Messaging strategy is a vital component of any successful campaign communications plan. It's not enough for Alan to say something at one press conference; in order to be truly effective, we must create an "echo chamber," so that voters all over the state hear the same key messages resonating all over, time and time again.
As a Keyes '04 Minuteman, there are three main ways to add your voice to the thousands already supporting Alan: writing and publishing letters to the editor, calling in to radio talk shows, and using viral [exponential] e-mail campaigns.
Get at least 5 letters to the editor published.
We need your opinions voiced. Use the following resources to write effective letters to the newspapers in your area.
First, check what the current talking points from the campaign are by visiting the website or contacting you local coordinator. This will help us coordinate a more specific message statewide.
Second, get the list of newspapers and submission information in your area and send a copy of your letter to the editor into as many of them as you can.
118 North Clinton, Suite 204
Chicago, IL 60661
Fax: 312-756-0026
E-mail: Volunteer@Keyes2004.com
Letter-to-the-Editor Tips
Easy targets:
Coalition leaders for Alan (i.e. mayors, small business owners, manufacturers, etc.)
Easy newspaper targets:
Small regional newspapers, weekly and daily
Tips for Writing a Letter to the Editor (matching the campaign’s talking points of the week)
Include your contact information: Most newspapers will only print a letter to the editor after calling the author to verify his or her identity and address. Newspapers will not give out that information and will usually only print your name and city should your letter be published.
Be clear and concise: Keep your letters brief and to the point. Newspaper editors often edit for length, so try to keep your letter to less than 250 words.
State your point early: Be sure to state your main point in the subject line and in the first sentence of the letter. Or if you're a skilled writer, use logic to prove your point in any persuasive manner.
Keep to one topic: Keep your letters focused and easy to follow.
All clips should be copied and sent to the Chicago campaign office for our records. Get on a talk radio show at least 5 times
Again we need your opinions heard – not just on paper, but on the airwaves, too. Use the following tips and resources to get yourself on the air:
First, check what the current talking points from the campaign are by contacting your local coordinator. This will help us coordinate a more specific message statewide.
Second, get a list of talk radio shows, their schedule, and call-in numbers. You can find this list on our website. Call as many times as you can until you get on the air.
118 North Clinton, Suite 204
Chicago, IL 60661
Fax: 312-756-0026
E-mail: Volunteer@Keyes2004.com
Gather at least 10 new e-mail addresses for us
We need to drive Alan’s message home to as many citizens of Illinois as possible, and e-mail is the most cost-effective way to do that. But it does us no good to just have you collect e-mail addresses for us; what we need are email addresses of your friends, colleagues, and neighbors who support Alan. Once you have collected them, please forward them to us here at the campaign headquarters, so they can be added to our database.
November 2nd is the only day that actually matters, and to ensure that our ranks get out and vote, we need to remind them. That is where the Friend-to-Friend program comes in. Friend-to-Friend cards are just postcards or e-cards you address and personalize to you friends, family, and all those people from whom you got vote commitments.
First, you’ll have the option of sending them via e-mail or snail mail. Either way, the campaign will collect your Friend-to-Friend cards and send them out all in one blast just before Election Day.
Second, once you decide whether you want to send postcards or e-cards … get started. Either request the postcards from Headquarters or your local coordinator. For the e-cards, just visit our website.
Third, if you opt to use the postcard version, we'll need you to send all your completed postcards to our Chicago Headquarters by October 25th. If you can have them pre-stamped, it would help a great deal. We will then send out hundreds of thousands all over the state just before Election Day.
*The maximum individual contribution allowed by law is $2,000, $4,000 per married couple. Contributions are not tax deductible for federal income tax purposes. Federal law prohibits corporate or foreign donations. Keyes 2004 is required by law to make our best efforts to report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer for each individual whose contributions aggregate is in excess of $200 per calendar year. Paid for and authorized by Keyes 2004.
