How to Write a Manifesto

Created by Sam Baran, Modified on Fri, 16 Feb at 5:32 PM by Sam Baran

Your election manifesto is your opportunity to showcase why students should vote for you and what positive changes you aim to bring about if elected. It serves as a blueprint of your vision and actions during your time in office. While personal interactions and campaign events are essential, for many voters, the manifesto is a key factor in their decision-making process.

Consider the following tips when crafting your manifesto:

1) Clarity is Key:

Be concise and use clear language. Avoid lengthy, complicated words. Your manifesto should resonate with a wide audience.

2) Set Realistic Goals:

Clearly outline your goals for your term in office, ensuring they are realistic and achievable. Remember, you are accountable to the student body, and unattainable promises may raise questions.

3) Relevance Matters:

Stay relevant to the position you're running for. Highlight experiences that demonstrate your leadership, tenacity, and tact, showcasing your suitability for the role.

4) Creativity and Inspiration:

Be creative and inspiring in your approach, but within the rules. Engage voters with innovative ideas that resonate with their concerns and aspirations.

5) Focus on Yourself:

Concentrate on your strengths and plans. Avoid discrediting opponents, maintaining professionalism and steering clear of potential legal issues.

6) Role Description Alignment:

Familiarize yourself with the role description for the position you're seeking. Address responsibilities and issues relevant to the role, demonstrating a clear understanding of the position.

7)Benefits Over Features:

Explain why your proposed policies are beneficial. For instance, improving campus lighting not only enhances aesthetics but also promotes safety and reduces the risk of crime.

8) Consider Your Audience:

Cater to the diverse interests of potential voters. Tailor aspects of your manifesto to appeal to various groups, such as active union members or those who engage casually.

9) Seek Input:

Survey your peers to gauge their needs and concerns. Insights from housemates, classmates, society members, and fellow commuters can spark unexpected and valuable ideas.

10) Be Realistic:

Ensure your manifesto is grounded in reality. Avoid overpromising or suggesting conflicting goals, as credibility is crucial in gaining voter trust.

Crafting a compelling manifesto requires thoughtfulness and strategic communication. Remember, your manifesto is a powerful tool to connect with voters, demonstrating your commitment to making a positive impact on the student experience.

Best of luck with your campaign!

Good Example:

In my pursuit to serve as your Student Union President, my manifesto revolves around fostering a more inclusive, dynamic, and student-centric campus environment. Through extensive discussions with fellow students, I've identified key areas that demand attention, and I pledge to bring about positive change in the following ways.

Clarity and Conciseness: My communication style is clear and accessible. No jargon or complicated language. I promise to keep you informed about the decisions affecting you, translating complex issues into understandable updates.

Realistic Goals: I commit to feasible initiatives that address immediate concerns. An example is the establishment of a student feedback system for campus services. This will provide a direct channel for your concerns, allowing us to make tangible improvements promptly.

Relevance and Suitability: My experiences in leading community engagement projects showcase my dedication to collaboration and problem-solving. These experiences have prepared me to effectively represent your diverse needs as your President.

Creativity and Inspiration: Expect innovative events and campaigns that inject energy into campus life. A yearly student-driven festival will celebrate our cultural diversity and foster unity.

Focus on Self: My manifesto highlights my vision and plans, emphasizing how my leadership style aligns with your aspirations. No negative campaigning here; let's keep the focus on what truly matters.

Role Description Alignment: I've thoroughly studied the responsibilities of the President role. My manifesto addresses these responsibilities head-on, promising initiatives that directly impact your student experience.

Benefits Over Features: Proposing a sustainability drive isn't just about recycling bins; it's about creating a greener campus that benefits everyone. I'll work towards solar-powered facilities to reduce our environmental footprint while cutting energy costs.

Consideration of Audience: Whether you're deeply involved in student organizations or a casual participant, my plans cater to your needs. From enhancing club facilities to expanding study spaces, everyone's voice matters.

Input from Peers: Your concerns are my concerns. Through conversations with classmates, society members, and commuters, I've gathered valuable insights that have shaped my manifesto.

Realistic Approach: I understand the limits of what can be achieved within a term. My promises are practical, ensuring that each proposal is attainable and contributes positively to our university experience.

This manifesto is not just a promise; it's a commitment to making your university journey exceptional. Together, let's shape the future we want for our student community.

Bad Example:

Hey everyone, vote for me! I’m running for President because, well, why not? I like cute bunny rabbits, and I think everyone should have one. I don’t know much about the role, but it seems like a fun thing to do. I promise to lower prices and increase spending on everything because who doesn’t want that? I mean, it sounds good, right?

I guess I'll try to be at some meetings and stuff, but I can’t promise much. Maybe we can have more parties, and I’ll see if I can get free pizza every Friday. Oh, and if you have any issues, I’ll listen or something.

I don’t really like rules, so let’s just have fun and see what happens. If you don’t vote for me, it's cool. Voting is overrated anyway. Let's make this a year of no rules and lots of parties!

I might not know what I’m doing, but hey, it's worth a shot. So, vote for me, and we'll figure it out together. Or not. Who knows?

This is just a bit of fun, right? I mean, it's only student government. Let’s keep it chill.