Talking to Decision-Makers Helping decision-makers understand why your work matters is imperative to boosting the impact of your environmental health work. Decision-makers are (usually) not scientists. This means it is up to you to translate your science into information that helps them integrate environmental health into policies, standards, and laws they write. What are my 3 H's? Head, heart, and health Oh! There's city council member Jojo who is voting on air quality. I want to talk to him about the air quality proposal. Heart - why does it ma er? Bring the 3 Hs! The 3 Hs hit the 3 main questions a decision-maker will ask – What is the topic? Why does it matter? How will it impact their constituents?
ic?
HEAD
HEART Heart - why does it ma er?
HEALTH
Head - what is the topic?
What is the topic?
What is the story and why does it matter?
How many people in a district are affected?
HEAD Give Them Paper impact the community?
Health- how does this impact the community?
Providing your message on paper helps address different learning styles, and makes sure the details are easily available. • Email them an outline of your message, presentation, and/or materials before your meeting • At the meeting, give them a hard copy of your materials • Keep it to just one piece of paper
Be Up Front About Money & Time • At the end of the day, decision-makers have to decide between many important topics to fund and support, so providing this information makes their job easier and hence more likely to be considered. • Talk about the cost, funding sources, and timeline of your proposal
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