What is a PSA?
Definition (From Purdue Global Writing)
A Public Service Announcement (PSA) is a form of communication used by nonprofits and government organizations.
The purpose of a PSA is to campaign for social change or educate the public about resolving specific issues by bringing awareness and suggestions for action.
For more information about PSA content, creation, and elements, visit the Purdue Global Writing Blog.
PSA Examples
Project Expectations
What needs to be included in your PSA?
- A catchy slogan (no longer than a sentence)
- A message to your audience that includes:
- A description of your problem/focus. This should be clear, concise, and reinforce your slogan.
- A call to action (the solution to your problem or focus, an action that you want your audience to take as a result of your PSA)
- OPTIONAL: A statistic from your research that helps illustrate your problem or focus. Include a statistic if it helps reinforce your message and make it more effective.
- Visuals that reinforce/illustrate your message (these can be graphics or photos). The visual elements should be balanced with your text and not overshadow the information you are sharing.
- MLA Citations. Use in-text citations when possible (ex: According to a 2019 study from Common Sense Media…) and be sure to include your works cited on the back of your poster.
What format should your PSA take?
- Your PSA should take the form of a poster, which can be either hand drawn, designed in Canva, or a mix of both.
- If your poster is hand drawn, make it on 11x17 inch paper. If you are designing in Canva, please design for 8.5x11 inch paper and print in color when you are done.
- The size difference is for ease of printing. If your digitally created poster is chosen to be hung in the library, we will reprint it at 11x17.
- If you feel strongly about a different format, please see Ms. L to discuss.
Remember to be creative and have fun!