1. Notes4lyfe
Not crisis arcs, don’t make comments about crisis arcs, just notes
By: tIm fAass

2. What is a note Individual action taken by a crisis delegate
Like making a move in a game
Written to a specific character(s)
Could be used to do something or gain information
Joint crisis notes

3. Major Notes: Attack your big puppers in sections.
Greeting
Action you want done
Details for how it gets done
Final remarks with hint of next step/personal goodbye
Signing the note

4. Greeting
If the recipient someone very close to you, add a special something.
“To my unquenchably beautiful and intelligent wife/husband”
If the character’s relation to you is a stretch, use the first few lines to establish the connection, real or not.
“My old friend, do remember all the great times we had studying together at Georgetown? All those hours studying and hanging out together will be dear to me for a long time. Look at us now, you a general, me a CEO for a pen company, wow. Do you think you could...”
Do not do this connecting section every time. It can be annoying if done too much.
Make sure the connection is logical and well set up.

5. Action
Don’t force them to fish through the not to figure out what you are doing. Be upfront with it, then move into your details.
Think of it as the thesis statement in a paper you’d write for class.
This is not a 100% must so if you cannot smoothly put it in do not dwell on it.
“The military needs to write things down on paper. Award my company with the military’s pen company and here is how the deal can work.”

6. Devil in the Details
Layout your plan in your head and think of all the steps needed
Add details to any step that would not be obvious to an expert on the topic
Key things
Timing
Resources
Personell
Communication
Strategies
If you can think of an easy way to poke a hole in your plan, patch it with detail tape.
There is a difference between fluff and necessary details

7. Final Remarks
If it is a more personal recipient, add a personal closer here.
If the result does not yield itself to an easy response note, add a command.
Get back to me with 3 names...
Find me a location and when I can move in
Get into position and get to it. Update me when done
If the plan seems way out there, add a sneak peek at what is to follow.

8. A note? But they have those in GAs!
Not so fast crisis newcomer!
Private action taken by a delegate
Unique to crisis committees
Notes are vital to success in a crisis committee

9. Keys to a Good Note Details are vital for success Legible handwriting
Have a specific plan
Actions are always better than information requests
Joint Crisis Notes (be wary)
Always be writing something

10. A final note
If all of your notes are crazy long and multi page, your arc will suffer
Pick out the major steps in your arc before the weekend and outline notes, if you are the kind of person who thrives on preparation
You can keep the same format but shrink steps and cut steps
Having an index on your resources can ease this process
The more rapport you have with a staffer and character combo, the less personal effort needed
Don’t despair if a long not fails, sometimes it just is not in the cards