Prepare one or more scenarios relevant to the group. The group, or small groups, should first discuss the scenario and identify the reader, the purpose and the intended impact. They should decide the best format but keep it to one page. Unless this is part of a desktop publishing course, the design should just be a sketch showing what design elements will be used.
Your union local is planning a New Year's party for members and friends. You need to let everyone know the details.
Example of group discussion:
Reader: local union members
Purpose: inform members about details of the party (where, when…)
Intended impact: to encourage members to buy tickets; to come to the party and have a good time
Format: flyer/poster
The government has announced funding cutbacks to the local women's shelter. The union executive has decided to ask members to phone or write the local politicians to support the shelter and stop the cut.
Reader: local union members
Purpose: inform members about cut and the need of the shelter
Intended impact: to phone or write local politicians
Format: leaflet
The next stewards' meeting has to be rescheduled. Also, there's a new point for the agenda: Labour Council is planning a special meeting to publicize a new CLC campaign that's very important for your workplace.
Reader: stewards
Purpose: inform stewards about new meeting time, and special new point
Intended impact: to come at the right time and be sure to be there
Format: memo