There a diary on the Community Spotlight that posits that petitions and emails are “two good ideas gone bad.” While I certainly agree with the gist of the rant, I have to ask the follow-up question:
What, then, do you suggest?
Join me below the fold for a quick discussion, and YOUR chance to contribute.
I am an activist, and an organizer. I serve on the board of a local Democratic club, and have served on our executive board. One of my main goals is to get people to get involved: go to a rally, volunteer for a campaign, write their representatives, protest, whatever.
I have recently launched a progressive site for our city (Progress Louisville), and am thinking of trying to build one for the entire state. So, as you can imagine, the premise of the diary — stop sending emails, stop asking for money, and stop doing petitions! — struck me rather directly.
So the question becomes: what now? How do I build these sites? How do I ask people to get involved? How do we raise money to build out the organizations? How do we make a difference, both in our communities and with our representatives?
I really want to know. I really want to hear your suggestions. If I am going to make these two sites work, I have to understand how to reach and motivate people. So please, put your suggestions in the comments. I promise, I will read every one!
Bruce Maples
Louisville, KY