Manifesto top tips!

Ok so you have decided to stand for election.  How do you tell people that they should vote for you, & that you would be the right person to represent their views?

By writing a manifesto!

What is a manifesto?

It is a statement of intent - what you intend to do and your beliefs.  It should let the reader know what you would try to do for them and why they should vote for you.

How many words?

For the 2008 elections your manifesto can be a maximum of 100 words.

Here are some tips to help you:

1. Work out and note down in rough what you stand for, what issues you feel strongly about and what you may do to try and improve the situation.  Think of issues affecting young people in your area, or the county & beyond.  Also think about what you may say in the first line of your statement as this will catch people's eye.
2. Once you have decided the issues write them down with what you feel as the most important first.
3. Note down what you may do to try to address these issues.  Is this realistic?!
4. Note down what strengths and qualities you have that would make you a good representative/member.- Be honest!
5. Note down why people should vote for you.-
   -Now put it all together!
6. Be clear in what you say but think about ways to catch people's attention.
7. Be careful with slang or jargon and check the spelling and grammar!
8. You don't have to use all the 100 words.
9. Don't make things up or use abusive language.
10. Remember this manifesto is all the voters know of you!  Let them know your strengths, what you will do for them, what issues you may tackle... !

Good luck!