Develop Prevention Project Materials

Learn from the experts. The following suggestions can greatly increase the professional look and feel of a prevention project and increase exposure.

Develop a memorable campaign name. Prevention project names should be simple and self-explanatory. A project name that instantly conveys the primary goal of the project has a better chance of creating name recognition than a name that a reader must exert an effort to figure out. A project name does not need to convey every aspect of the project. Consider using a campaign name that forms a witty and smart acronym.

Develop a campaign logo. Name recognition is enhanced with a memorable logo. Hire a professional or volunteer graphics arts specialist to develop professional-level logos that carry out the theme of the project for letterhead, envelopes, handouts, brochures, flyers, posters, advertisements, and give-aways, such as bookmarks.

Develop a project template. Have a graphics artist develop a simple desktop-publishing template into which text from word processing software can be placed. It should include graphics design elements, the campaign logo, and contact information. With this template, materials can be easily and quickly prepared. Use the template to develop project handouts, background materials, press releases, fact sheets, activity updates, and other materials. When all project materials have the same look and feel, the project appears professional.

Develop a campaign brochure. Even with limited funds, develop a brochure that explains the goals, objectives, and mission of the project; lists project leaders; and provides contact information. It can serve as a promotional device to recruit new participants and as a tool to answer the most commonly asked questions about the project.

Develop campaign fact sheets. Fact sheets can provide a wealth of background information about the target problem, the effects of the problem on the community, statistics, personal stories, the prevention approach, anticipated outcomes of the project, and illustrations about how this approach has worked elsewhere. Fact sheets can also provide project-specific information, such as upcoming activities, project updates, project principals’ biographies, and project successes and outcomes. Much general information for fact sheets, such as information about specific drugs, prevention approaches, and statistics, can be obtained from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information, the National Institute of Justice, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.