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. 3

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. 4

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 5

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 6

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 7