How Can Digital Organizing Be As Effective As Possible? Tune in on Twitter
From the bullhorn in previous decades to social networking and mobile phones in this one, organizers use every available tool in order to engage, include and empower as many people as possible.
That's why we think it's so important for digital activists to be equipped with the training necessary to get the most out of these new tools. Last week, we released a new strategy guide for digital activists called How to Build and Sustain a 21st Century Movement. This guide focuses on steps for supporting online campaigns with the principles of organizing that have been worn and tested throughout the 20th century. It's also why this fall we will be bringing a small group of rising digital activists to New York City to exchange lessons learned and meet expert mentors from our network (share your feedback on that event and apply here!). Also in the fall, TechChange - a terrific organization that is providing educational resources for digital activists - will be offering an online certificate course entitled "Global Innovations for Digital Organizing: New Media Tactics for Democratic Change."
In an effort to help shape these activities, Movements.org will be joining forces with TechChange on Friday, June 3 from 1-2pm EST for a live Twitter chat (the first of many we hope!). Our two organizations are eager to hear your ideas, examples, and questions about the current state of the field and what we can expect in the years to come. Below are some questions we are particularly interested in:
Questions:
1. What are the most useful digital tools and platforms available to online organizers today?
2. What are some of the biggest barriers preventing these tools from being as effective as they can be in a given context?
3. What are the most significant unmet needs that digital activists have today?
4. How will digital organizing change over the course of the next 5, 10, 15, 20 years?
Be sure to participate in the chat by logging on Twitter on June 3rd between 1 and 2pm EST. Please remember: use the #do11 hashtag, (short for digital organizing 2011), introduce yourself, stay on topic, be respectful and have fun.
Also, if you have a question but can't attend the chat just mention @AYM and/or @TechChange before the chat with any questions you have or issues you are interested in exploring - or just comment right here. We'll do our best to include this feedback in the chat.
To sum-up:
"How can digital activists harness new technologies, tools, and platforms to be as effective as possible in their work?" Movements.org and TechChange Twitter Chat to address this question.
Time: June 3rd at 1 PM EST
Hashtag: #do11 (digital organizing)
