The Biodiversity Project has produced this message kit "as a resource and springboard for outreach by non-profit organisations on issues related to biodiversity and spraw [the build-up of natural areas for human use]. The kit contains two sections: fact sheets that include information about biodiversity and how it relates to sprawl, and a section of communications tips and specific recommendations for talking about sprawl and related issues. The fact sheets are designed to stand alone, so that they can be copied and given to journalists, public leaders and other interested parties for concise background information on biodiversity and sprawl. The communications sheets are designed for internal use by smart growth advocates, to help... develop and refine more effective and powerful communications strategies and messages."

The kit includes the following sections listed below:

1. Introduction
2. Fact Sheets
   
   
   • Biodiversity Is…
   • Personal Actions to Help Preserve Biodiversity
   • Sprawl Is…
   • Tools and Measures that Can Help Curb Sprawl
   • Habitat Loss at a Glance
   • Air and Water Impacts at a Glance
   • Farmland Loss at a Glance
   • Open Space Loss at a Glance
   • Community Impacts at a Glance
   • Human Health Threats at a Glance
   • Economic Costs at a Glance





3. Communications Sheets
   
   
   • Crafting a Communications Strategy
   • Getting the Message Out: Pathways to the Public
   • Talking about Biodiversity
   • Talking about Sprawl: Key Messages
   • The Words We Use
   • Talking about the Solutions
   • Responding to Common Concerns
   • Finding the Right Messenger
   • Lessons from the Field





4. Resources
   
   
   • Smart Growth/Anti-Sprawl Ads
   • Biodiversity Ads
   • Biodiversity Slogan and Logo
   • Glossary

As a resource for those using the kit, the Biodiversity Project and Green Team Advertising have produced a series of ads on biodiversity, sprawl, and smart growth that incorporate the sprawl and biodiversity messages in poster format and logos, available here. Those interested in receiving a CD-ROM with the ads (and biodiversity graphics) in an electronic format allowing users to modify certain aspects of the ads to meet their specific communications needs - groups can insert a targeted call-to-action, add their organisational logo, or substitute a photo from the local community or landscape will first be sent a memorandum of agreement that describes the guidelines and restrictions for use. These ads cannot be used without the express permission of the Biodiversity Project.



The message kit is available by the subheadings in downloadable PDF format from the website below. The message kit may also be ordered from the contact address below (mailed within the United States or Canada). The Biodiversity Project asks that you include your name, organisation, title, address, e-mail, and phone number with your order.