Who doesn’t enjoy writing postcards with very short scripts? They are fast, fun, and can be done while watching TV. Why aren’t all postcard projects like that?
One answer is that in an election year, when time is of the essence, not all postcards serve the same purposes.
Early in the election year is the best time to send out voter registration materials. These postcards are typically informational, which may offer QR codes or links to voter registration websites and voting locations. Informational card scripts usually use minimal handwriting, because all the factual details need to be clear as a bell and easily read. These are the cards that end up taped to the refrigerator door until needed.
Later in the election year, we move more toward candidates and issues. These postcards are more relational – they are intended to establish person-to-person interaction. These are the cards that can introduce, persuade or support candidates or ideas. With relational postcard scripts, the goal is to provide a powerful message, which are mostly or fully handwritten to establish that necessary personal contact.
There are other variations, but these are clear examples. Postcards should be impactful, effective, and timely. And as volunteers in our grassroots army, we write the scripts that best serve the postcard campaign’s purposes.
Thank you for all you do, and keep up the good work!
Barbara