Stay Informed!

By Sean Luechtefeld on 03/01/2010 @ 11:40 AM

Tags: Innovation, Behavioral Economics

Everyone knows the old adage, “it’s not what you say, but how you say it.” Today’s must-read proves that sometimes, it is indeed what you say that matters. I came across this interesting article at the Behavioral Economics blog from Dale Carlson-Bebout, Director of Step Up Savannah.

In the blog post, Dale writes about how Step Up Savannah, an organization that works with employers all along the Coastal Empire to provide public work supports, was facing difficulties getting employees to follow through with applications. They found that a large number of individuals would begin to fill out applications for supports such as food stamps, but they wouldn’t complete those applications. To solve this problem, they thought about adding one simple phrase as a closing statement at the end of their client interviews.

To read their exciting results, check out Applying Behavioral Sciences in the Real World.

Not only did adding a simple phrase increase the number of individuals who completed their food stamp applications, doing so meant that more people who were already eligible for food stamps could actually access those services to expand their budgets.

At innovation@cfed, we love reading these types of stories – individuals and organizations find innovative, yet simple ways to expand economic opportunity for low-income Americans. Step Up Savannah shows just how impactful the innovation process can be.

Dale’s blog post is just one of the many exciting features found at Applying Behavioral Sciences in the Real World. Check out their site (brought to you by CFED Innovator-in-Residence Mindy Hernandez) and when you have a moment, share with us on the comments section what experiences you’ve had that remind you of the success Dale and Step Up Savannah enjoyed!

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