For decades, college campuses have been ground zero for spreading messages. The younger crowd has always found a way to make their voices heard and promote their points of view.
With election season upon us, more elections to come, and too many social issues to count, many people have views they’d like to push and opinions they’d like to express. If you have a cause you’re fighting for, below are some ways you can get your message across on campus.
1. Campus Publications
One thing that all students have access to is the campus newspaper, whether it’s in print or online. Granted, not all students actually pick up the campus newspaper, but it’s still a great place to push your message. Find out who would be the best person to speak to about getting into the paper. It could be an ad for an event, or an op-ed explaining your views and position.
Your school may also have other publications that would be a suitable place for what you’re trying to promote. My campus only had one publication, but other campuses have magazines and independent newspapers. Check to see if this is an option for you.
2. Join An Organization
Campus organizations have many privileges that regular students don’t have, such as having the option to table. Tabling is basically where student organizations set up a table in the student center and pass out information, food, or anything else related to the organization or event. If you start or join a student organization that matches with your views, then it would be a lot easier for you to spread your message across campus. Not only will you be able to table, but you’ll be connecting with other people who share your views and would be interested in helping you to spread your message.
3. Get People’s Attention
A few semesters ago, there was a large set up on the campus lawn with cardboard walls and graphic images of what happens during abortion. This caught people’s attention because it was very disturbing and also because abortion is a large issue. Whatever you do to spread your message, make sure it’s captivating. It doesn’t have to be something that’s graphic or disturbing, but make sure it’s hard for people to ignore. Even if they don’t agree with the message, they may still pay attention to what you have to say.
4. Talk To The Student Government Association
Most SGAs have periods in the schedule where they’ll listen to student concerns and proposals. This would be a good time to take advantage of because if they want to help you promote your message, they’ll give you opportunities you otherwise wouldn’t get. They could organize for a mass e-mail to be sent out to the students, help you get promotion on a screen in the campus center, etc. Find out when your SGA holds these kinds of meetings so you’ll be able to take advantage of it.
5. Leave Information
Once, while tabling for an event, a faculty member gave my student organization the option to leave our flyers on the desk in the student center. You probably notice that there are a lot of random flyers in the campus gym or other campus offices. See if you can leave your flyers there as well.
6. Use Your Professors
Professors who agree with your views or message or who may want to support your event will aid you. All you have to do is ask. When my student organization was advertising for an event, we reached out to professors who worked in the department our event was related to. Many of them sent the information to their students. Some professors even offered their students extra credit to attend the event. Some professors may ignore you or say no, but others will be of great help.
Good stuff Queen. Key.