Someone out there needs to hear this message, and just a little planning goes a long way to really magnify its impact. Whether it's a small ad, a large billboard, a major campaign or a letter to the editor, your outreach will have a significant ripple-effect ... even more so when you take a minute to plan. Here are a few basics and some ideas that may help to get the wheels turning:

1) Planning Basics 

Remember K.I.S.S. - Keep it Short & Simple

You've heard it before, but it bears repeating. Have a simple plan and a focused message. This calls for narrowing and focusing your goals, target dates and action steps. Choose a few key dates and projects for the year, then use our tools as needed.

Use a planning calendar

Take time to write down your goals, target dates and action steps. Again, keep it simple. No-frills and systemized programs, such as repeating the same project yearly, will keep the plan sustainable over the long-run. 

Use whatever works for you. It may be a yellow legal pad, an shared electronic calendar, such as those available with many email programs, or some other project software that can help remind you of upcoming dates and activities.

2) Check our PR Calendar for upcoming events and schedule projects as far ahead as possible.

Set aside regular planning sessions, for example, at the beginning of each year, quarter or month. Select a few key outreach dates and project and choose supporting materials. 

3) Join forces.

You can really multiply your efforts and costs by sharing your outreach and project ideas and resources with like-minded groups. For example, civic groups or local churches and outreach groups already doing similar work may want to pool resources and talent for an even bigger local splash.  (See item 4 below – co-op ads)

Consider co-op ads/campaigns. Ask a compassionate local business or counseling center to sponsor a  co-op ad, where they can feature their logo or message. Or ask a compassionate philanthropist to anonymously sponsor a regular ad or dedicate an existing ad to a group or individual. Or, use the space to promote a local event, resource or hotline.

Pool resources with other individuals or groups for a joint fundraiser. See item #4 below.

4) Plan a fundraiser to raise extra money for a campaign.

You can do a simple basic campaign with a radio spot, print or on-line ads and a billboard. If you plan far enough out you'll have time to raise funds. Or, set a goal, plan an event or two, such as a silent auction, a raffle, bake sale or car wash. You are also welcome to use our free, editable sample fundraising letter. Send it to your own list or buy a mailing list for a plan-ahead campaign.

5) Consider other media, PR and outreach project ideas ...

When selecting media, think outside the box. Small media can make a big difference.

Major campaigns require a significant amount of time and resources, but there are many other effective, free or low-cost options. Consider running ads in local bulletins, newsletters, civic or religious publications and sites that you already subscribe to or visit can reach people who will in turn reach others.

Abortion impacts people of all demographics, from the college student in search of a helping hand to the grandmother grieving an abortion-related loss in her family or even herself. Fathers are also directly or indirectly affected. From students to seniors, from activists to advisors, from parents to pastors, everyone needs to be educated about abortion's injustice and risks to both the unborn and women, and everyone involved!  (See Ads 101: 6 Tips)
 

Send introductory materials to journalists, feature editors and freelance writers.
Consider all types of print and electronic media. Ask them to write about seldom-reported issues of widespread unwanted or coerced abortion and post-abortion grief, injury and high death rates. This includes post-abortion suicide – a clear and immediate danger.

Write letters to the editor, using our letters as a guide for ideas about messages you can send to local print or on-line publications.

Write in your own words in a compassionate and respectful perspective. Keep in mind that most people are unaware that unwanted abortions are common, as are other pregnancy- and abortion-related abuses and post-abortion issues. Many individuals and families in our own midst have been personally affected.

Write a letter to your pastor or political candidates and leaders. Most do not know about new evidence of abortion's harm, risk and injustice to both the unborn and women, or that many families in our own midst have been hurt or are still at risk. Share our compassionate educational materials.

Check low-cost/no-cost ways to use these materials for more ideas.
 

Check the PR Calendar often – it's a helpful planning tool. In addition to timely dates and events, it includes links to many associations that sponsor health and wellness outreach or other annual events. These links are for informational purposes only to help you prepare your own education and outreach materials. They are not an endorsement of any particular group's programs or philosophy.

Some of the dates listed change yearly. While we try to keep this list updated, please check the original links or search on-line to make sure you have the correct date.

top

back to PR Calendar