Leaflet Delivery


Leaflet drops are an activity that everybody can get involved in, and they can spread our message far and wide.

A leaflet drop is often the first touchpoint a resident has with the European Movement. Unlike a street stall, which relies on footfall, or phone banking, which requires a known number, leafleting allows us to blanket entire neighborhoods with our key messages.

For local groups, it is an essential tool for building brand recognition and ensuring our campaign goals are visible in every corner of the UK.


Why Leaflet Drops?

In a crowded soccial media landscape, a physical leaflet provides a tangible reminder of the campaign.

We use them to... ▼
  • Scale Visibility
    To reach thousands of households in a single weekend that we could never reach face-to-face.
  • Signpost Action
    To drive traffic to digital petitions, local events, or the national website.
  • Build Local Presence
    To show that the European Movement isn't just a London-based organisation, but a group of active local residents.

They are also a good way to get your volunteers active with an action that may not be daunting to them.


The Pros and Cons

Like every method of campaigning there are pros and cons. Here are a few to think about.

Pros ▼
It is the most accessible form of volunteering and requires no prior training or "political" confidence. It allows for total coverage of a geographic area at a very low cost per contact.
Cons ▼
There is no immediate feedback loop or dialogue with the resident, making it harder to gauge persuasion. It can also be physically tiring and is heavily dependent on having a large, willing volunteer base.

This method won't be suitable for every campaign, so pick the ones that it is best for.


Organising a great session

A professional delivery session is about more than just walking; it's about logistics and strategy.

What you need to know ▼
  • Map Your Route
    Use a map or online tool to divide the area into manageable sections. This prevents volunteers from feeling overwhelmed and ensures no street is missed or double-delivered. You can create a custom map on Google Maps, if you don't have any other tools, and create your own sections on there.
  • The Delivery Kit
    Provide volunteers with a sturdy bag (to save their shoulders) and a "letterbox tool" (like a small spatula) to ensure fingers stay safe from stiff springs or dogs.
  • The Launch Point
    Meet at a central location like a park or cafe for a team catch up and briefing first, to make sure people know what to expect and who they are working with.

You should also meet at the end to collect feedback and to debrief volunteers, to make your next session even better. You should feed the results into a campaign report which is sent to the European Movement via the app.


Engaging the Public

Even though you aren't speaking to homeowners, the way you deliver the leaflet is the engagement.

Top tips for engagement ▼
  • The Push
    Always ensure the leaflet is pushed all the way through the letterbox. A leaflet hanging halfway out looks untidy, risks getting wet, and may get damaged meaning it will likely go straight in the bin.
  • Visual Branding
    If you have one, wear a European Movement t-shirt so that you can be identified by people as you walk around the neighbourhood.
  • QR Codes
    All European Movement leaflets have a QR code on them. If you will be delivering your own leaflets make sure they also have a QR code, so they can be scanned using a mobile phone. You should, ideally, use a tracking link so that you know how many times the codes are scanned.

Try to time your leaflet delivery at a time when people won't be getting lots of leaflets. For example, unless your leaflet is related to an election, it's best not to deliver yours the week before an election when people will already be sick of political leaflets.


Making the Issue Local

National leaflets are great, but local context wins hearts.

Localisation tips ▼
  • Pick Your Materials
    The European Movement provides a range of materials for numerous campaigns. Pick the campaign, and the specific leaflet, that will resonate most in your local community.
  • Local Impacts
    Target areas where European issues are felt most - such as near local businesses that export to the EU or universities that benefit from research ties.
  • Talking Points
    If anybody asks you questions while you are leafleting, such as if a resident opens the door when you are putting the leaflet through the letterbox, have some talking points ready about how this national campaign has a local angle.

You know your area better than anybody else so, while the national messaging must be followed, you should localise it in a way that makes sense to you and deliver campaigns in a way that work for your local area.


Engaging Volunteers

Leaflet drops are suitable for anybody, but here are a few tips to engage with all of your volunteers.

What you should consider ▼
  • The Newbie Pair
    Pair a brand-new volunteer with an experienced campaigner. It makes the walk social and allows the experienced campaigner to share tips on how to navigate tricky driveways or apartment blocks.
  • The Competitive Edge
    For experienced volunteers, set targets (e.g., "Let's see if we can finish this ward by 2 PM").
  • The Reward
    Always finish with a social "debrief" at a local pub or cafe. This builds the community which will help you to engage with your volunteers.

A leaflet drop might be a good way to get new volunteers involved after a recruitment drive, so why not consider coordinating the two for maximum effect.


Materials to Use

Even though this is a simple activity there are things you need to take into consideration when it comes to materials.

What to use and avoid ▼
  • What to Use
    You should only use high-quality leaflets such as those provided via the form on the Grassroots Hub. These look professional and are durable enough to survive a letterbox flap.
  • What to Avoid
    Photocopies and poor quality leaflets. If the text is blurry or the paper is thin and damaged it may end up straight in the bin. You should also avoid materials with old messaging, old dates or defunct campaign slogans. Only use leaflets which are currently available on the Grassroots Hub, and make sure any locally produced leaflets are up to date.

The latest leaflets can be ordered via the Grassroots Hub, and a preview of them can be found on the App. People can scan a QR code in the app to download leaflets to their devices.


Things to Remember

Here are some things that we recommend you take into consideration when planning a leaflet drop, to have the best effect possible.

Safety First ▼
Always carry your phone, stay in pairs if possible, and let the organiser know when you have finished your seciton.
Use Your PLI Certificate ▼
Ensure the lead organiser has a copy of the European Movement's Public Liability Insurance from the Grassroots Hub. This is a low risk activity but it is better to have it with you just in case.
Respect "No Junk Mail" Signs ▼
While political material could be classed as a legitimate interest rather than junk mail, putting it through letterboxes which specifically say "no junk mail" may cause resentment.
Push leaflets all the way ▼
A leaflet left sticking out is unprofessional and a safety hazard for the resident. A clean "click" of the letterbox flap is the sound of a job well done.
Stay on the Paths ▼
Never cut across someone's lawn or flowerbeds. Respecting the property of the people we are trying to win over is a basic but vital rule.
Check for "Beware of Dog" Signs ▼
If there is a sign or you hear barking, use a delivery tool or skip the house. No leaflet is worth a nipped finger.
Wear Your Branding ▼
Even without a conversation, being identifiable as a European Movement volunteer builds trust and visibility in the street.
Use a delivery tool ▼
A spatula, or similar, can make putting a leaflet through a door so much easier and quicker.
Keep Leaflets Dry ▼
If it starts to rain, put your leaflets in a plastic bag inside your delivery bag. A soggy, wrinkled leaflet will be thrown straight in the bin.
Don't forget to take photos ▼
Take a photo of your team with their bundles of leaflets before you start, and also photos of your group in action. These can be posted on your social media profiles, and should also be e-mailed to the Field Team for use in promo materials.

Not all of these will be relevant to you but taking them into consideration will help you to plan your session.


Things to Avoid

Here are some things that we recommend that you avoid to give you the best session possible.

Don't Knock on Doors ▼
This is a delivery-only session. Avoid the temptation to engage in long chats as the goal is to get as many leaflets delivered as possible.
Avoid Delivering After Dark ▼
It can look suspicious to residents and is a safety risk for volunteers. Aim to finish all deliveries by sunset.
One leaflet only ▼
Never put more than one of the same leaflet through a door, as it reduces the chance that people will read our message. Pick the best leaflet for your session and deliver that one.
Avoid Gated Communities ▼
If a block of flats requires a code or a key, don't try to tail-gate your way in. Respect the security of the building.
Don't Leave Leaflets in Communal Areas ▼
If you can't get to individual letterboxes in a block of flats, don't just leave a pile on the floor. They will be swept up as litter.
Avoid long debates ▼
If you do get asked what you're doing, stick to the EMUK briefing. Don't get drawn into unrelated partisan debates.
Don't Dump Excess Leaflets ▼
If you have 50 left over, bring them back to the organiser. Never throw them away as the European Movement relies on small donations to fund its campaigns and this would be a waste.
Watch out for Hazards ▼
When crossing busy roads or working in town centres, don't let your maps or bags distract you from your surroundings.
Don't Be Defensive ▼
If someone asks you to leave their property, do so immediately and politely. A "Have a nice day" goes a long way in de-escalating.
Don't Forget the Debrief ▼
The most important part for volunteer retention is the "thank you" at the end. Don't let people just wander off; gather the group to celebrate the total number of houses covered.

However, you know your area best so the information above is advice rather than a set of rules.