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Producing campaign materials


computer and bookProducing campaign materials

There are a number of materials that can be produced to support your campaigns:

  • Leaflets inform large numbers of people about your campaign, invite them to get involved and/or donate money
  • Newsletters give a regular update on the progress of the campaign and flag up forthcoming activities
  • Posters advertise forthcoming events or simply make a point
  • Websites can reach a wide audience
  • Petitions underline the strength of feeling about an issue

General tips

  • Try to give different publications which relate to the same campaign a consistent look and strong identity
  • Communicate a sense of urgency and importance while sticking to the facts
  • Make sure publications are written to appeal to a wider audience than your existing supporters

It is a good idea to have :

  • one person coordinating the production of campaign publications
  • a small group agreeing actual text
  • a full group at the initial stages discussing what to publish and when


Detailed tips

Leaflets

  • No larger than two sides of A4, often folded and with graphics/photographs.
  • Glossy, well designed leaflets will be costly but can be a worthwhile investment.
  • They should summarise the reason why the campaign has been launched, how people can help and how people can get in touch with your group.


Newsletters
Newsletters are a good idea for a long-running campaign.

They should:

  • Be 2-4 pages and produced at regular intervals, usually quarterly
  • Summarise campaign progress, highlighting any successes or major threats
  • Promote forthcoming events, meetings and other activities
  • Suggest at least one action which the recipient can take in support of the campaign
  • Include details on how to get in touch


Posters
Posters should use a very small number of words and contain graphics or photographs to create a strong impression.

Like posters, they should :

  • Summarise campaign progress
  • Highlight any successes or major threats
  • Promote forthcoming events, meetings and other activities
  • Suggest at least one action which the recipient can take in support of the campaign
  • Include details on how to get in touch.


Campaign websites

Keep it brief

Keep it simple.

Information needs to be kept current and updated frequently to attract repeat visitors.

Petitions
As well as demonstrating the strength of feeling on an issue to decision-makers, a petition can help recruit people to your cause.

Example of what to put on a petition :

  • Base the petition on a single, simple proposal
  • nclude a box for people to tick if they would like more details on the campaign
  • Address the petition to the key decision-maker
  • Publicise the handing over of the petition to the decision-makerGive space for people to write their contact details for follow-up work (if these are to be stored, you need to comply with the Data Protection Act)


Checklist for production of publications

  • Establish the purpose/objectives of the publication
  • Establish target audiences
  • Decide on the number needed
  • Decide when needed by
  • Use graphics where possible
  • Identify design and printing options and allow sufficient time for this
  • Consult a wider group of people about content
  • Check final draft carefully
  • Ensure contact details are included
  • Do a health-check for libellous comments
  • Organise circulation of publications, such as hand-delivered mail drop for leaflets or putting up posters in time with a specific event