Leafleting is one of the easiest and most effective ways to inform people about your campaign, publicise events and encourage people to join your group.
It lets people know that you live locally and that you care enough about your cause to stand in the street or visit each house.
2. Writing and designing your leaflet
Keep a copy of some of the better leaflets you are given. This will give you inspiration for your leaflet.
When you do begin to design your leaflet, it’s best to keep it simple and focus on your main message:
Be informative
Keep sentences short
Use headlines to emphasise your point
Use meaningful quotes and make it clear where they come from
Design a logo
Leave space around your text so it is easy to read
Remember to tell people: Who? What? Where? Why? and When?
Use photos if appropriate
Double-check dates, times and spelling
Include an email address, website or phone number
Defamation and keeping it legal Remember everything you print has to be legally correct. You must not libel anyone in your leaflet and printers can refuse to print your document if they think it causes defamation. For more information on libel laws read the guide on How to avoid libel and defamation.
It is also an offence to hand out leaflets that are threatening, abusive, insulting or intended to stir up racial hatred.
Enlist fellow supporters to help you with the distribution of the leaflets. You can:
Hand them out in the streets
Give them out at meetings and events
Arrange to have a stall at a trade fair
Place them in public places such as libraries and shop windows
Put them through doors
Bylaws Although there is no need to obtain a licence or certificate to hand out leaflets, there may be some restrictions on where you can hand them out, so check the bylaws at the town hall. The police may also move you on if you appear to be causing an obstruction.
People won’t come to you – so be brave! Walk up to them with a smile and hand them a leaflet, saying something like: ‘This is why we’re here today’ or ‘This explains what we are campaigning for.’ Remember to make eye contact, then move on. Don’t stop them unless they ask you a question.
Don’t get into an argument with anyone. If someone disagrees with your campaign and tries to start an argument, say: ‘This leaflet explains the situation. Please read it - it might change your mind', then walk away.
Above all, be professional. Dress smartly or wear specially printed T-shirts with your logo on. You could make badges to hand out to people which will help to spread the word.
Lisa Oldham has spent five years campaigning against phone masts for Mast Sanity, a group opposing planning permissions for mobile phone and tetra masts. She has advice on how to make a difference with your leaflets:
You need to get lots of publicity for you campaign. Make lots of noise, be a nuisance. Do local protests and marches to get publicity from all your local media including TV and radio.
When leafleting, target as large an area as possible, at least 100 mile radius. Use shop and post office windows to keep people up-to-date about meetings, notices, etc.
When handing out leaflets, pick your spot carefully. Will your message be seen by passers-by? If not head for the main road. Design it to get as much impact as possible.
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