You'll gain influence with your advocacy targets if the people you're targeting are convinced that there's some common ground between them and you. They need to see how libraries and reading deliver on the things that are important to them.

Try this mix and match exercise to choose the main messages you'll get across to different advocacy targets.

Look at the list of targets below, and the messages 1 - 13 detailing key library strengths

Enter in the right-hand column the messages you would use with each target. To print your work select the 'Print Preview' button and then use the browser print option.

Targets	Messages showing common ground
e.g. Head teachers	e.g. 2, 4, 7
Literacy Coordinators	Insert your message here
Creative Partnerships	Insert your message here
Connexions	Insert your message here
PAYP local delivery agents	Insert your message here
Early Years Partnerships	Insert your message here
Businesses	Insert your message here
Publishers	Insert your message here

Messages about the power of libraries' work with young readers: some key library strengths

For each target on the above list choose the messages which you would use to show the common ground between them and you:

Libraries have a vast network of community-based sites - space in the community which isn't home or school
Libraries have skilled staff who know how to support reading for pleasure
Borrowers are buyers too, so libraries help develop the market for reading
Libraries are experienced promoters of writers and books
Libraries give support for sustainability of projects - libraries as partners have permanent community presence.
Libraries offer diversity of reading choice
Libraries are year round providers - open in the holidays and out of school times
Libraries are building an increasing body of experience in bringing disengaged readers and young people at risk back to reading
Libraries have well established links with writers, illustrators, storytellers, illustrators, performance poets
Through their work with reading libraries are a key part of the creative world: readers bring the writer's text alive with their own imaginations, images and experiences
Libraries place an increasing emphasis on empowering young people - giving them a say over what books the library stocks
Libraries provide support for early years language development through early introduction to books, rhymes and story sharing
Libraries command huge footfall and audience reach. They make powerful partners in marketing and sponsorship campaigns

Have a look also at the Reader Development section of this website for some valuable messages about reading and libraries' Unique Selling Points (USPs).

Now move on to 3: Capacity.