The Local Campaigning Network Pack - Introduction

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Introduction | What can you expect from PFC? | What does PFC expect from you? | Reporting to Base

Introduction

Press for Change has started a national network of volunteers who are willing to campaign within their local community. Some are also working with the "media network" and are contacting their local media - on whatever level they feel comfortable. People are also giving talks to local groups and meeting with influential individuals. Much good work is already being done. If you wish to join this growing band, you would be most welcome.

What can you expect from PFC?

General advice

We provide some ideas of local groups and individuals to target, detailed information about PFC’s aims, policies and structure, and briefing notes on a number of topics. This is all contained in our new "Local Volunteer’s Pack". For people joining the media network we also provide some general advice about handling and approaching the media.

Publicity materials

Leaflets, posters and information sheets for distribution to the media or the public will be supplied on request at no cost.

Information

In addition to the regular tri-annual newsletter, we will provide occasional special briefings for local volunteers - if we wish to campaign on a specific issue, or about key events which could generate useful publicity. We’ll also try to circulate information on what other people in the local network have achieved and we hope that this will lead to the formation of local groups which work together and offer mutual support.

Support

You will be given a named contact (local whenever possible) who is an experienced PFC Activist and to whom you can refer any queries or problems.

Confidentiality

Those people who wish to protect their privacy may use the PFC Box Number for their correspondence. You should be aware that this will delay post by around two weeks.

Expenses

Unfortunately PFC doesn’t have the resources to fund local campaigning at this time. With the prior agreement of the Hon. Treasurer, PFC may be able to refund some minor expenses such as postage, but local activists are expected to be largely self-sufficient and to undertake some fundraising. People giving radio or television interviews should expect to receive expenses from the company.

An invitation

Finally, we will invite all active volunteers to attend part of the annual PFC planning meeting. You will have a chance to meet Key Activists and other supporters and to talk about the campaign in detail.

What does PFC expect from you?

Commitment to PFC policy

We insist that you always make it clear whether you are speaking or writing as a private individual or on behalf of PFC. As a private individual you are of course free to express any views you wish, and we would still like to encourage you to mention PFC and give the contact details. But if you are speaking or writing on behalf of PFC, we ask you to observe PFC policy and to refer to "headquarters" any enquiries you do not feel qualified to answer.

Professional approach

PFC has gained enormous respect amongst transsexual and transgendered people AND amongst the public and the "establishment". We take great care to ensure we act professionally at all times (even when other people behave badly!). We insist that you should do the same when acting for PFC.

Please try to send any letters or faxes word-processed or typed. If they have to be hand written, make sure they are clear and legible.

"Home-made" publicity material should not be used. We need a consistent image, and only the "authorised" posters, leaflets etc. should be distributed. However ideas for new publicity materials are welcome.

Record keeping

We ask that you keep a brief written dated note of all contacts made, showing agencies and individuals approached, with addresses/telephone numbers where possible. This is to ensure we can easily check who has and hasn’t been targeted, for future reference.

Reporting back

We ask that you send in copies or photocopies of articles or letters which you have had published.

We ask that you report back quarterly on your activities so that we have an idea of how things are going and can publish a regular update in the newsletter to encourage other people.

Fundraising

We ask that you fundraise locally if necessary in order that local activist groups are basically self-supporting. See "Finance and Fundraising" sheet and the PFC Financial Policy and Procedures.

Reporting to Base

We are asking all Local Volunteers to report back from time to time on your activities so that we have an idea of how things are going and can publish a regular update in the newsletter to encourage other people.

Report to whom?

You should report on your activities via your Named Contact. We hope that where several people are working in an area, the contact person will send out a local news sheet to let people know what others are doing. S/he will also send a summary to "headquarters" and alert us of anything which has a bearing on actions taken nationally. S/he may also be able to build up a local directory of useful contacts.

How often?

We are initially asking you to report once a quarter, at the end of March, June etc. This will be reviewed after a year.

Report what?

Anything you’ve done to further the campaign!

Here are some suggested reporting categories:

1. Events attended or organised (with dates)

2. Fundraising undertaken (with results) N.B. actual money raised and claims for expenses go direct to the Hon. Treasurer (see below)

3. Information distributed (to whom)

4. Media coverage: TV or radio appearances, articles or letters published (please provide full references and keep cuttings or tapes if possible)

5. Media watch: any programmes or articles you have noticed and/or responded to in the local or national media which may be relevant (please provide copies of cuttings or full reference and keep cuttings or tapes if possible)

6. New contacts made, with names, addresses and context (e.g. GP, local Lib Dem councillor, radio presenter etc)

7. Progress in any special areas of work

8. Public speaking (to what groups)

9. Other

Your report need not be long or elaborate - scribble it on a postage stamp if you like, or write "nothing to report" - just send something!!!

Fundraising and expenses

If you have undertaken any fundraising or have yourself contributed money or resources to the campaign, you must also provide a signed record of income and expenditure together with receipts.

This should be sent directly to the Hon. Treasurer, not via your Named Contact.

Please see Fundraising for more details.