Messaging Resources PDF Print E-mail

In order to engage people in the idea of making calls to their Senators about the Youth PROMISE Act, you have to first engage people in the bill and its concept. So here is no surprise, you should TALK to people as they walk past your table!

If you want to speak passionately and accurately about the Youth PROMISE Act you should train yourself and your chapter in how to message the bill.  Below are some materials to help with that, along with an outline for how to run a messaging training with your chapter or group of friends working on this action.

  • Youth PROMISE Act Elevator Speeches- short speeches (from 45 seconds long to 2 minutes long) that you can use to talk about YPA.  Be sure to personalize your speech to reflect what motivates you about the legislation!
  • Violence Statistics- A great resource for finding good statistics to use when talking to people that will really grab their attention.
  • Youth PROMISE Act Talking Points- Great lines to use when talking about the need for legislation like Youth PROMISE Act

Also be sure to read through the materials about Youth PROMISE Act so you are fully acquainted with the legislation!

Messaging Training Session

We recommend that your chapter go through a messaging training session together the week before you do the National Call-in Action.  Here is a sample schedule for how to run such a training session (can be done during your regular meeting time):

1) Provide an overview of Student Peace Alliance/Youth PROMISE Act

  • Provide a general overview of the Student Peace Alliance and the Youth PROMISE Act.  You can find materials to help you with this on our website.
  • If you are a chapter leader you can practice this part with your National Field Organizer before you present it to the group.

2) Answer some FAQs

  • This will help new members learn more about the organization and YPA and also allow more experienced members to practice how to answer these questions.

3) Explain what you will be doing at the table

  • Explain an elevator speech, the 30-60 second explanation of the organization.
  • Share ground rules for your chapter’s messaging, such as being truthful and respectful.
  • Be clear about what you’re asking people to do.  Do you want them to make a call to their member of Congress?  Do you want them to attend your next meeting? Or both?
  • Have members of your group share any helpful tips or experiences of theirs that have led to successful messaging.  Provide advice on how you’ve managed a difficult situation, such as a student giving a you a hard time while you were tabling.

4) Role-play in front of the group

  • Have a pair act out a realistic scenario for making a call, tabling, dorm-storming, or any other activity you’ll be doing.  If you’re going to be tabling and asking people to participate in your call-in, role play both activities.
  • Whether the actors are new members or returning members, this activity is really important in reducing the unknown in what can be a stressful experience.
  • After acting out the situation, encourage members of your chapter to highlight phrases or other aspects of the messaging that they thought worked well.
  • If someone in your group is willing, act out an over-the-top bad example.  This can help everyone recognize and avoid less effective ways of messaging without criticizing anyone’s personal messaging style.

5) Practice in pairs or small groups

  • Everyone should participate, practicing their elevator speeches and answering questions with another person.
  • Rotate partners so that everyone can practice with a few different people.
  • Try to mix some older members with newer members.

6) Regroup and share

  • Answer any new questions.
  • Invite people to share something that they or their partner said.
  • Address any parts of the messaging with which people are still uncomfortable.
  • Encourage your chapter to practice their messaging with a friend or family member, or even just to themselves.  Tabling or dorm-storming is intimidating for a lot of people, but being comfortable with what you’re saying helps a lot!