This column is written for those interested in learning about the world of Data for Good, where statistical analysis is dedicated to good causes that benefit our lives, our communities, and our world. If you would like to know more or have ideas for articles, contact David Corliss.
David Corliss is the principal data scientist at Grafham Analytics and the founder of Peace-Work, a Data for Good nongovernmental organization.
For most US states, a new legislative session begins near the first of the year, so now is the time priorities are being finalized and legislators are beginning to work on achieving their goals. Since 2024 is an election year, legislatures are focusing on goals the public will notice. Statistics and data will play a vital role in identifying those goals, delivering beneficial results, and measuring impact.
Public advocacy offers many kinds of opportunities, including support for legislation, petitioning government agencies, and seeking financial support for new projects. Many, many organizations are working with governmental organizations and agencies at the local, state, and federal levels—and all use statistical science to help make their objectives a reality. Whatever specific area interests you, there is likely to be a well-established organization working it.
It’s a great time to start planning a D4G hackathon for Earth Day. Check out the NASA climate change data for both inspiration and data to use for an event. Then, connect with local organizations working in your area of interest with a need for data, expert advice, and support.
Stats4Good would also like to highlight an organization working on a serious subject. The K–12 School Shooting Database compiles accurate, reliable data mined from social media, creating an invaluable resource deserving of support.
The first step is to contact people addressing your issue of interest and develop a working relationship with them. My first project in D4G was helping Habitat for Humanity, where I volunteered to build houses and use analytics to find more donors and volunteers. This led to policy advocacy for the homeless. Developing a relationship is the essential first step, because Data for Good doesn’t move at the speed of science and technology; it moves at the speed of trust.
Advocacy in the public square is inherently interdisciplinary. It’s so much more than statistics, requiring advocates to develop skills in teamwork and communication and learn the political process. Communication can be especially challenging because it’s not at all like scientific communication. In science, we can address facts, what the data shows, and the degree of uncertainty. By contrast, public advocacy using statistics involves recommending a course of action when all options can have both strengths and weaknesses.
It is crucial to learn to persuade people who disagree with your choice of action to take the steps you want them to take. For example, I would love to recommend support for education based on public good and equal opportunity. However, this approach persuades exactly no one. Those who believe in education for the greater public good don’t need to be brought on board again and those who don’t aren’t motivated by public good and equal opportunity. So, I try to garner support for education using arguments I personally hate, like how it lowers taxes and raises property values. These economic arguments have the power to persuade people who would otherwise oppose money for education. Public advocacy using statistics starts with finding which arguments are persuasive and then bolstering them with science.
Because public advocacy is so interdisciplinary, it’s best to work as part of a large team. The best way to do this is by connecting with an existing team working in your area of interest. Statistics is an uncommon and tremendously valuable skill, so many advocacy groups will be glad to have you on board.
Be sure to watch out for groups that don’t really understand the impact statistics can have. If an organization just wants you answering phones or calling people to ask for money, think about finding a different group with similar interests. Fund raising, direct services to individuals, and other nonanalytic tasks are important, but we will have the greatest impact by working with an organization that will leverage our work with statistics and data science to make a difference.
The ASA is active in advocacy for and using statistics, working to secure funding for research, providing resources for statistical policymakers, and generally raising awareness of statistics and data science and the role they play in making a better world for all.
Steve Pierson is an amazing and inspirational advocate who leads the ASA’s science policy and advocacy work. Check out these resources for statistical advocacy. Then, start making your own plans for what you want to accomplish in 2024 and beyond.
The article emphasizes the crucial role of statistics in public advocacy for societal issues, highlighting interdisciplinary collaboration and effective communication to drive impactful change.