Preparing position papers for your group

Prepare a position paper on each of your group's top issues. Position papers clarify the group's position on issues, fostering clarity and understanding. Position papers are especially useful for new members coming on board who must get up to speed on your group's activities.

• Background

o   Examples

o   Actions taken

• Sierra’s philosophy, policy statement on the issue

Develop a notebook or file for issues management

• Prepare a folder containing all of the position papers and make sure that all members of the Conservation Committee and ExCom have copies.

• Deliver position papers in person to ExCom and receive their feedback to make any necessary policy changes or action steps.

Update issues list as needed

Use the issues file whenever an issue goes "live" for Sierra Club

• When an issue goes "live" for Sierra through some event or interest from the media, use the position paper as background to write message statements that you and others can use when talking with the media, supporters, volunteers, commissioners and other constituencies. Include talking points that support your message.