http://www.makepovertyhistory.org

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Twitter Me to Safety


Over a coffee this morning while reviewing a PowerPoint with an uber smart fellow, Jon Husband, I had a Twitter revelation.

I'm no fan of Twitting (sic?) it seems ... it seems ... unnecessary.

But Jon's presentation referenced a use of Twitter for social activism, namely assuring the safety of activists in dangerous places.

The example was given of Egyptian activist Alaa Abd El Fattah, who has been detained many times and who uses Twitter to constantly let people know where he is, as a form of personal protection through publicity - if he stops twittering, his friends know that something is wrong.

With this example and being aware of the actions of the Junta in Burma, mobile Twittering takes on a greater importance.

On-line activism such as petitioning using Avaaz, or creating an on-line digest like Burma Digest, and posting videos like this one to You Tube or Google ...



feel like an established practice for digital activism that help the World become aware and witness social outrage.

Twitter could be a much more powerful tool in the hands of activists who don't have the benefit of an existing broad public profile.

Imagine, now I have a reason to recommend using Twitter.

[note this post also appears at ned]
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Tuesday, October 02, 2007

OXJAM - See How Oxfam is Using Technology as a Path to Engagement


What is OXJAM?
Oxjam is a music festival with a difference. Across the UK, from now until the end of October, people like you will be putting on Oxjam music events to raise money for Oxfam.

And we are asking musicians, promoters - in fact, everyone - to get together this month to make music, raise money and help end poverty.

Fancy yourself as a bit of a player? Well, there is still time to organise your own Oxjam event - big or small. See below for ideas on how to get started.

Aside from using on-line sign-up forms and links to media sponsors, the folks at Oxfam are actively courting their supporters.

Take a look:



[Photo Credit: Guardian Unlimited: 24 hours in pictures, October 2 2007.]
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