Activist Groups Use the Net to Gain Power and Influence
Copyright 2000 PR Newswire with information from the Public Affairs Council
December 12, 2000
Press Release
WASHINGTON, Dec. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- While ``dot.com'' companies struggle to turn a profit in cyberspace, activist groups promoting ideas instead of products are thriving on the Net, according to a study released today by the Foundation for Public Affairs. The report, ``Cyber Activism: Advocacy Groups and the Internet,'' profiles the most innovative applications of information technology to influence public policy or turn up the pressure on corporations.
These formidable techniques include: customized issue-tracking and voter guides, interactive databases, consumer and education resource files, electronic news services, public policy mobilization programs, electronic campaigns to target corporations, and Web-based recruiting and fundraising
``The Internet is the most effective tool ever created for organizing people,'' said Douglas G. Pinkham, president of the Foundation. ``Through e-mail, Web sites and listservs, like-minded people can find each other and have a major impact on public or corporate policy. Even small and poorly funded groups can speak with a much louder voice because of the Net.''
The Rainforest Action Network, for example, organizes letter-writing campaigns against forest product and financial services corporations through its Web site. The AFL-CIO helps visitors to its Web site compare how their take-home pay compares to their CEO's compensation.
Organizations profiled in the study include the American Civil Liberties Union, the Million Mom March, Environmental Defense, American Conservative Union, The Center for Responsive Politics and a host of other groups on both sides of the political spectrum.
``Innovation in politics often starts in the activist community,'' said Pinkham. ``This was true when grassroots politics was born, and it's true now that we are seeing the birth of cyber activism. Despite the fact that the business community has greater financial resources than these groups, corporations don't hold the upper hand when it comes to Internet advocacy.''
The Foundation for Public Affairs is the research and clearinghouse affiliate of the Public Affairs Council -- the leading professional association for corporate and association public affairs executives. The Council's 600 member organizations work together to enhance the value and professionalism of the public affairs practice and to provide thoughtful leadership as corporate citizens.
SOURCE: Public Affairs Council