Family Resource Centre National Forum

2011 Election Awareness Raising Initiative

• To grow awareness of all candidates, but particularly those likely to be returned who don’t have knowledge of their local FRC and the national programme.

• To secure political commitments – from across the board – for continued exchequer funding of the FRC programme, especially over the period of the recession.

• To secure high level political support – from the main political parties – for the continuation of the FSA as the vehicle for delivery of the FRC programme.

Objectives

The Initiative will comprise two strands:• National political communications by the FRCNF to (1) seek

continued support for the programme and to (2) seek continued support for the FSA.

• Local awareness by all FRCs – who wish to engage in the initiative – to promote familiarity of the programme and secure support for its continued funding.

Structure of Initiative

Elements of National Initiative

• Letter to be drafted making the case for (1) continued support for FRC programme (2) continuation of the FSA as the vehicle for its delivery. Include requirement for a response so that this can be communicated pre-election to FRCs.

• Issue letter to party Leaders / policy staff of each political party.

• Undertake a new round of political communications during negotiation of the programme for government.

National Initiative

Elements of Local Initiative

• FRC Open Day (week 14 – 19 February): all candidates will be invited to attend their local FRC on a designated morning to be briefed on (1) services / activities (2) value-for money proposition (3) imperative for continued funding.

• Local Media : a press notice, release and photos will be incorporated into the open day event.

• Candidate Pledge: seeking all candidates to state their continued budget and policy support for the FRC programme. This will involve a web-wall to display signatories.

• Door Step Question: encourage clients to ask candidates if they will support continued exchequer-funding for their local FRC.

Actions

Structure

• DHR Communications to prepare an ‘election pack’ for each FRC – All FRCs will have by close of business Monday.

• FRCs in each constituency to identify their constituency coordinator immediately – email to info@familyresource.ie

• DHR Communications – in conjunction with FRCNF Chair/s – to draft letter for national political communications.

• Regional Reps and DHR Communications to act as key contact throughout initiative.

List of actions and roles

•QUESTIONS?

General Election 2011