We all know the value of a good story or student testimony, but we should also realize the value of compelling statistics. Our donors and potential donors don’t want to be overwhelmed with numbers to the point of feeling that the problem is too large for them to make a difference, but an attention grabbing statistic that adds to the student’s story will help your appeal relate to a wider audience. Some people are compelled to donate by emotion while others want to know the need and the success rates. A statistic on the outside of the envelope may cause a donor to open the envelope. Added to the P.S. it may be the deciding factor in them sending a donation. Use statistics wisely, but by all means use current ones. Below are a few resources to check for information.
According to the report by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) a new study shows 7.5 million children under age 18 (10.5 percent of this population) lived with a parent who has experienced an alcohol use disorder in the past year. SAMHSA reports are found at: http://www.samhsa.gov/
The Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) online newsletters have helpful studies that can be quoted to add those compelling statistics. The February newsletter at: http://www.cadca.org/ has studies about cocaine and the Teen Brain, How to Educate your Community about the Dangers of Inhalants, and a study that finds 1 in 5 teens have driven under the influence of marijuana.
CADCA also released Research in Action, Jan./Feb. edition, which has an article about the costs associated with excessive alcohol consumption. 79,000 lives are lost annually due to alcohol consumption. According to the American Journal of Preventive Medicine excessive alcohol consumption cost the United States 223.5 billion in 2006, with binge drinking accounting for over 75% of the total economic costs. This is an increase from 184.6 billion in 1998. This CADCA release if found at http://www.cadca.org/
Another helpful release is NIDA’s Easy-to-Read Drug Facts. http://easyread.drugabuse.gov/ This site is aimed at 4th-6th grade reading level, simply written, but with basic information about drugs and drug abuse. This is another resource that could provide helpful information for a specific audience. This could be referenced in Stay Sharp presentations or information included in handouts for parents.
Check out some of these resources for current statistics to use in printed fundraising, presentations and also in your daily conversations with people.
