June 18, 2010
If you are passionate about a cause, then you have likely considered ways to spread awareness. Figuring out how to reach people may seem daunting, but it does not have to be complicated. Whether you want to work alone or with a group of other like-minded people, there are plenty of ways to get the word out.
1. Create the Right Message
Whether you are talking to someone in person, writing a social media post, or creating a blog for your website, you want to send the right message. When you tell people about your cause, you want them to respond quickly and positively. Be clear about your cause, why it’s important to you, and why it should matter to them. Don’t use a lot of technical jargon or confusing language. Focus on educating people without lecturing them. Present the information in a way that makes them eager to learn more.
A dry, boring message that fails to stir people’s emotions will not make much of an impression. Pepper your appeal with your personal stories and the testimonials of others for a bigger emotional impact. Depending on your cause, a witty or humorous slogan can be an appropriate way to get attention.
2. Network With Others
Even if you are working alone, eventually, you will want to enlist other people to help. Your reach can only extend so far, and the networks of your friends, family members, and others can be vital. Ask people to share information about the cause on your behalf.
Reach out to compatible organizations and inquire about joining forces or cross-promoting opportunities. Contact organizations with a compatible audience and a broad reach, especially those with a bipartisan focus, such as No Labels.
3. Choose the Right Methods
No matter how well you craft your message, it will not be effective if it is poorly distributed. Promoting your cause means you must think like a marketer. Figure out the target demographic for your message. For example, if you are campaigning against elder abuse, you could use postcards or printed pamphlets aimed at older adults or send emails to workers in the home health care industry.
If your cause is focused on the local region, then circulating a petition or going door-to-door may be a good way to inform residents. Local businesses may be willing to fund and promote volunteer events or educational workshops to get the public involved.
Depending on the demographic, you may find a lot of success posting on social media accounts or creating blogs or vlogs. That is a great way to get information out and interact directly with anyone who has questions or comments.
Most people do not have unlimited resources. Manage your time and funds in a manner that allows you to promote your cause without burning yourself out or running out of money early on. Find cheap or free ways to raise awareness, such as social media campaigns, email lists, sandwich boards, or petitions. Find local comedians or acting troupes and inquire about pro bono performances.
4. Contact Legislators
Your legislators are in place to serve the public. Although some causes are well-known, others may be more obscure. Make them aware of your cause and ask them to take a stand. Write letters to any relevant legislators, from the mayor to the governor, and encourage others to do the same. Attend city council meetings or press conferences to raise the issue in a public forum.
5. Plan Events
Hosting an event is a fantastic way to raise awareness and meet other people who believe in the cause. While in-person events are a great way to connect with people, virtual events have grown in popularity over the past few years. Organize an event that will reach the most people possible. Promote the events on your social media pages and website.
Consider offering games, raffles, or contests to make the event memorable. Contact experts or people who have a personal story to share to speak about the cause and take questions.
6. Remain Consistent
The path to success can be bumpy, and it is easy to get discouraged by setbacks. If you experience any issues, try to find creative solutions to solve them instead of giving in. If your cause is important enough for you to devote your time, energy, and resources to, it is worth the effort. Remember that you may have to fight to be heard by the community and fend off opposition along the way.
While it may be difficult to drum up interest in your cause, it is not impossible. Thanks to social media, it is easier than ever to connect with people who share your enthusiasm for making the world a better place. Take the time to plan your campaign and learn from setbacks to become even more effective.
