Campaigning Techniques
Over the years, campaigning organisations have experimented with methods to make their campaign stand out from the others. For example, “Fathers 4 Justice” generated lots of publicity by climbing famous sites whilst dressed up as superheroes.
Here are a range of techniques that you could try using to make your campaign stand out from the rest.
Here are a range of techniques that you could try using to make your campaign stand out from the rest.
Letter writing
You can write a letter as an individual, raising your concerns with decision-makers or developing contacts. This can often be an effective way of drawing attention to a certain situation.
Writing as an individual or group
At the beginning of your campaign, writing letters can be crucial in raising awareness of your issue. The first letter could be from the Campaign Leader. Try to make contact with those whom have influence, as well as other groups and individuals who may benefit from the campaign too.
Letter writing campaigns
A large number of letters can be a good way of demonstrating the extent of awareness and concern with the issue. The best type of model is where the basic facts are the same on each letter, but there is room for people to include a personal message. It is important that letters highlight individual concerns as the person receiving the letters will pay much less attention to them if they all look the same.
Postcards
Pre-printed postcards can be another way of gathering support for your campaign. The postcards should carry the basic facts of the campaign. On the other side you can have anything from attention grabbing picture to a direct campaign message.
Postcards can be distributed in various methods, such as on campaign stalls, inserted in newsletters and posted in pigeonholes.
Postcards can be distributed in various methods, such as on campaign stalls, inserted in newsletters and posted in pigeonholes.
Alumni/Celebrity support
Getting well-known alumni and celebrities to support your campaign can help influence opinions of others on issues. Identified “role models” can increase awareness and support for your campaign.
Writing to the press
Letters sent to student press editors can be very effective in raising the profile of a campaign. Student press is not only read by students, but also other audiences, such as UCL staff, local residents, and alumni. It is crucial to remember that when you do write a letter to student press that you are sure of any facts or figures you may have included in your letter.
Petitions
Petitions can be an effective and cheap way of rallying support for your campaign. They can also be a very useful method for showing how large your support is, especially if you get as many people as possible to sign.
As well as gathering support, a petition can also raise awareness of the campaign and increase understanding of the campaign objectives.
When designing your petition, make the statement clear so people can understand the issue.
As well as gathering support, a petition can also raise awareness of the campaign and increase understanding of the campaign objectives.
When designing your petition, make the statement clear so people can understand the issue.
