LSTA Project (FY 2005-2007) Getting To Yes

Campaign Planning Guide
5 Phases of the Campaign

"The wise man bridges the gap by laying out the path by means of which he can get from where he is to where he wants to go."
John Pierpont Morgan

PART 2: BUILD & ORGANIZE [Download and complete Part 2 of the template]

Determine the activities which should take place to prepare your library for the upcoming vote. Following are some to consider:

ACTION STEPS FOR LIBRARIES:

• Internal
• Enlist the help of staff, trustees & friends who will be provide support.
• Create a Campaign Team who will work together to make the vote a success.
• Gather statistics & resources to support your case.
  • Statistics & Demographics
  • Annual Report Data
  • Millennium Reports [Contact Laurie Shedrick with questions, 845-471-6060 ext. 21.]
• Get your fiscal transactions in order. Make your budget reports transparent and easy to understand, and available to the public. Educate staff on these issues. Establish reliable bookkeeping procedures and consider CPA oversight.
• Obtain any needed consultations from MHLS staff: space planning, focus group facilitation, creating your message etc.
• Begin creating a supporter database or spreadsheet that you can use to connect with voters throughout the campaign and for Get Out the Vote activities. Add names to this list throughout the campaign.
• External
  
  • Assess your level of community support. Identify groups that support the library.
  • Identify at least two "champions" in the community who will support your case. These individuals should be two known and respected people that are willing to speak openly about their support for the library and provide quotes for public relations materials.
  • Create a "Friends & Allies Group" or an email list of 10-20 well-connected patrons who will support your cause. You can get them initially by asking for their support and then making them an "insiders group." You can then email them updates & ideas to circulate within the community that support your case.
  • Begin a Letter to the Editor Campaign.
  • Issue press releases.
    

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