials or their representatives to refer back to and potentially share with other parties.
Leave behinds can also be used as general information pieces about a school. For example, a design team engaging their community about a future school might use a leave behind as a handout for neighborhood presentations, Tribal council meetings, and/or conversations with property owners of potential school sites.
This content is suitable for school, Tribal, and community leaders seeking funding or other support for new schools, school renovations, and other capital projects.
Navigating Resources
Learning and tools are sequenced using a recommended learning and action process to draft a leave behind.
1. Learning: Background on Leave Behinds
This resource introduces leave behinds, audience characteristics, and attributes of effective leave behinds.
2. Learning: Defining Leave Behind Basics
This resource focuses on clearly defining the purpose, audience, and support needed for a leave behind.
3. Worksheet: Defining the Basics
Using this tool, school leaders will define the purpose, audience, and support needed for their own project and leave behind
4. Learning: Developing Content
Building on the basics defined in the resources above, this resource focuses on developing written and visual content for a leave behind and designing the document.
5. Worksheet: Content Development
Using this worksheet, leaders will work through key questions about their leave behind’s content by identifying potential elements and thinking through framing and priorities.
6. Worksheet: Design Mock-Up
Creating a rough mock-up draft of a leave behind can help move from concept to design. Using this tool, leaders can draft their leave behind design using a basic layout.