Conduct a high impact student council campaign in 5 easy steps:
Step 1: Conduct Voter & Issue Research
Ask Yourself “Who Am I Representing?”
Get outside your circles of friends and learn more about different groups within the school. What are common challenges each group faces? What are key differences?
Get outside your circles of friends and learn more about different groups within the school. What are common challenges each group faces? What are key differences?
Quantify the changes
Beyond asking students what improvements they’d like to see around campus, ask what would you like to see “more” or “less” of. Identifying activities that should be expanded or removed can be the basis of solid campaign ideas.
Beyond asking students what improvements they’d like to see around campus, ask what would you like to see “more” or “less” of. Identifying activities that should be expanded or removed can be the basis of solid campaign ideas.
Find unifying themes
Ultimately you will be representing a diverse group of students. Try to find themes that resonate with everyone, rather than narrow ideas that apply to only you or a very small group.
Ultimately you will be representing a diverse group of students. Try to find themes that resonate with everyone, rather than narrow ideas that apply to only you or a very small group.
Step 2: Recruit a dynamic campaign team
Don’t go it alone
Student council campaigns are all about developing a group vision. So it follows that you should bring people along side you to help with executing your campaign strategy. Find friends who will help you refine your message. They can also be your connection to students outside your immediate circle.
Student council campaigns are all about developing a group vision. So it follows that you should bring people along side you to help with executing your campaign strategy. Find friends who will help you refine your message. They can also be your connection to students outside your immediate circle.
Select teammates with diverse strengths
Chances are there are people you know who can help with unique elements of campaigning such as creating, working with social media, handing out fliers, writing a great campaign speech, etc. Getting help with these aspects will leverage your time and maximize your impact with student voters.
Chances are there are people you know who can help with unique elements of campaigning such as creating, working with social media, handing out fliers, writing a great campaign speech, etc. Getting help with these aspects will leverage your time and maximize your impact with student voters.
Step 3: Leverage Social Media
Get started early
If your school campaign rules will allow it, develop a Facebook page, Twitter account, etc. for your candidacy. Ideally you would do this before the campaign so that you can promote the site and build a following!
If your school campaign rules will allow it, develop a Facebook page, Twitter account, etc. for your candidacy. Ideally you would do this before the campaign so that you can promote the site and build a following!
Keep it positive
Never speak negatively about another student, or a teacher or ANYONE, period. That goes for social media campaigns as well. Monitor your campaign’s web presence to make sure these high standards are being met.
Never speak negatively about another student, or a teacher or ANYONE, period. That goes for social media campaigns as well. Monitor your campaign’s web presence to make sure these high standards are being met.
Step 4: Create unforgettable posters and slogans
Bright, Bold & To the point
Your posters should use bright colors (school colors are a plus) and convey your campaign pitch. You might consider include 1:) Your Name, 2:) The position you are running for and 3:) A call to action such as “Vote for Valerie” or “Re-Elect Jose”. 4:) A photo of yourself (space permitting)
Your posters should use bright colors (school colors are a plus) and convey your campaign pitch. You might consider include 1:) Your Name, 2:) The position you are running for and 3:) A call to action such as “Vote for Valerie” or “Re-Elect Jose”. 4:) A photo of yourself (space permitting)
Nice ring to it
Campaign slogans usually assign value to a person or thing. Think “Bob is great!” or “Broccoli is bad!” They can also convey an idealistic vision for the future such as, “United Campus. Dynamic Leadership. Proud Tradition.” If you’re name has a nice ring to it, your slogan can rhyme! (“We Like Mike!”)
Campaign slogans usually assign value to a person or thing. Think “Bob is great!” or “Broccoli is bad!” They can also convey an idealistic vision for the future such as, “United Campus. Dynamic Leadership. Proud Tradition.” If you’re name has a nice ring to it, your slogan can rhyme! (“We Like Mike!”)
Step 5: Deliver a memorable campaign speech
Strong Beginning
Start with a strong intro: tell a story, speak to the importance of this coming election or use humor. (Make sure its appropriate humor, no name calling or singling out a teacher or another student.)
Start with a strong intro: tell a story, speak to the importance of this coming election or use humor. (Make sure its appropriate humor, no name calling or singling out a teacher or another student.)
Share a few solid ideas
Based on your research (see above) narrow your ideas to three or four that you believe most people would support. Support your ideas with brief reasons or examples.
Based on your research (see above) narrow your ideas to three or four that you believe most people would support. Support your ideas with brief reasons or examples.
Powerful Ending
Rally the crowd with statements of school pride, a bright vision of the future or a moving quote. Humor properly used can be effective here too. Ask them to vote for you, remind them again of your name and be sure to say “THANK YOU!”
Rally the crowd with statements of school pride, a bright vision of the future or a moving quote. Humor properly used can be effective here too. Ask them to vote for you, remind them again of your name and be sure to say “THANK YOU!”
