Frequently Asked Questions
Documentation Review
What is the purpose of an initial documentation review and am I required to have one conducted?
The purpose of an initial evaluation of your claim is to decide whether it comports with the organization’s mission and purpose, and whether the initial documents/information support the existence of a viable claim the organization was created to represent. Every submitted claim must go through this step before being onboarded as a claimant.
What is involved in documentation review?
The researcher(s) will review documents submitted by claimants to make an initial determination as to whether it fits within the scope of WIML’s mission and purpose, and whether it warrants further research.
If the researcher working on my claim determines it warrants further research, does that mean WIML will fully take on my claim and work with our family to get our land back?
Not necessarily. Sometimes the research process uncovers facts that demonstrate a claim falls outside the organization’s mission, preventing us from pursuing it further. If this happens, claimants will receive a detailed explanation as to why we are unable to move forward with their claim.
If the documentation review researcher determines my claim has insufficient evidence, does that mean WIML can’t work with my family?
If the initial documents submitted are not sufficient to demonstrate a claim the organization can pursue, claimants are encouraged to submit additional documentation they may have, or that they might find later. Claims will be kept open for a total of three (3) months to give claimants an opportunity to submit documents the researcher can use to make a final determination accepting or declining their claim.
If the documentation review researcher determines my claim falls outside the scope of WIML’s mission and purpose, can the organization still represent my claim?
No. If pursuing your claim is not in line with the organization’s purpose, we will decline the claim. This is not to say you do not have a claim, it is just not of the type that this organization was founded to represent.
Research
What is the purpose of research and what does it entail?
The objective of research is to locate evidence and documentation that supports the claimant’s case. Researchers search historical archives, newspaper articles, city and county records, genealogical sites, maps, etc. seeking evidence and data that strengthen the claim. In addition to documents submitted by claimants, researchers will collect additional documents, audio visual materials, photographs, genealogy reports, etc. that support claims.
How long does research take?
Again, every claim is different. Research can take anywhere from six weeks to one year, depending on the complexity of the claim, availability of documents online, and other factors.
How will I find out what the researcher discovered?
Researchers will draft a Synopsis of the Claim that describes the claim and documents any evidence that supports it. The researcher will work with the family to ensure the accuracy of details, such as names, dates, etc. Claimants will receive a copy of the report when it is finalized.
After the Research Summary is complete, will my claim automatically be eligible for WIML’s other services designed to help the family get our land back?
Not all claims will be appropriate for WIML’s social media and/or advocacy strategy services. The decision to move a claim forward to one or more of our other services will be made on a case-by-case basis and depends on the strength of the claim, and whether it advances the purpose and mission of the organization.
MEDIA AND SOCIAL MEDIA
What is a media campaign?
A coordinated set of marketing actions across one or many media channels, including social media platforms and traditional media outlets, such as radio, print, and/or television.
What is included in my social media and traditional media campaign?
Your media campaign will include the following:
- The creation of 2-5 Video “reels” for social media
- The reels will be posted to one or more of WIML’s social media platforms (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and TikTok.
- Media preparation for interviews.
- Assistance in developing family social media handles and hashtags.
- The creation of a press release.
- Distribution of the press release to traditional media outlets- local and national
- Posting of all media interviews on one or more of WIML’s social media platforms.
How long will my media campaign last?
Your media campaign initiative will last between 2 and 3 weeks. During that time, WIML will actively present your land claim to traditional media outlets and will post on social media platforms. After your campaign has ended, it is still possible that media outlets may contact the organization about your claim. Further, Kavon Ward may mention your claim during a subsequent interview, if it seems to be in line with the media’s interest. When such circumstances arise, we will reach out and provide media preparation for the interview and post the interview on WIML’s social media platforms.
Can WIML guarantee I will get interviews and that my claim will get the attention I believe it deserves?
Unfortunately, WIML cannot make any such guarantees. WIML selects families for media campaigns because we believe the claims are important and deserve to be addressed and known. However, the media is very fickle and may not feel the same way. WIML has no way to determine how much media attention your claim will get.
Will I be able to approve my social media reels and posts prior to them being posted?
No. You have come to WIML for its expertise. Please trust us to prepare the best video reels and posts to highlight and amplify your land claim. Also, we follow a strict posting schedule to garner maximum exposure to our followers and are under time constraints. The turnaround time for posting does not provide extra time for external reviews and edits. Remember, you provide us with information, family photos, videos, etc. to use when producing the content, therefore you maintain control by only submitting information you approve for posting.
Will I be able to approve my press release prior to it being distributed?
Yes, we will forward you a draft to review. We also ask for your input by providing a personal quote.
What does the family need to do?
The family needs to designate a social media manager to create, monitor and engage on social media platforms. More specifics will be provided during media consultation.
What happens if I want to pause or temporarily suspend my media campaign?
We highly recommend that you do not pause or temporarily suspend your media campaign. Momentum and consistency are key when getting across your land claim message and garnering support and attention. But should you decide to pause, your claim will be added to the back of the queue.
ADVOCACY
What can we expect from Where Is My Land as it relates to advocacy?
WIML agrees only that it will serve as a consultant. We do not commit, contract, or represent that the organization will implement or execute advocacy strategies and recommendations with you or on your behalf.
What does an advocacy strategy mean?
An advocacy strategy is a combination of approaches, techniques and messages to achieve specific goals and objectives.
What will my advocacy strategy include?
Not all-land claims will be appropriate for a full advocacy strategy. The determination of the type of in-depth advocacy strategy is determined on a case-by-case basis, by WIML’s CEO.
Will Kavon be leading my advocacy strategy?
While Kavon Ward, the Founder of WIML will be overseeing your advocacy strategy she will not be leading your campaign or engaging in the day-to-day tasks. Instead, Kavon has hand selected local or state advocacy leaders who are familiar with the decision makers, culture, and community of where your land is located.
Does Where Is My Land represent us or find us an attorney?
No, Where Is My Land assists you as a consultant, not as your attorney. WIML does not provide legal representation services or legal representation referral services. While we hope by garnering attention about your claim an attorney will approach us to represent your family, we cannot guarantee this will happen. WIML does not have a database or specific affiliation with any law firms or attorneys.