How to Write a Firehouse and Rescue Squad BrochureReturn to Commercial Copy Local volunteer firehouses and rescue squad depend heavily on community support for their existence (at least in the United States). That's why they need to be in touch with their community constantly to raise the funds they need to replenish equipment and personnel. They need to do that to be more aware of the community needs as well. That's the reason why local firehouses and rescue squads need brochures, newsletters, fliers written and mailed regularly to their constituency. You can help them by offering your copy writing and document design services. A firehouse and/or rescue squad newsletter or brochure should have the following components: FRONT COVER PHOTO should show the rescue squad in action -- saving lives, putting out fires, etc. The graphic should reflect the core functions of the organization and the dedicated professionals who are delivering them. INSIDE FRONT COVER should be devoted to a welcome letter written by the organization President and/or Firehouse or Squad Chief, with their pictures. The letter should be short, reminding the good that the organization has done for the last XX years and need to pursue the same path of excellence by a new injection of funds, and thus the role that the recipient can play in that effort. TRANSPARENCY and ACCOUNTABILITY PAGES should include full documentation of the activities supported by the previous year's budget and donations. Publish a table showing which activities consumed what kind of money and the public good they've accomplished. Give a detailed description of the life-saving equipment and assets purchased by the organization like fire trucks, fire hoses, ambulances, cardiac monitors, defibrillators, chest compression systems, first aid materials, pressure ventilation fans, power generators and backup systems, rescue ladders, saws and rams, etc.
THE FACES, THE PERSONNEL that make it all happen are very important to get across to the public. Devote as many pages as possible to the photos and stories of your key personnel; where they're coming from, why they're doing what they’re doing in life instead of something else, etc. MAP OF SERVICE AREA and a LIST OF SERVICES is a must. The reader must be able to comprehend immediately the community the organization serves. LIST OF VOLUNTEERS, DONORS and STAFF, including everyone from the Board of Directors members to Truck Drivers will help personalize the appeal and drive home the message that this is an organization well like and supported by people like ... "you"! CONTACT INFORMATION should be complete with address, phones numbers, web site and blog URL, and social networking IDs (Facebook, Twitter, etc.). EMERGENCY FAQ. You might also want to include a small FAQ sharing information about what to do in times of emergency, thus educating your donors while demonstrating your expertise and re-establishing your authority in the matter. DONATION ENVELOPE INSERT is an extra but great touch since even in this day and age of the Internet there are many people, especially in the elderly community, who prefer to write a check, put in an envelope, lick a stamp and mail it the old fashioned way. (Photo © Ugur Akinci) Have a Great Tip, Photo or Comment About This Topic?Do you have a great tip or photo about this? Something that you believe we should read or see? Contribute and share it today! |
