Writingplanningbrief
Civic story brief template
A one-page plan that keeps a story focused on the public question and the evidence.
- Format
- Template
- Who it's for
- Creators planning a video, thread or article.
About this resource
Fill this in before you script. If you can't answer the public question in one sentence, the story isn't ready yet.
How to use it
Fill in every field. Leave 'Missing evidence' honest; it becomes your research to-do list. Share the brief with a collaborator for a second look.
Copy-ready template
CIVIC STORY BRIEF The public question: [one sentence] Why it matters now: [news hook / deadline] Who is affected: [communities, numbers] Known facts (with sources): 1. [fact] — [source link] 2. Missing evidence: [what you still need] People to contact: [officials, experts, residents] Right of reply: [who must be asked to respond] Format and length: [reel / long video / thread] Visuals: [documents, maps, footage, charts] Risks: [privacy, safety, legal]
Free to use and adapt with credit to CREATE CHANGE by BetterGov.PH. Guidance only — not legal advice.