► Campaigning Techniques

Just as important as having an idea for a campaign is how you intend to carry it out. Here are just a few, but definitely not all, of the methods you could use;

WRITE A LETTER

This sounds boring but is actually a great place to start. It is the primary job of your MP or local councillor to listen and respond to the concerns of their constituents. Most will be very helpful and these are people who are in a privileged position to influence change. If you don't get the response you want, you could use this as a rallying point for gaining support. Don't be put off by the simplicity of it, this old school method can be very effective.

PRINT PETITIONS AND POSTCARDS

This 'signing' method can have a threefold effect. Firstly, it can have a huge impact visually. You can use a postcard to convey the basic message of your campaign and distribute it to as many people as possible. Secondly, both can be a really significant show of strength and demonstrate the popular support your issue has to really put pressure on decision-makers. Finally, you can get some much needed contacts. Ask everyone who signs for an e-mail address or phone number and you've got a database of interested people.

USE THE MEDIA

Publicise your campaign! Ask if you can write about the issue in the Courier or if they're willing to cover the campaign. Students, staff and lecturers read it and it's great exposure. Failing that, write to your local paper.

USE SOCIAL MEDIA

The reach of sites like Facebook and Twitter is far greater than you can achieve alone. Invite your friends to groups and pages and publicise events that way. On Twitter, try asking politicians or other famous figures to support your campaign or give it a retweet. Campaigning methods are constantly evolving thanks to ever more creative uses of sites such as these.

HOLD A PUBLIC MEETING

A good way to kickstart a campaign is to hold a public meeting. If you build intensively for the event, and hold stalls, leaflet and petition you should be able to get a good turnout. Remember to leave room for discussion and never end the meeting without planning with everyone what your next action is.

HOLD A PROTEST

Public meetings are a good way to build to holding a protest, rally or march. Organise some speakers and make some placards for the event. This is a great way to enthuse volunteers and inject a bit of passion into your campaign.

DO SOME DIRECT ACTION

There are plenty of forms of direct action that don't involve smashing windows or doing anything else illegal. Creative actions, including sit-ins, occupations or something even more creative (e.g an organised 'die-in' where people pretend to have been killed as a result of the arms trade) can really draw attention to your issue. To make people notice, really try and think outside the box.