The Guide “How to run a green campaign” / "Plane deine Nachhaltigkeits-kampagne" (EN/GER)

Aims of the tool

For youth workers:
- to equip them with a structured and precise tool targeted at a specific thematic - the constraint of plastic usage
- to plan a needs- and topic-based strategy for their campaign
- to educate young people on ecological citizenship
- to learn dissemination strategies on how to make a green campaign viral
- to exploit social media for increasing the impact of the campaign
- to search for funding resources when organising a campaign
- to coach and engage young people in participating or organising green initiatives
- to apply non-formal methodologies, like experiential learning and whole-community approach, for engaging young people in green initiatives

For young people:
- to acquire knowledge on to build a campaign from scratch
- to gain step-by-step instructions on how to plan the campaign’s strategy
- to know-how to fund their campaign
- to exploit social media for making their campaign viral

Description of the tool

By providing tools and methodologies for organising, implementing and disseminating campaigns against plastic overuse, the Guide empowers youth workers and young people to run effective environmental campaigns. With precise strategies and step-by-step instructions on how to campaign against excessive plastic use, youth organisations and their members will be equipped with the confidence and relevant skills.

The Guide consists of seven chapters:
1. Problem identification: this chapter introduces the Guide's purpose and highlights the critical importance of environmental activism, particularly in addressing the pervasive issue of plastic pollution. We delve into the specific environmental challenges posed by plastic usage, exploring its detrimental impacts on both local communities and the global ecosystem. By understanding these pressing issues, young people can be inspired to design and implement impactful green campaigns that create positive change.

2. Campaign strategy definition & setting: this chapter guides youth workers in developing a strategic plan for their green campaign. By outlining clear objectives, identifying target audiences, crafting compelling messaging, and defining effective tactics, youth workers can create a comprehensive and achievable strategy. This chapter provides practical tools and resources to ensure that campaigns are well-planned and impactful.

3. Educating & engaging young campaigners on taking environmental action: this chapter explores strategies to inspire and motivate young people to become active environmental advocates. By providing insights into effective education and engagement methods, we aim to equip youth workers with the tools they need to foster a sense of purpose and agency among young people. Through tailored approaches, we can empower them to take meaningful action and create a lasting impact on their communities.

4. Content Creation: this chapter explores the art of crafting engaging and impactful content to support green campaigns. By exploring various formats, such as social media posts, videos, infographics, and educational materials, youth workers can develop content that resonates with young people and effectively communicates the campaign's message. This chapter provides tips for tailoring content to address the unique needs and interests of young audiences, ensuring that the campaign's message is both informative and inspiring.

5. Make your campaign viral: this chapter explores the strategic use of digital platforms and social media to amplify the reach and impact of green campaigns. By offering practical advice on viral marketing strategies, influencer engagement, and leveraging online communities, youth workers can maximise the potential of digital tools to spread their message. This chapter equips campaign organisers with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilise the power of the internet to drive change.

6. Funding: this chapter addresses the critical challenge of securing adequate funding to support the implementation of a green campaign. By exploring various funding sources, including grants, sponsorships, and crowdfunding, youth workers can develop a sustainable funding strategy that aligns with the campaign's goals and objectives. This chapter provides practical advice on writing compelling grant proposals, building effective partnerships, and leveraging online platforms to raise funds.

7. Environmental Campaign Success Stories: this chapter showcases inspiring examples of successful green campaigns implemented in Austria, Germany, Greece, Poland, Italy and Estonia. Through collaborative contributions from each partner, we will present diverse case studies from different countries, highlighting the unique challenges, strategies, and achievements of these campaigns. By learning from these real-world examples, youth workers can gain valuable insights and inspiration for their own initiatives.