Scientific progress is based on finding answers to questions. While the answers to many of these questions may seem intuitive—without evidence—they may in fact be false. It is therefore important for you not to reach a conclusion when there is no evidence to support that conclusion. For this assignment, you will develop a brochure for families composed of national, ethnic, racial, religious, or sexual minorities who may or may not be economically disadvantaged. The purpose of the brochure is to inform them of specific sources of stress that they might experience. For example, in their article, Hicken, Lee, Morenoff, House, and Williams (2014) review race-based social stressors such as perceived discrimination and the stress of wanting to outperform negative expectations of one’s racial/ethnic group.

 

You will need to clearly select a specific group; in your brochure, you will need to define that group. Next, you must discuss both the stresses they might experience and the sources of those stressors. You can then provide them with some coping strategies to use including mindfulness. Please remember that you are expected to document all your statements even though a conclusion might seem intuitive.

 

Length: 6 columns and a 2-page brochure

 

Creating a Brochure – The Basics

 

 There are several software programs, including Microsoft Publisher, that are designed to create a variety of different written materials. However, you can easily create your own using Microsoft Word.

Depending on the version of Word that you may have, you can open a template and simply cut and paste your information into a template; or you can search the Internet for a free template that meets your needs. 

You can use Word to create a simple brochure by completing the following steps:

Open a new file in Word. Then, name it and save it as you would any other assignment.

Go to Page Layout>Margins>Narrow (1/2 inch).

Write your content or text. and then insert your graphics.

Go to Page Layout>Orientation>Landscape. Change to Landscape (11 x 8 ½).

Highlight the text.

With text highlighted, go to Page Layout>Columns>Three. Click and save.

Now, your file is a draft brochure that you can review, revise, and proofread before you submit it to your instructor for feedback.

 

Creating an Effective Brochure – Simple Tips

 

Effective brochures present information that is organized, informative, supported by valid research, and easy to understand. You can prepare an effective brochure by using the following tips:

Use short, yet compelling words, and brief sentences. Keep your audience in mind.

Use quotes sparingly. As a rule, quotes have value for emphasis if you cannot rephrase the information any better in your own words.

Write your content using the active voice. (Active voice: “Families can provide support to children struggling with homework by finding a great tutor.” Passive voice: “Support can be provided by the family to children struggling with homework by find a great tutor.”)

Be positive. “Families should” instead of, “Families should not.”

 

Knowing Your Targeted Readers

 

Understand your readers (ages, professions, levels of education, demographics, etc.) to ensure the success of your presentation.

Tailor your information to meet your readers’ interests and expertise.

Make the information relevant and appealing to your readers.

Planning Your Brochure Content

 

As you prepare your brochure content, consider the following questions:

What can your readers learn from this brochure information? What is the intended “take away”?

What do you want your readers to do with the information that they have learned?

Should they now think and/or behave differently because of your brochure?

What do you want them to remember from your brochure?

Use a simple font with a point-size of no less than 12-point (footnotes should be no smaller than 9 point).

Be consistent. Use the same font throughout your brochure.

Use color, underlining, and italics sparingly and for emphasis only.

Use white space effectively. If text is squeezed together, it is difficult to read. Take time to edit your information so that your key concepts are clearly and simply presented.

Use graphics that are relevant to your brochure’s overall content.

Be sure the graphics complement your content, instead of overwhelming it and creating distractions.

Ensure your graphics are tasteful, inclusive, and appropriate for your readers.