Reading: Summary of Module 4
In Module 4, we have learnt how to connect and mobilise to create social impact and how advocacy and campaigning (enhanced with digital tools) can lead to creating a change.
Firstly, we have reflected on how digital technology and social media can change and increase mobilisation and activism, and that for example, online viral campaigns that have achieved changes in public policies and attitudes. We then present a framework for understanding how social movements nowadays are formed through "connective action", individuals' digital actions that address the common problems of our times.
Secondly, it has been specified in which ways it is possible for citizens to connect and engage, such as influencing policies with online advocacy campaigns. For this, we have seen the key elements for successful advocacy campaigns. For example, we have seen the importance of using the Theory of Change, a roadmap which provides the steps to reach social change that can be a very useful tool for campaigns linking actions with desired changes.
Also, we have seen the 10 steps to follow: 1) Understand the issue; 2) Define your objectives; 3) Know your audience; 4) Develop your key messages; 5) Develop your strategy; 6) Identify the tools to help engagement; 7) Build an engagement plan; 8) Engage; 9) Maintain a dialogue; 10) Measure your success.
To put things in practice, have introduced some civic-tech practices and tools for this topic: E-petitions (Change.org) and initiatives for matching real campaign needs with volunteers from the tech world (Tech for Campaigns), focused on the strategy to encourage people to vote “Get Out The Vote” (Wahl-O-Mat in Germany or in Europe, EUandI) or aimed to address specific social media problems such as the hate speech in order to fight against racism, xenophobia, misogyny and homophobia with "Save a Hater" in Spain.
Finally, we have been inspired by