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Figure 2.7: Baltimore compared to other similar cities — total per capita spend on recreation and parks
Includes both capital and revenue spending.
(source: Almaguer 2012 – full citation is in the Raising Awareness bibliography)
#3 — Look to add a human/emotive dimension
It’s not all about numbers. Emotional language figured prominently in the campaigns surrounding the Legacy
Amendment in Minnesota, voters were given a choice between “money language” and “love language.” The
“Vote Yes Minnesota” arts campaign appealed to peoples’ affection for their state with the slogan “Protect the
Minnesota You Love.” By contrast, anti-tax groups made signs emphasizing the tax burden with their “Stop the
$11 Billion Tax Increase: Vote ‘NO’”;
Also in Minnesota, Minneapolis Swims, a small non-profit that has successfully campaigned to secure state
legislature support for a reopened and improved public pool for their inner-city area, encouraged the use of
personal statements; asking local youth to set down their thoughts on why a pool is needed. Figure 2.8 shows
just one of numerous such examples collected by the group. The organization has also used powerful oral and
written accounts from those who have lost loved ones to unintentional drowning, as the area has a high level of
such incidences compared to many other parts of the United States.
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In 2008, Minnesota’s voters passed the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment (Legacy Amendment) to the Minnesota Constitution to protect drinking water
sources; protect, enhance, and restore wetlands, prairies, forests, and fish, game, and wildlife habitat; preserve arts and cultural heritage; support parks and trails; and
protect, enhance, and restore lakes, rivers, streams, and groundwater. The Legacy Amendment increases the state sales tax by three-eighths of 1 percent beginning on
July 1, 2009 and continuing until 2034 (see http://www.legacy.leg.mn/about-funds).
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