Information document template
Pages three and four are an example of an accessible information document. They describe a campaign strategy.
It is a Word document so you can amend it for your own use. The layout can be kept as it is. It allows symbols to be placed alongside the text.
Instructions for use
It is easiest to add new pages before you start.
Visual images
The table is provided to allow symbols and related text to be aligned quickly and easily.
To change the images in the template:
- select the one you wish to replace and delete it
- click in the place where you want the new symbol to appear
- select “Insert/Picture/From file” on the menu bar
- in the dialogue window find the symbol you require in the “Information document symbols” folder or use a symbol/picture from your own files
- select and click the “Insert” button
- On-line users will first have to access the Toolkit Template section and save the Information document template and Information document symbol library documents to their computer.
Use Microsoft Word to open both the saved template and the symbol library document. Select a symbol from the symbol library document. Then right click on the required symbol and choose copy from the displayed menu. Then switch back to the template document and paste the symbol where you want the new symbol to appear.
Once in place, you will have to resize the symbol to fit the space available. Do this by ‘dragging’ one of the corners of the symbol while it is selected. If it doesn’t have draggable corners, you will need to click on it to select it.
Fine tuning of the symbol position and size can be done using the mouse while holding down the Alt key.
Written text
Text can be typed into the boxes in the right hand column. The cell will expand automatically as you type. The font size is set at 12 point. If you need to increase this size, select the table cells in the right hand column below the title cell and apply the text formatting to all the cells.
Please remember to consider more than font size. Keep language clear and avoid jargon and explain all abbreviations.
Talk for Scotland Toolkit March 2008
What is a campaign?
Campaigning is about change. It’s making an impact and changing people’s lives!
Campaigns can involve:
- Getting people to take action and show concern (e.g. demonstrate)
- Targeting decision makers and making them listen
- Raising public awareness
Key points for planning a campaign
First of all, decide:
- What you want to achieve.
- Who can make this happen.
- What resources you will need.
- What your time scale is.
- What MSPs can do for yourcampaign.
What can MSPs do for your campaign?
- Approach local agencies. MSPs cannot make agencies do something, but they can contact them and raise issues or concerns on your behalf.
- Increase the profile of your campaign. MSPs are well-known and the local media will be interested in stories that involve them.
- Raise matters with the Scottish Government.
- Ask Parliamentary Questions (PQs).
- Lodge a parliamentary motion - a statement that other MSPs sign up to if they agree with it.
Using the media
- Why?
- Different types of media
- How do you contact them?
- Press releases
Key points for writing a press release
The five W’s
Who - is involved?
What - is the story?
When – will it or did it happen?
Why – is it necessary?
How – can people get involved and support?