Resources
We’re excited to offer the following resources to community organizers, leaders, and advocates as they organize around issues they care about.
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When planning a campaign, start with:
Identifying your community/audience
Asking who has power/influence over decision makers
Asking who your community leaders and advocates are. Are you already connected?
Asking if your audience have lived experience of your campaign’s policies/platform
Assessing if you have a clear understanding of your audience’s data/stories - what are the common threads and recurring themes?
You should know what changes your community wants and fight for those changes, not necessarily what you think is best – remember, “nothing about us without us!”
You should also be honest about your level of understanding around the relevant policy/systems with your campaign. Ask:
What are the existing laws and policies affecting this campaign?
Who are the elected officials that have the power to affect policy relevant to this campaign?
What statistical data is available that’s relevant to this campaign?
What research has been done around the connection of policy to the lived experiences of your community?
What is your community’s level of understanding around the laws, policies, elected officials, and data that affect their lives?
Which types of communication and tools twill help achieve the campaign goals?
Then, consider if your community have strong leaders that are comfortable:
Storytelling
Collaborating with media/news
Developing new leaders
Recruiting new leaders/volunteers to build your base
Pressuring decision makers/the public
Reframing issues
Framing the issue and narrative in a way that are beneficial to your campaign
Lean on leaders’ existing strengths and stories
For example, if you have a leader that’s confident with public speaking and collaborating with the media, you may designate them as your campaign spokesperson. They can also train other volunteers on how to engage effectively with news outlets.
Another example is if you have a leader that loves talking to people and makes folks feel warm and welcomed, they might be a good person to designate as a volunteer recruiter. They can also train other volunteers informed by their expertise and experiences.
We also want to ensure that the campaign isn’t siloed, so ask:
Are there other organizations, institutions, and/or movements that could affect your campaign, either negatively or positively?
What is the contrasting narrative, and what are their tactics?
Who are the people/organizations who are doing similar work to you? Could you collaborate with them to expand your capacity and build your base further?
What tools/skills could support your campaign that you don’t have? How can you access those resources?
Ask your volunteers if they have connections to any people/organizations who may have capacity to support you
Utilize free online resources
Continually research policies
Start a social media account/campaign aligning with your vision and goals
Search for funding and grants online and through colleagues or similar organizations
Now, you might be ready to start the campaign!
Your timeline and/or strategy may vary, but an Escalation of Tactics may look like:
Internally (Your team/volunteers/leaders)
Research/plan/prepare
Solidify your communications strategy
Write letters to elected officials
Set up meetings & meet with elected officials
Intentionally post about the campaign on social media (including a Call to Action)
Identifying the “Decision Maker Champion” (who is the person with the most power to meet your campaign’s demands?)
Exert pressure on the decision makers
Continue advocacy throughout the campaign, centering your community
Rally together!
Negotiate with stakeholders
Externally (Public facing)
Research/plan/prepare
Conduct 1:1 meetings with community leaders to learn about their stories, what they’d like to change, what are their strengths, and if they have any suggestions for strategy
Confirm goals and strategy
Create petitions and Call to Actions for the community
Write op-eds, talk to media about your campaign, always centering your community
Host a candid questionnaire or survey to gather data that could be beneficial to your campaign
Set up meetings & meet with elected officials
Rally together!
Hold public comments, town halls, and/or forums – speak publicly about the campaign
Connect with media and/or hold a press conference about your campaign
Take direct action, such as hosting a demonstration or protest
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When planning an event, you may want to consider utilizing the following checklist:
Budget
Identify your budget
Identify how your event will fit into your budget (spreadsheets listing specific items and prices can be helpful here)
Determine a venue (if in person or hybrid)
Determine any technical assistance needed
Determine any catering needed
Determine any language interpretation needed
Consider location
In-person events may require parking. Is parking accessible? Are parking permits needed?
In-person events should be accessible to those without a car. Are there bus stops nearby?
Reserve the venue and designate a specific person as the point of contact
Create a vendor list
For in person events, you may want a caterer. Consider dietary restrictions.
Invite your attendees
Create a link (Mobilize, Eventbrite) to track your registration for the event
Advertise the event on social media and at other events
If applicable, you may want to invite media and news outlets
If applicable, you may want to invite elected officials
Designate team roles
Catering point of contact
Venue point of contact
Photographer
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Filming considerations (In person events)
Have gear charged up with full batteries
Find a quiet place to film interview (as quiet as possible)
Place the subject in a well lit place
No windows in background if possible
Windows should be behind or next to camera, so they light the subject
Have subject sign release form on Easy Release Pro
Test audio with headphones/earbuds while subject fills out release form
Make sure the mic is not picking up noise from clothes or hair
Film the subject saying and spelling their full name
Allow 3-5 seconds of silence after subject answers a question
Film B-Roll of the subject/event
After filming/Post Production
Upload video, photos and/or audio
Upload partner logos
Upload any graphics, flyers
Include blurb of what is in the video
Include editing instructions
Indicate where the video will be shown/published
Equipment
AUDIO
Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Condenser Microphone SMARTLAV
Price: $57.99
Records audio directly to smartphone
Lavalier design
Helps cut down external noise
Zoom Handy Recorder H1N
Price: $99 - $119
Audio must be synced up when editing video
Great for handheld recording or mounted on stand
Can be used with or without an extra mic
Back to top Top Samson - G-Track Pro USB Microphone
Price: $119-$150
For laptops and desktops only
Best for virtual meetings and recording on your laptop or desktop
Has an additional ¼” input to record an instrument and your voice at the same time
TRIPOD & STABILIZATION
Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminium tripod with hybrid head
Price $74.99
Light weight
Sturdier than most light tripods
Compact design
Does not come with smartphone mount
Mefoto Sidekick 360 Plus Titanium Smartphone Tripod Adapter
Price: $42.99
Sturdier than plastic mounts that can be found online for cheaper
OR
DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Smartphone Gimbal (With app for automatic tracking)
Price: $119-$139
Automatic tracking helps keep you in the shot
Useful for shooting outside
Great for On-location Interviews
Can be mounted on tripod or tabletop tripod
SUNPAK FlexPodDX Tabletop Tripod for Compact Cameras, Smartphones and GoPro
Price: $17.99
Use with Osmo Mobile 3 gimbal
Small lights can also be mounted on the tripod if they have a ¼” thread
LIGHTING
Westcott 18in Bi-Color LED Ring Light Kit with Batteries & Stand
Price: $199
Better quality light coming from larger 18” source
Local business
Includes stand (smartphone mount not included)
ikan iLED-MA Micro Flood Light
Price: $30-$35
Rechargable
Can mount on camera or clamp
Dimmable
GVM Bi-Color LED Ring Light (14") GVM-HD-14S B&H Photo
Price: $79
Includes stand with smartphone mount
Online order
GVM 560AS Bi-Color LED 3-Panel Kit GVM-560AS3L B&H Photo Video
Price: $296.84
Great entry level 3 point light kit
More control of your lighting
Higher production value look
SOFTWARE
Adobe Premiere
Price: $20.99/mo (membership)
Industry standard program
The most amount of control to edit video
HitFilm Express and VSDC are popular
They both have free versions
Pinnacle Studio
About $50
PowerDirector
They have a free download to try it out
Davinci Resolve - Free Download
The most 'pro' free editing software. More complicated though, sometimes overkill
APPS
iOS/iphones
iMovie
Free for most iphone users
Fast way to edit your videos
Adobe Rush
Great features, works with Adobe Suite
Can export straight to youtube
QUIK
Free
Fast way to edit videos
Limited controls
Works great with Gopros
Android Phones
Adobe Rush
Great features, works with Adobe Suite
Can export straight to youtube
QUIK
Free
Fast way to edit videos
Limited controls
Works great with Gopros
KINEMASTER
Paid, monthly option
Advanced features
Also adds controls for the smartphone’s camera
Exports directly to Youtube
Extra Resources
Make Your Youtube Videos High-Quality Using These 4 Simple Tips
Vlogging: The Basics of Audio and Sound
4 Essential Elements of a Basic Vlogging Setup
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Considerations for Canvassing
Canvassing is one of the ways campaigns can connect with potential voters, allowing for in-depth, face to face conversations. For some, canvassing may appear to be completely inaccessible. Discussed below are some possible considerations to make sure your canvassing events are as inclusive as possible.
When choosing where you’re canvassing, try to choose neighborhoods with fewer barriers in house design and infrastructure. Observe if the neighborhood has well-paved, relatively flat streets. Additionally, make note if houses have few or no steps to the front door, or where the front door may be near the driveway so that people with wheelchairs or mobility devices can get near the front door.
It may also be beneficial to put together canvassing teams of people with and without mobility disabilities. The non-disabled volunteer can go up to the front door and engage the individual, then ask them to take a few steps outside to speak with their team member.
Another option is to canvas in more accessible locations. If canvassing in an apartment or condo complex, if there are elevators and wide walkways, this may be a good option for volunteers in wheelchairs. It’s also a good option for those who may have more limited energy or heat or cold-related sensitivities, as these indoor options will be climate controlled.
Lastly, consider providing volunteers with food and water throughout their shift. If providing snacks, ask for dietary restrictions. For example, diabetic individuals may greatly benefit from having snacks to help regulate their blood sugar.
As always, make sure to provide a space for other accommodation requests.
Considerations for Phone/Text Banking
Phone and Text Banking is another important area of voter engagement. Closer to election day, this tactic is crucial for trying to encourage people to show up at the polls. It can also be an excellent task for people with disabilities, especially those who may not be able to show up at an event but still want to volunteer from home.
Phone banking can be inaccessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who have speech disabilities. Arrange to have volunteers or enlist a service that can help facilitate calls through a communications assistant. If this is something you are not able to provide, then work with the individual and Houston in Action staff to help think through other possible solutions. Additionally, text banking can also be a great option for people who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.
This activity is also great for individuals who are unable to travel to volunteer, such as those with limited energy, mobility or few transportation options. If possible, provide these volunteers with their outreach list and phone numbers, along with a script to follow, to call from home. Work with the individual to develop a way to report back whatever data you wish to collect from your phone bank calls. This may even be able to be done through your phone/text banking software. If not, consider using email, or some other means of communication to retrieve the information.
Also, make sure that all scripts are accessible for volunteers. Make sure that it has been translated into the languages needed for your volunteers. Additionally, never assume that people understand jargon. Use plain language and ensure that it can be printed in larger fonts, high contrast, and/or Braille for those who have low vision or are blind.
Lastly, allow for plenty of time for training. If volunteers have never used the technology and software before, make sure to provide plenty of opportunities to ensure they feel comfortable. Try not to rush training and provide any assistance necessary. It may also be beneficial to have someone available to troubleshoot any technology related issues on the day of the phone or text bank.
It may also be helpful to check with your technology/software vendor to see what accessibility features are possible through the platform. If using tools through Houston in Action, feel free to reach out to staff to learn of available resources.
Considerations for Visualizations
As you collect information throughout a campaign, you may want to use charts, diagrams and other forms of infographics to help present data in a concise and compact way. However, visualizations can be inaccessible due to incorrect color usage, lack of labels, images without alternative text and various other scenarios. Listed below are some recommendations on how to create visualizations that are accessible to everyone.
When designing a visualization, the temptation may be to try something different or unique. But when presenting information, visualizations are most powerful and accessible when the design is familiar and not complex. You don’t want to overwhelm the audience with information. Keep designs simple and clear with very little to no animations.
Color can be a powerful tool in charts and graphs. However, be mindful of the palette you are using, the contrast of the text against the background, and how color is being used to convey meaning. For adjacent objects, use a solid border color to help provide a layer of distinction between pieces. If color is the only way that you’re conveying meaning, information can be lost to those who can’t see color. Make sure to add an additional visual element, such as patterns, shape, or a text label so if your audience can’t perceive color differences, they’ll still be able to use other references to understand the data. However, don’t overuse patterns- keep them simple and clear.
Regardless of how complex or simple the visualization, there should always be text that labels significant parts of the data. Major elements, such as the title, axes, and other framework elements should be identified. Additionally, labels and legends should be used to clearly mark and distinguish data points.
If possible, take time to provide a brief alternative “alt” text or a longer description that provides context and explains the details about the visualization. This provides non-visual users with a description of trends and patterns that can otherwise be difficult to determine.
Another way to ensure your data and message is accessible is to provide data in another format. For example, making data available in a table format can serve a similar purpose as a text summary. It can be a familiar way for some users to navigate a data set and some may find it easier to understand than a visualization. People learn in different ways, so providing alternatives can help more people digest the information in a method that best suits their needs.
Lastly, simple and plain language is important to help ensure all users can understand the information as intended. By avoiding technical terms and jargon, the information can reach a broader audience and can also benefit those with various cognitive impairments. Be as concise and clear as possible.
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What is the difference between “interpretation” and “translation”?
Interpretation: refers to the oral and signed processing of languages
Translation: refers to the written process of conveying information in one language to another language
What is the difference between “consecutive” and “simultaneous” interpretation?
Consecutive interpretation: interpreted speech will follow after the original speaker/panelist has paused after the end of a thought/sentence. This process takes much longer than simultaneous interpretation.
Simultaneous interpretation: interpreted speech will occur at the same time as the original speaker is speaking. This process can generally be much more expensive than consecutive interpretation, since it’s a very specialized skill.
Many native speakers of any language may struggle with conducting simultaneous interpretation, but are comfortable with doing consecutive interpretation.
ADA accommodations
For deaf and/or blind individuals, braille and sign language interpretation is imperative to ensure their ability to engage, if they’d like.
Best Practices
Interpretation/translation can be a very expensive service. Live simultaneous interpretation in particular is an extremely specialized skill.
To avoid “emergency/next day” fees, consider giving yourself at least one month to secure and hire an interpreter.
Simultaneous interpretation usually calls for two interpreters at a time – budget for this!
Ensure that all material is covered verbally, due to any case where an interpreter may be coughing/etc, or not know certain vocabulary being discussed.
Remember that not all languages are transcribed. Examples may include languages such as Navajo, Rohingya, and Hokkien. If you transcribe/create graphics or flyers, you may not be able to reach certain groups.
Consider securing a radio or TV segment in addition to social media graphics so illiterate people can still listen to the information/advertisement.
Speakers should speak slowly and clearly, with intentional pauses between thoughts. Try to limit “um’s,” “uh’s,” “like’s,” etc. When in doubt, speak much more slowly than you’re used to, and pause between sentences/thoughts.
Securing interpretation equipment
You may need:
Radio transmitter with switches (1 per language)
The radio transmitter must have at least 1 more channel than the total number of languages that will be interpreted. This allows for the English channel, in addition to the interpreted languages.
Example: I want interpretation from English to Vietnamese, Mandarin Chinese, Urdu, Korean, and Spanish. That’s 5 languages, in addition to English, so I’d need a radio transmitter with at least 6 channels.
Headsets/headphones (1 per interpreter)
These headsets will connect to the main speaker’s microphone.
Headsets/headphones (# of expected participants/attendance of event)
When in doubt, always overestimate.
Example: I’m expecting at least 100 people for this event. I’ll order at least 125 headsets/headphones, just in case more people show up.
NOTE: The headsets for interpreters are different from the headsets for the audience/participants. The company that you rent this equipment from should know the difference.
Receivers (# of expected participants/attendance of event)
This receiver connects to a headset for the attendee, allowing them to listen to the language that they need to hear.
The receiver picks up on a radio signal from the radio transmitter, used by the interpreters.
Microphones (1 per speaker/panelist) to connect to the interpreters’ headsets
A sound system that can connect the microphones to the interpreters’ headsets
Booths (1 per two interpreters)
Booths may be necessary for sound-proofing if:
The event is in a small space
You are expecting a large audience (this will mean less physical space for the interpreters, and can make interpretation distracting for people who do not need the interpretation).
The event is in a “boomy” or “echo-y” place.
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Our Narrative Working Group worked together to create a herestrategic messaging guide powered by our communities’ experiences and inspired by the need to tell the truth abut our stories.
In this guide, we’ve included topics ranging from criminal legal justice system reform, to disability justice, to education, to economic insecurity and more. Check it out here.