Act! Speak! Build! Week resources

Act! Speak! Build! Week toolkits
These handbooks will help you plan your Act! Speak! Build Week events.

First-time Act! Speak! Build Week participants
The first-time participant guide offers sample schedules and advice on organizing, registering, planning and implementing a successful advocacy plan.
Local Habitat affiliate guide
The local Habitat affiliate guide provides local Habitat affiliates with advice on organizing and planning Act! Speak! Build! Week in partnership with local youth.
Youth Programs advocacy tool kit
The Youth Programs advocacy tool kit (.pdf) provides more information on advocacy and guidance for hosting an incredible Act! Speak! Build! Week.
Media relations tools
The following resources can help you gain attention for your group’s Act! Speak! Build! Week and the work of Habitat for Humanity.
Getting the media to cover your event
Writing pitch letters and making pitch calls
Creating press releases (Also see instructions for using the template.)
Sending a letter to the editor
Promotional flyers
Use these flyers to promote your events.
Flyer 1
Flyer 2
Flyer 3
Flyer 4
Government Relations and Advocacy
Learn more about Habitat’s advocacy efforts related to housing, community and international development by checking out the Government Relations and Advocacy website.
Information podcast
Learn more about advocacy and Act! Speak! Build! Week in our advocacy podcast. Please note, Act! Speak! Build! Week can now be held year-round and does not have a registration deadline.

World Habitat Day

The United Nations has designated the first Monday in October as annual World Habitat Day.
Many groups decide to organize their Act! Speak! Build! Week around World Habitat Day.
Find out more about the purpose of World Habitat Day and Habitat-wide activities surrounding the day.

Suggested activities and events
In order to advocate, you need to make a specific request to lawmakers and elected officials. At each event, ask participants to write letters or sign petitions in support of your request.

Host an advocacy event
Organizing an advocacy event on your school campus or in your community.
Host a candlelight vigil
A candlelight vigil is a great way for groups to reflect on poverty and the impact it has on our lives, the community and the world.
Make it real!
Create a visual representation of a current poverty statistic that illustrates the magnitude of poverty in your community, state, country or world. Display it in a high-traffic area, accompanied by an explanation.
Use the Welcome Home housing simulation
Use the Welcome Home housing simulation during Act! Speak! Build! Week to raise awareness of the issues surrounding poverty housing. Each participant is assigned a role as a representative of a housing entity or as a homeless individual searching for housing.
Provide handouts
Looking for a way to explain important advocacy issues simply? Use the Secure Tenure 101 and Housing Trust Funds 101 handouts.
Paper House campaign
Children as young as 5 can advocate for an end to poverty housing using the Paper House campaign .
Panel discussions
Panels are a great way to invite elected officials to your community. Learn how to organize a panel discussion.
ONE Campaign
The ONE Campaign raises public awareness about the issues of global poverty, hunger and disease in developing countries.
Organize an educational activity
You can find more activities in the Advocacy Toolkit .

Habitat Youth Programs

Act! Speak! Build! Week resources