Keep the blurb short and to-the-point. The American cross-sector is not reading-oriented. Think of it as a billboard commercial: Try to catch attention by saying less, not more. Less IS more if it is well done and well thought out. Use a slogan, a phrase or two but no more.
Then summarize in a short paragraph. That' s it.
Along with that one summarized photo/flier, you can have separate leaflets with more detailed facts.
The ACLU's website has great photos, summaries of post-legislative bills and more. If you are going to tout the civil liberties angle, this is a great website for printing out poster material.
If not, then just study the ACLU's website for marketing/eyecatching ideas. Simply go to www.aclu.org and punch into the search box: Patriot Act Fact Sheets, Military Commissions Act Fact Sheets, FISA. The photos and blurbs that come up, as backed up by separate and longer articles, will give you ideas for your own presentation.
You can also show actual, declassified FBI documents posted to the ACLU's website. TIP: While people will not actually read them on their own, if you point out to people that you have one, then their curiosity will be piqued. And they will read. Yes indeed! Watch and see. People will be very interested!
G) Along with your flier, hand out articles which you like and which are fact-based, telling the story without "selling" anybody. Remember: The less you "Sell" and "preach" the more likely you are to win people over. Just as people are turned off by salesmen with bad technique who harp in your face and try to convince you, so they will be turned off if you try to convince them.
Don't. Instead, just let the images on your billboards speak for themselves. LEt the quotes, slogans, etc speak for themselves.
Those who have ears, let them hear (and ask questions). Those who don't, you wouldn't win over anyway. It takes eight rejections to make one sale; That is a statistic. Stick with it and you will find yourself reaching some people. And that's enough to get a fire lit. All it takes to light a fire is a spark, not a flame. Sparks become flames. Flames grow and spread. The fire becomes a forest fire, soon enough.
H) And don't forget about dialing in to radio talk shows!
I) How about open letters to your Congressperson, posted to the Internet and sent by chain e-mail? Title it "an open letter" and let them know that it is being circulated to the public.
Some newspapers will print longer editorials, and have a separate category just for that, allowing as many as 650 words. Submit accordingly and see what happens. The worst that can happen is they say "no". At least you tried. And repeat: Don't forget your college newsletter editor! College students talk to friends, parents, etc. and are very proactive. Word will spread!
Good luck and thank you for all you do!
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