Dragons, donuts, horse masks, whale kites, rainbow socks, mailbox costumes, witches!
These are just some of the weird and whimsical ways folks in our community have been effectively advocating for change. Because these aren’t just spectacles to draw attention – they’re part of creative campaigns designed to motivate people towards action.
But let’s get real: most of us can’t turn on creativity like a spigot. It can feel especially difficult to innovate when you’re doing the hard and serious work of fighting for essential civil rights and protecting our communities from harm. But, we have good news! Over the past 15 years, we’ve developed simple but successful ways to increase the creativity and effectiveness of your work.
Center Hope, Celebration and Joy: This might feel especially hard right now, but it’s actually incredibly effective and strategic.
Use Mystery, Whimsy, and Surprise: Protests that don’t look like protests are more likely to provoke change.
Create Irresistible Imagery: Does anyone want another photo of people holding signs?
Make it Personal: Activations aimed at the general public are less likely to engage the people most likely to help.
Pursue Risk and Innovation: In a time of extreme change, let’s find the new tactics that work. Cheap, quick experiments go far in being effective in unexpected ways.
Invite Meaningful Participation and Interaction: It turns out that conversations change minds better than bullhorns!
Want to apply these to your activism, but not sure where to start? Download the toolkit for exercises aligned with each one of these principles.
TOP THREE CATALYSTS FOR CREATIVE CAMPAIGNS
This email is the third in our series on the top 3 catalysts for creative, effective campaigns. Read about all three catalysts:
- Clear, specific, and ambitious objectives
- A detailed and in-depth understanding of your audiences
- Investment in creativity and innovation
We Want Your Campaign to Win
We’re here to help! If you’ve got a campaign and want to talk about the steps to make it most creative and effective, get in touch, or sign up for Office Hours.
In Solidarity,
All of us at C4AA
Center for Artistic Activism
