Advocacy Tips for Families
This page is a resource for families navigating the advocacy journey for their missing or murdered loved ones.
Digital Advocacy Tools
Discover tools, resources, and strategies to amplify advocacy efforts online.
Creating a LinkTree to Centralize Resources
If you’re advocating for a missing or murdered loved one, having a central place to share information about their case is crucial. A LinkTree is an easy-to-use tool that organizes all your important links in one shareable page.
A LinkTree can include:
– Petitions and rally starters
– Donation pages
– Research documents
– Social media pages
– Dedicated case website
– Podcast episodes, YouTube episodes, and media coverage
With a LinkTree, you can make it easier for people to find information, support your efforts, and take action. It’s a powerful way to keep everything organized and accessible.
If you have questions or need help setting one up, I’m here to support you.
Setting Up a Dedicated Email for Your Loved One’s Case
Advocating for a loved one is a complex journey, but small steps like creating a dedicated email address can make it more manageable. Consider setting up an email like JusticeForJohn@… or FindJohn@…. This can serve as a central point of contact for communication related to your loved one’s case.
Use this email for flyers, QR codes, social media, or reaching out to media outlets, podcasters, and organizations.
Why it matters:
– It keeps everything organized and in one place.
– It allows you to maintain control over the flow of information.
– It makes it easier for people to contact you about your loved one.
Additional Tips:
You can also give access to a trusted friend or family member who is willing to help. Sharing access allows them to assist with tasks like responding to emails, tracking communication, or following up with organizations. Having an extra set of hands can reduce stress and ensure nothing important is missed.
Keep a copy of every email you send or receive—whether it’s with law enforcement, media, or advocates. If you have a phone conversation, follow up with an email summarizing the discussion: “Here’s what we talked about…”. This creates a written record of every interaction.
Finally, always remember to protect yourself. You are your loved one’s voice, but your safety and well-being are critical to sustaining this fight.
Using Billboards to Raise Awareness
Billboards are a highly visible way to share your loved one’s story and keep their case in the public eye. Whether displayed along a busy highway or in a high-traffic urban area, a billboard can capture attention and encourage anyone with information to come forward. While renting billboard space can be costly, many companies are open to donating unused space for important causes like yours.
Tips for Securing a Billboard:
– Research Local Companies: Look for billboard providers in your area. Start with well-known companies like Lamar Advertising, Clear Channel Outdoor, or OUTFRONT Media. If you don’t have any luck with bigger companies, look for small, local advertisers who may also have billboard space available.
– Ask About Donation Programs: Many companies have programs to donate unused or low-demand billboard space for community initiatives. Reach out to inquire about eligibility and availability.
Designing an Effective Billboard:
– Include Key Information: Use a clear photo of your loved one, essential case details (e.g., date and location of the incident), and a contact number for tips. See example here.
– Keep Text Short: Ensure your message is concise and easy to read quickly, even from a distance.
– Add a Call to Action: Examples include: “Have Info? Call [Tip Line]” or “Justice for [Loved One’s Name].”
Need Help Reaching Out? I’ve included a template email you can customize when contacting billboard companies. This template will help you clearly and professionally explain your request.
Improve Low-Quality Photos with Canva’s Image Upscaler
Photos are often among our most cherished memories. If you have low-quality photos of your loved one due to age, wear, or resolution, Canva’s Image Upscaler app can improve photo clarity, making them sharper and more vibrant—all while preserving the essence of the original.
Here’s how to use it:
1. Upload the photo you want to enhance into Canva.
2. Click on the photo and select Edit.
3. Go to Apps and find the Image Upscaler (look for the butterfly icon with a magnifying glass).
4. Let the app work its magic to enhance the image quality!
This tool is especially useful for creating visuals to share on social media, flyers, or at events. It ensures your loved one’s memory is honored in a meaningful way.
Protecting and Preserving Critical Documents
Keeping your critical documents safe and accessible is an important step in advocating for your loved one. Police reports, court records, and other files hold key information you may need at any time.
Here’s how to protect and organize these vital records:
1. Digitize Paper Copies: Scan or take high-quality photos of physical documents to create easy-to-access digital backups.
2. Use Multiple Secure Locations: Upload your files to platforms like Google Drive or Dropbox. Storing documents in multiple places ensures you’ll have access even if something happens to your physical copies.
Tip: Want searchable PDFs? Use PDF2Go, a free online tool, to make your files searchable by text. Go to the “Improve PDF Files” section and select “Make PDF searchable.”
3. Share with a Trusted Contact: Choose someone you trust implicitly and share a copy of your files. Having backups ensures nothing gets lost during unexpected events.
Taking these steps can help you feel more prepared as you navigate advocacy efforts or search for answers.
Legal Advocacy
Find resources, tools, and guidance on understanding legal rights, and access critical information through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
Finding Legal Resources
Understanding your legal options can feel daunting, but there are resources available to help guide you. Legal advocacy can empower families to navigate complex systems, ensure accountability, and push for answers.
Examples of Resources:
– VictimConnect Resource Center: A place for crime victims to learn about their rights and options confidentially and compassionately.
– Office for Victims of Crime (OVC): Offers programs and resources to support victims of crime, including funding for victim assistance and compensation programs, and provides training for professionals in the field.
– Directory of Crime Victim Services: Helps users locate victim services in the United States and other countries.
– FindLegalHelp.org: Online pro bono program that matches clients with volunteer lawyers.
If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a victim advocate or organizations specializing in legal advocacy for families affected by violent crimes. Together, we can ensure your loved one’s case is pursued with integrity.
Using FOIA Requests to Advocate for Your Loved One
Filing a FOIA request can provide valuable insights into your loved one’s case. In early 2024, I hosted a FOIA webinar with Jordan Taylor, a FOIA expert, to help families understand this resource.
In the webinar, Jordan explains:
– What FOIA is and why it’s important.
– Step-by-step instructions for filing a request.
– Tips to maximize the success of your request.
The webinar also provides access to Jordan’s FOIA template, a simple, step-by-step tool to help you navigate the filing process with confidence.
To learn more about how FOIA requests can support your advocacy efforts, I invite you to explore the webinar and its resources.
Filing a FOIA is a powerful way to uncover critical information, keep your loved one’s story in the public eye, and seek the answers you deserve.
Collaborating with Others
Strengthen your advocacy efforts by collaborating with the media, organizations, creators, and more.
Collaborating with Podcasts and YouTube Shows
Sharing your loved one’s story can feel vulnerable, but podcasts and YouTube shows can help keep their name in the public eye. To navigate this process, I co-authored a guidebook specifically for families.
This resource provides actionable tips on how to:
– Choose creators who will share your loved one’s story respectfully.
– Maintain control of the narrative while ensuring accuracy.
– Use podcasts and YouTube episodes to amplify your advocacy efforts.
You can find the guidebook here: Guidebook for Families.
Sharing your loved one’s story is a brave step. This guide will empower you to work with creators who honor their memory and advocate for justice.
Using Press Releases to Collaborate with the Media
A well-crafted press release can be a powerful tool for gaining media attention and keeping your loved one’s case in the public eye. It’s a way to ensure their story reaches the right audiences, amplifying awareness and increasing the chances of finding answers.
To help families learn how to write effective press releases, I partnered with Light the Way to host a webinar that offers step-by-step instructions and a customizable template.
In this webinar, you’ll learn:
– How to structure a press release for maximum impact.
– What information to include and how to present it effectively.
– Tips for reaching out to media outlets and journalists.
You can access the webinar and template here: Press Release Webinar.
Sharing your loved one’s story is an important step in advocating for answers, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Together, we can ensure their voice is heard.
Other Ways to Advocate for Your Loved One’s Case
Empower yourself with practical tools and strategies to navigate your advocacy journey.
Social Media Strategies
Share their story: Post photos, podcasts, or news links to keep their name and face visible.
Tip: Use Canva to create professional-looking graphics and videos.
Tip: Create a LinkTree and use a QR code to link to it. Example LinkTree
Host social media campaigns: Encourage others to share the case widely. Example social media campaign
Create a Facebook group: These communities can grow into powerful networks of support. Example Facebook Group
Run social media ads: Use flyers or graphics to highlight the case. Example social media ad
Share posts on significant dates: Share posts on significant dates to honor your loved one’s memory. Example of shared posts
Host online vigils: Host an online vigil to bring awareness to your loved one’s case. Example of vigil
Contact billboard companies: Ask about donating space for missing person flyers. Click here to download an email template.
Creative Campaigns to Raise Awareness
Design and distribute awareness items: Creating awareness items like shirts, stickers, friendship bracelets, coffee sleeves, and car magnets can raise awareness while showing how much your loved one means to you.
Design templates:
– Shirt template
– Sticker template
– Car magnet template
Examples of places to purchase items:
– Friendship bracelet letters and beads
– Coffee sleeves and labels
– Rubber bracelets
– Pens
– Stickers
Community Engagement
Distribute materials: Distribute flyers, postcards, business cards, stickers, rubber bracelets, pens, or other materials at local events, community gatherings, and businesses.
Design templates:
– Flyer template
– Postcard template
– Business card template
Examples of places to purchase items:
– GotPrint
– UZ Marketing
Tip: Leverage your resources—if you have connections to printing companies or custom merchandise providers, use discounts or donations to help with materials.
By taking any of these steps, you can honor your loved one’s memory, amplify their story, and push for the answers they deserve. Advocacy is a journey, and every effort—no matter how small—can make a meaningful impact.
Get in Touch
I’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re interested in collaborating, have a question about my work, or want to share a story, feel free to reach out. Together, we can work toward raising awareness and supporting victims and their families.