1. Communicating the Value of your Youth Council
Helpful hints from the Forum & SpitFire Strategies

2. How effective messages work
Tap into the existing values and core concerns of the target audience
Messages attempt to overcome barriers or misconceptions they may have about the Youth Council
By tapping into existing values, you can create common ground and more easily motivate the audience to act
© 2010 The Forum for Youth Investment.

3. Stick to a theme, not a script
In order to be effective, make a few strong, memorable points that revolve around one central theme.
© 2010 The Forum for Youth Investment.

4. Be specific about your audience
A target audience is not:
the general public or
the media
A target audience can be:
State legislators
Governor’s office
Mayor’s office
Foundation leaders
Youth in your community
© 2010 The Forum for Youth Investment.

5. The messages have four main points:
A value message that taps into the common goal we share with the target audience
A message aimed at overcoming a key barrier that may prevent the target audience from buying into our message
Our specific ask around the Youth Council
A vision that relates back to our shared value
© 2010 The Forum for Youth Investment.

6. Tailored messages:
Provide specific state/local examples that respond to the main value or barrier that you are addressing.
© 2010 The Forum for Youth Investment.

7. Free Tool
SpitFire Strategies provides a free tool called a “Smart Chart”
The “Smart Chart” helps you to develop & communicate messages to your target audiences.
© 2010 The Forum for Youth Investment.

8. A look at Step #1
© 2010 The Forum for Youth Investment.

9. Accessing the Smart Chart
Register & Complete Online:
Download the PDF here:
© 2010 The Forum for Youth Investment.

10. For More information Contact: The Forum for youth investment
Danielle Evennou
© 2010 The Forum for Youth Investment.