Below is a list of the practical online resources that I have found in my research. Some of these might be of interest to people wanting to get more involved in advocacy, and others might be more aimed at organizations (or organizers) who are trying to engage more people in their advocacy work.
Check back frequently as I will keep adding materials! Please send me any suggestions for additions to the list!
RESOURCES (most recently added at top)
- Worldchanging.com is a “media organization that comprises a global network of independent journalists, designers and thinkers covering the world’s most intelligent solutions to today’s problems. We inspire readers around the world with stories of the most important and innovative new tools, models and ideas for building a bright green future. Our readers are ready to change the world, and Worldchanging links them to the first steps.” The World Changing site is sorted into categories like: “cities”, “politics”, “shelter” and “stuff. I just signed up for their e-newsletter but their site has lots of stories that show some pretty interesting things are happening ‘out there’.
- The Movement Action Plan is an analysis by Bill Moyer of the stages of social movements. This accessible summary document outlines a very interesting perspective on how activists often perceive they are failing, and even foster a culture of failure, even though their campaign is moving through the normal stages to success. The “grand strategy” of any social movement should be to build people power as political power ultimately rests with the general population, not to target the powerholders directly. With this as the goal, the measures of success will be different along the way. More of Moyer’s writings can be found at The Nonviolence Training Project.
- Discovering the Activation Point is an online publication (56 pgs.) “where you will find best practices for planning for persuasion, tailored to the unique needs of social change organizations.” It outlines strategies from turning people’s talk into action, of how to build will in order to spur action. You need to register (name and email) to access it and some other resources but it seems worth it!
- Tamarack: An Institute for Community Engagement has a “Learning Centre” section of their website with a wealth of resources for community engagement, collaboration, social innovation, leadership and more. On one of these pages, “Movements for Change“, they provide a list of resources and links to resources about social movements. They also have online and on the phone workshops. This site will keep me busy for a while!
- MediaRights is an American organizaiton that “maximizes the impact of social-issue documentaries and shorts. ” Their site has some interesting articles on how activists can use film in their work and whether or not it is effective:
Food Politics to Political Candidates: Docs as Advocacy Tools
Do Environmental Films Help the Environment?
Using Grassroots Documentary Films for Political Change
- Angela Davis on How Does Change Happen? An inspring hour long talk on YouTube by activist Angela Davis.
- Activism on the Web. A great overview, with practical tips and information, on how to use the web to “inspire public activism.” It is by Free Range Studios who “is known for being the most successful cause-based viral movie makers ever.” They created The Meatrix and Grocery Store Wars. They are committed to social change work.
- The Citizen’s Handbook: Practical Assistance for those who want to make a difference. This online handbook includes sections on community organizing, community building, new ways of governing, large scale action and more! Written by Charles Dobson, published in 2006 by the Vancouver Citizen’s Committee and apparently added to now and again. The same material and more can be found in the book The Troublemaker’s Teaparty: A manual for effective citizen action.
