Category: lobbying
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How issues framing can help you deliver a sticky message
“The literature of social movements suggests that the prudent choice of frames, and the ability to effectively contest the opposition’s frames [re-frame], lie at the heart of successful policy advocacy.” Framing Public Issues Toolkit Have you ever noticed how the mainstream media frames people with mental health issues as violent and unpredictable? A common media…
Sofija Opacic
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What was the message again? How to create a sticky message.
Public Affairs tip: Spend time getting your messaging right so it connects with people’s emotions. Have you ever tried to explain to someone what your organisation does? Only to be met with a bewildered, confused and slightly irritated look when the lucky person’s heard you out? If the answer’s yes, then the first thing to…
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Creating social change: the power of optimism
Public affairs tip: Talk to your values not your feelings. Welcome to the third and final instalment of this series. At the end of this post you’ll find a comprehensive Creative Public Affairs guide that explores how to engage effectively with secondary schools. One of the joys of getting older is that you pick up a…
Sofija Opacic
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How to create powerful key messages
Key messages capture the essence of something that you want to communicate. They’re bits of information that people/organisations want their target audiences to know. They articulate what you do, what you believe in and how your work benefits people’s lives, the planet. . . Here’s a couple of key messages to chew on: “The melting Arctic is…
Sofija Opacic
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8 ways to promote your cause using people’s stories
Use stories:they’re a great way of connecting with people emotionally. Stories can be used many ways to help you promote your cause, for instance to: Fund-raise effectively: Making things personal for potential donors adds the emotional wow factor by showing how you’ve helped someone or how you want to help someone. Promote policy positions: Using case studies…
Sofija Opacic
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6 tips: how to build your media contacts
A local charity asked for help around how they could set up long-term, viable relationships with key journalists. The advice was simple: Tip 1: Make their lives easier. Media professionals need up-to-date, concise and accurate facts and statistics. They can’t keep up-to-date on every issue, so they tend to depend on a handful of people/organisations that…
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Stakeholder mapping: it sounds scary but it ain’t necessarily so
Someone recently came for advice on how to design an effective communication plan to manage a new project. A good place to start is to draw up a stakeholder map. This is a map of people, groups and organisations who might be interested in your project. For instance, a list of stakeholders for a medium-sized charity might have…
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TOSCA: 5 simple lobbying tips
Some simple steps to help you plan your next lobbying campaign. T: Target the MPs who have shown an interest or have a responsibility over the issue you’re interested in promoting. O: Be clear about what you are trying to achieve – what are your objectives? Have a clear outcome in mind. S: Identify your…
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MP magic: 3 reasons why your MP letter might not be working for you
Have you ever contacted your local MP and wondered why you never got a formal reply? It might be worth checking that you didn’t accidentally make one of the three simple mistakes listed below. They’re very easy to make – especially if you’re in a rush or a rage; and the world of public affairs…
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“It’s not just about money”
Charities can get a lot out of going to local, face-to-face (F2F) business networking events; and yet – it seems to me – that very few do so on a regular basis. Let’s look at the benefits: Raising awareness of what your charity does. Building a stronger profile in your local community. Promoting your brand…
Creative Public Affairs 