At NUSU, we want to support you so that you feel confident to run a successful campaign and know where to access the right support. SO. Where do you start? If you are reading this, you probably know that you want to change something, whether it is a process, policy, procedure, or a change to attitudes and ideas. The first thing to consider is whether a campaign is necessary to make your change. Or is it as simple as just asking the right person the right question? Let us know your idea and we can advise you. If you do decide that a campaign is the best way to create your change, it is time to start planning.
Aims and Objectives
The first thing you need to do is define your campaign aim and objectives. Your aim is the overall change you want to make. For example:
- “To reduce the cost of eating on campus”
Your objectives are specific goals that will help you to achieve this general aim. For example:
- “The cost of hot drinks to be reduced to £1.30 at Newcastle University catering outlets by the end of this semester.”
- “The Robinson Library to install a microwave for student use by the end of the academic year”
The number of objectives should be determined by what you think is necessary to achieve your aim. However, when devising your objectives you want to try and make them SMART.
You also need to think about how you will measure your achievements. When it is a change to a process, procedure or policy, this is often easy to measure. However, if it is a change in attitudes and ideas, you might have to be more creative, perhaps by running surveys, getting quotes or taking photos.
Planning your Activities
Once you have your aim and objectives sorted, you need to decide how you are going to achieve them. When planning these you want to make sure that they are always linked to helping you to achieve your aim and objectives.
Suggested Campaign Activities
Here are just a few examples of what NUSU Officers and students have used to campaign with in the past. Videos / Petitions / Keynote speakers / Panel discussions / Demonstrations / Craftivism / Posters / Stalls / Events
If you are looking for some inspiration, reflect on effective campaigns that you have seen or heard about in the past or let us know what you are thinking of doing and we can help.