1. Documenting Complaints

2. What is documenting a complaint? • Back up a complaint with as much evidence as possible. • A complaint alone is not enough. • This can be as simple as taking notes on a conversation or as complicated as engaging in extensive library research.

3. Some of the things you may want to document: • That the condition or policy exists and was intentional. • That a particular individual or entity was responsible for the condition or policy. • That someone was harmed and the physical, social, economic, health, psychological, environmental, or other results of the condition or policy. • Your own credentials or those of any experts you consult or cite.

4. Why should you document a complaint? • It establishes you are credible and concerned enough to note the details of a situation. • It may determine whether your complaint is taken seriously. • Without evidence officials may not be able to act on a complaint. • Proper documentation can protect you against libel or slander charges if you make public accusations. • Proof of your complaint may automatically give you the moral advantage.

5. Who should document complaints? • Experts in the field. • People on the inside. • People directly affected by the issue. • Community leaders or other respected individuals.

6. When should you document complaints? • Seeking evidence to bring before a regulatory body or court. • Looking for facts to back up advocacy. • Accusing an organization of wrongdoing. • Suspect the target might falsely accuse wrongdoing.

7. How do you document complaints? • Determine what kind of documentation you will need. • Where it is going? • Who will see it? • Collect the actual documentation. • Anticipate need. • Do the research. • Be specific. • Get actual proof. • Be prepared to present it.