Campaign Templates

Ready-made blueprints to help communities organize faster, smarter, and more effectively.

Quick tip: pick one clear goal per campaign. Focus beats scatter- a tight ask makes it easier to measure success and mobilize people.

1) Permit Opposition Campaign (e.g., oppose a new mine or permit modification)

Goal: Prevent approval of Permit #XXXX (or force meaningful changes/conditions).

Core Message: This permit threatens local water, health, and property; regulators must protect residents, not fast-track industry profits.

Primary Targets: State permitting agency decision-makers, local elected officials, media, neighboring communities.

Tactics

  • Rapid-response timeline for public comments + hearings
  • Collect & publish documented impacts (photos, water tests, testimonials)
  • Mobilize residents to submit individualized comments (template provided below)
  • Request and publicize a hearing; organize turnout & testimony training
  • Earned media outreach (local news, state reporters)
  • Petition for regulators with signatures and supporting documentation

Sample 8-week timeline

  • Week 1: Alert neighbors, form core team, collect evidence
  • Week 2: Draft comment templates, launch petition, media alert
  • Week 3: Submit individual comments; start social amplification
  • Week 4: Hold community meeting & hearing prep session
  • Week 5: Attend public hearing; deliver testimony
  • Week 6: Follow up with regulators / electeds; demand response
  • Week 7–8: Sustain pressure: op-eds, calls, meetings

Roles

  • Campaign Lead (timeline & liaison)
  • Documentation Lead (photos, maps, water tests)
  • Outreach Lead (neighbors, social, press)
  • Testimony Coaches (prep speakers)
  • Legal/SMCRA Advisor (if available)

Assets to create

  • One-page factsheet (issue & ask)
  • Comment letter templates (short + long)
  • Hearing script worksheet
  • Petition form (paper & online)
  • Social graphics and event flyers

Metrics

  • #comments submitted
  • #people at hearing
  • Media mentions (local/regional)
  • Petition signatures

Sample copy (use/adapt):

Social post (short):

OUR COMMENT DEADLINE: [DATE] — A new permit (Permit #XXXX) would threaten our wells and streams. Submit your comment today: [link to template]. Join our hearing prep meeting [date/time]. #ProtectOurWater

Email subject + body (to supporters):

Subject: Urgent — Comment period closes [DATE]: Help protect our water
Body: Hi — Regulators are accepting comments on Permit #XXXX through [DATE]. This permit would [brief risk]. Please (1) submit a comment using our one-click template [link], (2) join our hearing prep [date], and (3) share with neighbors. Your voice matters. — [Group name & contact]

Press headline + lede (for outreach):

Headline: Community Demands Regulator Deny Risky Coal Permit Near [Town]
Lede: Residents of [town] warn that Permit #XXXX could contaminate local wells and call on [agency] to hold a public hearing and deny approval until adequate protections are in place.

2) Reclamation Funding / AML Prioritization Campaign

Goal: Ensure AML funding is directed to high-risk sites in your county and that the community is prioritized in project selection.

Core Message: Federal/state reclamation funds should repair the worst hazards first and be planned with affected communities.

Primary Targets: State AML program managers, OSMRE regional office, congressional delegation, local government.

Tactics

  • Map and document top priority AML hazards in your area
  • Produce a community priorities memo and send to AML program & OSMRE
  • Meet with state AML director & federal reps; request transparent scoring criteria
  • Media outreach highlighting human stories + economic benefits of reclamation
  • Mobilize local governments to pass supportive resolutions

Timeline (12 weeks)

  • Weeks 1–2: Compile AML inventory, gather photos/testimony
  • Weeks 3–4: Draft community priorities memo + one-pager
  • Weeks 5–6: Request meetings with AML & OSMRE; share memo
  • Weeks 7–10: Hold town hall; collect municipal resolutions
  • Weeks 11–12: Follow up, publicize commitments

Roles

  • Research Lead (maps, site list)
  • Policy Lead (memo drafting, scoring questions)
  • Outreach Lead (local officials, media)
  • Events Coordinator (town hall)

Assets

  • AML priority map (print + web)
  • Community memo & recommended project list
  • Sample municipal resolution template
  • Economic benefits one-pager

Metrics

  • Meetings with AML/OSMRE officials
  • #municipal resolutions passed
  • Funding commitments or project placements

Sample copy:

Social post:

Our community has identified 8 abandoned mine hazards that need urgent cleanup. We asked the state AML program to prioritize them- sign the letter to support local reclamation now. [link]

Email to officials:

Subject: Request to prioritize AML projects in [County]- community memo enclosed
Body: Dear [Name], attached is a community-developed list of high-risk abandoned mine sites and the local priorities for AML funding. We request a meeting to discuss prioritization criteria and community involvement.

3) Methane Monitoring & Reduction Campaign

Goal: Require baseline/continuous methane monitoring and strong controls (venting/gob wells mitigation) for active and abandoned longwall mines.

Core Message: Methane from mining harms climate and safety- accurate monitoring and controls are essential.

Targets: State DEP, OSMRE, EPA, operators, media, climate allies.

Tactics

  • Compile baseline community-facing explainer on methane (what, why it matters)
  • Petition for mandatory monitoring & public reporting
  • Pressure regulators to adopt enforceable methane limits and vendor-neutral monitoring tech (sensors)
  • Partner with universities/tech groups to deploy independent sensors where possible
  • Run a “Measure Methane” public awareness week and media push

Timeline (ongoing + milestones)

  • Months 1–3: Baseline research, sensor pilot (if feasible), stakeholder outreach
  • Month 4: File petition / public comment with regulator
  • Month 6: Media week and regulator follow-up

Roles

  • Science Lead (sensor/data)
  • Policy Lead (rule/petition drafting)
  • Community Liaisons (site hosts for monitors)
  • Communications Lead

Assets

  • Methane explainer one-pager
  • Draft rule/petition language
  • Data dashboards or shared Google Sheet (if sensors deployed)
  • Media pack for reporters

Metrics

  • Number of monitors deployed
  • Readings captured & shared publicly
  • Policy or permitting changes requiring monitoring

Sample copy:

Social post:

Methane is a potent climate pollutant and is being released from nearby mines. We’re asking [agency] to require continuous monitoring and public data. Sign our petition: [link]

4) Community Health Documentation & Action Campaign

Goal: Document and elevate local health concerns linked to mining and push regulators to investigate and act.

Core Message: Health impacts are evidence of environmental harm- communities deserve testing, tracking, and protective action.

Targets: Local public health department, state DEP, clinics, media, researchers.

Tactics

  • Distribute health symptom surveys and collect anonymized data
  • Organize community health forums with doctors/academics
  • Coordinate voluntary household water testing drives (partner lab)
  • Compile a health impact brief and submit to agency + legislators
  • Request health investigation or epidemiological study

Timeline (6–9 months)

  • Months 1–2: Survey design, IRB/partnership check if needed
  • Months 3–4: Data collection (surveys + water tests)
  • Month 5: Host health forum, draft brief
  • Months 6–9: Submit brief, request investigation, follow up

Roles

  • Health Lead (liaison with public health/clinicians)
  • Data Manager (surveys, spreadsheets)
  • Outreach Lead (encouraging participation)
  • Logistics (sample collection coordination)

Assets

  • Printable & online survey templates
  • Consent forms and data privacy guidance
  • List of partner clinics/labs
  • Health brief template

Metrics

  • #surveys completed
  • #water samples tested
  • Response from health department / investigation launched

Sample copy:

Email to neighbors:

Subject: Help document community health impacts- quick 5-minute survey
Body: We’re collecting information about symptoms and well water issues in [area]. Your submission helps make the case for testing and protective action. Survey link: [link]

5) Outreach & Recruitment Campaign (Grow Membership / Volunteers)

Goal: Increase membership by X people and recruit Y active volunteers in 3 months.

Core Message: Join neighbors protecting our community’s water, air, health, and future. Small commitments make big differences.

Targets: Local residents, nearby towns, former volunteers, allied org audiences.

Tactics

  • Host house-party info sessions and tabling at community events
  • Short video testimonials from local members
  • Social media ad boost (small budget) + email drip to local lists
  • “Bring a neighbor” challenge + volunteer onboarding sessions

30-day sample timeline

  • Week 1: Launch signup page + social push
  • Week 2: Host two info sessions (one daytime, one evening)
  • Week 3: Volunteer orientation session
  • Week 4: Follow-up calls to new signups

Roles

  • Membership Coordinator
  • Events Lead
  • Communications Lead

Assets

  • Signup landing page
  • Short testimonial video (30–60s)
  • Welcome packet & volunteer role descriptions

Metrics

  • #new signups/members
  • #attendees at events
  • #new volunteers assigned roles

Sample copy (social):

Want to protect our water and safety? Join our community group- 1 hour a month can make a difference. Sign up: [link]

6) Policy or Legislative Campaign (e.g., Better Bonding, Stronger Methane Rules)

Goal: Pass a specific bill or rule change (e.g., SB/HR ### or DEP rulemaking).

Core Message: Stronger laws protect communities, create fairness, and prevent future abandonment.

Targets: Legislators, regulatory staff, key committee members, media, allied policy groups.

Tactics

  • Develop a one-page policy brief with data and local case studies
  • Build coalition of affected communities and statewide partners
  • Hill meetings / state capitol visits with affected residents
  • Op-eds and targeted earned media around bill hearings
  • Grassroots constituent calls and emails to committee members on vote day

90-day plan

  • Weeks 1–4: Draft brief & coalition building
  • Weeks 5–8: Legislator outreach and hearings prep
  • Weeks 9–12: Mobilize grassroots calls/emails; media surge during committee vote

Roles

  • Policy Lead (crafts brief & negotiates language)
  • Lobby Lead (schedules meetings)
  • Coalition Coordinator
  • Communications Lead

Assets

  • Policy brief & fact sheet
  • Testimony template for hearings
  • Constituent call/email scripts
  • Social toolkit for coalition partners

Metrics

  • #co-sponsors / supportive votes
  • #constituent contacts to target offices
  • Media placements and op-eds

Sample copy (constituent email):

Subject: Please support SB/HR ### to require full bonding for mine reclamation
Body: [Personal line]. I urge you to co-sponsor/support SB/HR ### to ensure companies fully cover reclamation costs and protect taxpayers. Our community has suffered [brief example]. Please act now.

Quick Tools & Checklists (for every campaign)

Pre-campaign checklist

  • Do we have one clear, measurable goal?
  • Do we have a core team and assigned roles?
  • Do we have basic documentation (photos, maps, testimonies)?
  • Do we have a short, compelling ask and headline?
  • Do we have key contacts (agency, media, electeds)?

Mobilization checklist (first 7 days)

  • Launch petition or comment template
  • Post 1st social message + event page
  • Press advisory sent to local reporters
  • Neighborhood outreach (flyers, phone trees)
  • Schedule next community meeting

Evaluation (after campaign)

  • Measure against metrics (comments, turnout, media)
  • Collect lessons learned (what worked/what didn’t)
  • Thank supporters and document wins publicly
  • Decide next steps (appeal, escalate, new campaign)

Final tips

  • Lead with local stories- facts matter, but people move with personal stories.
  • Use one central place for shared docs (Google Drive) and assign a single person to keep it organized.
  • Aim for simple asks (deny permit, fund project, require monitoring). Tactical clarity gets results.
  • Celebrate small victories publicly, they build momentum and retain volunteers.