MAKE AN IMPACT!
Anitha Bennett
Do you feel strongly about a cause or idea? Do you want to make others sit up and take notice of it? If so, don’t keep quiet. Take the lead and do what you can to publicise the cause. If you are wondering how to go about it, here are three helpful ideas to help you catch the attention of people and get your message across. Gather your friends to support you and have fun generating awareness!
Make a banner
An eye-catching banner strung in the right place can make a great impact.
Let’s make it. Take two long ropes, and attach your pennants to the ends. Cut coloured paper or cloth (lasts longer) in the shape of triangles. Make one triangle for each letter. For example, if you want to say ‘Stop Terrorism!’ then you will have to cut 13 triangles, one for each alphabet. Glue each completed triangle to a white cloth and the message will read loud and clear.
Let’s display it. Hang it up in front of your apartment or house (the balcony, doorstep and the gate are all eye-catching hotspots) and get your friends to do the same.
Make a badge
Wear a smart looking badge and catch the interest of passersby.
Let’s make it. What shape do you want your badge to be? You can try square, round, heart or star-shaped ones. You can even make a book-shaped badge, or a tree-shaped one for environmental awareness.
Take a piece of thick cardboard and draw the template for your badge. Cut it out and stick colored chart paper or paint on the cardboard to make it bright. Write your cause with a marker in a few words (preferably not more than four). Attach a safety pin at the back firmly with cellotape, leaving the pinning side free.
Let’s display it. Choose a Saturday or Sunday when you and, your friends can wear these badges in public.
Visit a public place where you are sure to meet a lot of people and children.
Make a few extra badges to give away to children who volunteer to support you. Hang banners nearby and distribute pamphlets to people.
Make pamphlets
While most pamphlets are printed in printing presses, a cost-effective solution would be to print copies at home.
Let’s make it. Print an attractive border with enough space in the centre for your message. You can design a logo for your cause and use it in your banner, badge and pamphlet. Choose an easily readable font and type your text on the poster. You could print one copy and have it photocopied, or print the number of copies you want.
Let’s use it. Distribute the pamphlets personally to people in your neighborhood with a quick word about your cause.
Make sure you sport your badge when you distribute your pamphlets!
