online advocacy & activism as a tool for action

Online Advocacy & Activism as a Tool for ActionWednesday April 27, at 3:00 PM ETSpeaker: Paul Van Remortel

The Right to PetitionIn pre-modern Imperial China, anyone could

send petitions to the emperor to have a grievance heard.Petitions were a common form of protest and request to the British House of Commons in the 18th and 19th centuries.The Petition Clause of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of the people "to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”

How Policy Decisions are Made(or: Why You Need to Organize)

Digital Era = “Viral” PetitionsDigital communications haverevolutionized petitions.–CONSMore noise, so yourvoice must be louder.

+PROSFaster and wider organization; reach 1000s of people in seconds.

5 Steps to a Grassroots Campaign1. Identify a cause you are passionate about

2. Identify the decision makers for your cause

3. Create and share a thoughtful articulate petition with friends, family, neighbors, and like minded individuals

4. Contact local media and update them on the progress of the petition and the importance of your cause

5. Don't give up!

THE MEDIA PITCHTell Your StoryThe media loves personal stories.

The media loves to write about citizen petitions.

Get the media to write about your petition by telling them the story behind it.

Make a press event out of delivering your petition. Call a press conference!

Local & Hyper-Local Issues25 signatures might be very significant and could impactyour issue.100 signatures could decide a city council vote.No issue is too small:Civic Association, School Board,Zoning Commission!

Questions?Paul Van Remortel

info@standunited.org