Technology
- Showcase Groups: Using Blogs for Advocacy
- Global Response and Amnesty International Online (Technology Example)
- Texas Center for Policy Studies (NPT Case Study)
- E-mail and the Web in Administrative Advocacy
- E-mail and the Web in Voter Education and Participation
- E-Mail Advocacy: Will It Get Heard on the Hill?
- E-Mail Advocacy In the Blink of an Eye
- Beyond Email and Websites: Using Technology for Advocacy
- Impact of Online Administrative Advocacy
- Online versus Offline Petitions
- Resources on Technology and the Congress
Articles
What's the latest/greatest trend in nonprofit advocacy? Technology. Yes, the effective use of technology now includes much more than simply using email lists or posting documents to a website. This article provides examples of how GIS Mapping and advocacy videos are being used and made available for small nonprofits. Not only is the old adage, "A picture is worth a thousand words" true now more than ever but pinpointing the exact location of those most affected by various policy initiatives has never been easier. Read More
Robo calls are emerging as one of the leading forms of political communication. These automated telephone calls target households with prerecorded messages, often urging them to vote for a specific measure or providing them with information on candidates. By eliminating staff or volunteer time, robo calls have proven to be an inexpensive and fast way to reach a wide population. Candidates, campaign managers and non profits alike are increasingly employing this technique in their advocacy efforts. But this trend has not been without controversy. To be effective, this tool should be used wisely. Read More
NPAction has a variety of resources on using technology for advocacy and for communicating with Congress. See the articles listed below for more information: Read More
When tens of thousands of people fleeing Hurricane Katrina were forced to leave their pets behind, the Humane Society of the United States organized the largest animal rescue and sheltering operation in U.S. history. Now, in order to promote legislation to protect animals from harm in future disasters, the Humane Society has created eCards that share the stories and images of a few of the animals they saved. Supporters can send the eCards to others, fostering interest and support for the legislation.
Read MoreE-mail is useful for alerting and reminding audiences of agencies’ hearings and requests for comments, or directing people to relevant websites for more information. OMB Watch maintains a number of e-mail lists that provide timely alerts on administrative processes affecting nonprofits. Web is useful for providing background, reference, and contact information on administrative processes. Read More
One type of nonprofit advocacy that does not always get a lot of attention in the context of online advocacy is administrative advocacy. This describes attempts to understand and intercede in agency deliberations and rulemaking processes on the federal, state, or local level. Read More
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While electronic mail is still recognized by US nonprofits as a primary means of communicating with elected officials at the national level, e-mail campaigns and online petitions, however, are generally regarded with a high degree of suspicion, skepticism, or indifference by elected officials. Read More
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Colorado Women's Agenda is a statewide network that champions economic security, social justice and political power for all Colorado women through public education, political advocacy, communications and grassroots activism. As a leading voice for women across the state, the Women?s Agenda seeks to advance public discussion about issues affecting women and families, to promote effective communications and collaborations among women?s groups, and to galvanize diverse, grassroots women to participate in the democratic process. Read More
The Washington Low Income Housing Network, incorporated in 1993, is a nonprofit organization that promotes the development and preservation of affordable housing for low-income people through information exchange, policy monitoring and analysis, public education, advocacy, and leadership development. It is a broad-based diverse statewide coalition representing nonprofit housing developers, shelter and service providers, housing and homeless coalitions, low-income tenants, local governments, housing finance entities, communities of faith, and other concerned groups and individuals. Read More
An example of a nonprofit distributing timely, critical information on resources and promising practices in an easily accessible format through its website and monthly e-mail newsletter, thereby encouraging greater collaboration and increased effective communication and service delivery among other organizations, advocates, and stakeholders. [This is one of six nonprofit examples recognized by OMB Watch's Nonprofits' Policy and Technology (NPT) Project for effective use of technology in their public policy activities through the 1999 Nonprofit Technology Innovation Awards.] Read More
Example of a private, nonprofit consumer watchdog organization that found a cost-effective way to post consumer information while engaging in community-based research gathered through citizen monitoring, collected on a website, and disseminated throughout the state to other citizens, media, and elected officials weekly via a website and through an e-mail list. This approach encourages and facilitates user awareness of energy and utility issues and engagement in campaigns around these issues. Read More