·
Describes an organization’s position on an issue and its rationale for
that position.”
·
Takes a “stand”
·
Provides EVIDENCE to support position
·
Written in “persuasive” style
Purpose is to establish “truth” based
on solid factual base.
Similar to a backgrounder—objective
and convincing.
·
Quotations from credible & authoritative sources
·
Statistics
·
Supportive social norms
NOTE:
Acknowledge and address public perceptions
HOW TO PREPARE:
·
Use deductive (indirect) and inductive (direct) reasoning
·
Be objective. . .examine strength and vulnerabilities of positions
counter to that of your organization.
·
Build a credible package of evidence.
Anticipate reader doubts and present reasonable solution.
·
Shared internally to generate understanding of organization’s position
and supportive behaviors
·
Shared externally with opinion leaders, media personnel.
o
Press kits
o
Editorial boards
o
Basis for Op-Ed articles
o
Reporting and Responding to regulatory agencies
NOTE:
Position papers are more effective if developed by a group---(represent
more than just a person’s opinion)—carry more weight.
FORMAT (may vary, but example described below:
· Introduction (introduce
organization and position)
· Background (focus on issue
and its development)
· Discussion (discuss various
sides of issue)
· Organization position and
supporting evidence
· Suggested course of action