»12 basic guidelines: introduction

swiss army knife

These are ideas, not a campaign construction kit.

There are a number of 'campaign manuals' (see Resources) which tell you how to do things like writing a press release.

Campaigns vary - one size does not fit all.

A campaign among American students to mobilise against the death penalty; a campaign by a British wildlife charity against a road; or a pan-African campaign for more renewable energy in future economies, are unlikely to have much in common in terms of which forum to use, who to talk to, or which media to pick.

These guidelines cover things that do apply to most campaigns, as they concern structure and strategy. Once you see them these 'tools' look like common sense but they are easy to overlook because they are so fundamental.

However, before diving into the guidelines, please read "Reality check!" - it may save some time and energy.