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Tours

Highlight an issue in your local area.

Article by : SpunOut.ie

Organising a tour can be an effective way to highlight an issue in your local area. It is also a great way to draw attention to your cause. Tours are most effective when you invite a well-known political figure or decision maker along, as this is sure to get media attention and publicity for your cause.

 

DO’s:

  • Decide on a time and date and invite your local TD, Minister, local Mayor and other important decision makers. Use personal contacts such as your parents, teachers or supporters. They might have to persuade a key figure to attend.

     
  • Plan your tour to coincide with another high profile event or function in your area. This will ensure maximum media coverage and increase your chances of securing a key political figure to take your tour.

     
  • Invite other decision making groups (for example, if you are campaigning for a skate park, invite reps from your County Council along).

     
  • Ask one of your group or contacts (for example, someone who is forced to skate in a busy car-park) to meet you and gather supporters.

     
  • Call your local media and create a buzz about your tour once you have agreed a date, time and place and secured a ‘guest politician’.

     
  • Make out a tour lasting no more than 25 minutes and make sure to include sites or an area that will make a big impact and support your cause.

     
  • Prepare a press release and a short fact sheet outlining what action you want taken and a list of all the groups and people who support your cause.

     
  • Make a banner or sign with a catchy slogan to include in photos.

     
  • Organise umbrellas and wet gear in case it happens to rain!

 

What to do on the day of your tour:

  • Make sure your group and supporters are there at least 20 minutes before the tour is set to start.

     
  • Have someone to speak to the media and someone to thank everyone for coming along. Then introduce your cause and get the show on the road!

     
  • Have someone to hand out press releases and fact sheets to media and invited guests.

     
  • Bring along your own camera in case media don’t turn up. Have someone record your tour on video camera if possible.

     
  • Prepare questions to ask on the day, what will be done to support your demands and cause?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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