Public Information

Public Information/Materials

A fact sheet is a single sheet of paper listing important facts about an issue, project, or program. Often a group or agency will produce a series of fact sheets on a range of topics. They are fairly easy to produce, easy to understand, and inexpensive.

Some rules of thumb:

	Think about the objective and the message
	Consider the audience· Find the facts and verify them
	Cite sources, state assumptions
	Explain what the facts mean
	Consider graphical representation of the facts· Narrow the information to fit a page
	Don't: - overdo numbers and percentages - give too many facts - stretch the truth - cite unscientific surveys - be repetitive

Brochures and Pamphlets

Brochures and pamphlets are small documents that range from a single sheet (8" x 11" folded or 8" x 14" tri-folded) to a few pages, folded and stapled or bound. Though similar to fact sheets, brochures are much more varied in their content. They can explain an agency's or organization's purpose and services, describe a project or program, give responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs), and provide how-to instructions. They may be targeted to different audiences. They can be distributed at meetings, mailed out, or made available for pick-up at strategic locations.

Newsletters

A newsletter is a printed report of information and ideas that is distributed on a regular basis (e.g., monthly or semi-annually) to members or interested parties on a mailing distribution list. Newsletters are typically from two to eight pages in length.

	Newsletters have many benefits:
	keep members, participants and the public up to date about what's going on,
	educate all readers about issues and ideas,
	build cohesion and a sense of pride among members and participants,
	spark new interest in and increase recognition of the agency or group, and
	offer a format for information exchange.

Newsletter tips and strategies

Resources/Links:

Community Toolbox: Bringing Solutions to Light
University of Kansas Work Group on Health Promotion and Community Development in Lawrence, KS, and AHEC/Community Partners in Amherst, Massachusetts
Creating Brochures
Newsletters

Public Involvement Techniques for Transportation Decision Making
Federal Highway Administration, September 1996
Mailing lists