Activism ... it's not just for hippies anymore

In this blog I intend to explore the opportunities that having access to the internet has provided for activists. I must admitt that I have never participated in a rally or any form of group activism, although I do appreciate the power they may have in influencing political or governmental decisions. It seemed to me that the opportunities to participate in a rally were rare, and when they did occur I never seemed to hear about them. Actually ... I never bothered to find out about them either.

It occurs to me that not everyone is aware of the opportunities technology and internet networking provide for activism. People who are on the positive side of the digital divide have at their fingertips a gateway to worldwide networks. People also have an opportunity for their voices to be heard simply by being connected to the internet. Establishing websites where people can speak out provides a space (albeit virtual) for groups, who do not normally associate with each other, to bond together to create a significant movement.

Unfortunately, not too many Australian organisations exist online to fight political, social or environmental causes. Getup.org is a fairly influential Australian activist website that deals with all matters regarding the government, politics and media policy. The Australian Labour website also lists numerous unions currently fighting for various causes.

Overseas: moveon.org, deportation-class.org and DFA Link are influential websites that have achieved world-wide credibility.

The internet has made it easy for campaigns: by collecting donations online and distributing an emailed newsletter, rather than a printed newletter. This may help to reduce costs for a struggling activist organisation. In addition, the campaign can be funded by online donations, where large amounts of money can be raised at minimal cost.

However, there is a negative to basing a speak out website online. If the website communicates through email newsletters and informs its followers of rallies online, then it alienates a certain sector of the population. This may be elderly people, the poor or the minorities who do not have the internet, or who do not possess the computer literacy skills to use it.

But I just think if you've got something worthwhile to say, be heard! And the internet certainly aids in facilitating that.