The People’s Choice, the Road to Marriage, and Online Advocacy

Improving Maternal Health One Vote at a Time
OK…we all agree that “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse” was our favorite movie in 2010. Or so say The People. Even USAID—not always known for innovative social marketing—is using this web-based “People’s Choice” campaign to promote innovative ideas for saving the lives of mothers and newborns. It’s good for the innovators and may earn USAID a little goodwill as well “from the American people.”

Advocacy Success Story: Marriage Equality in NY
Last weekend, New York became the sixth and most populous state to approve same-sex marriage. The news media focused on the many celebrations, but let’s remember the long road to get to this point. Two years after a public defeat in the New York legislature, advocates re-grouped. With the support of a very vocal champion (Governor Cuomo), they organized a diverse coalition of stakeholders and adjusted their advocacy strategy. As the old saying goes, we learn the most from our mistakes.

Twitter, and Facebook, and Blogs! Oh My!
Some may feel overwhelmed by the many online options to spread the word. The Modernizing Foreign Assistance Network (MFAN) is making it easier for supporters. To help publicize Rep. Howard Berman’s (D-CA) “Modern Legislation: Moving from Policy to Practice” blog piece, MFAN sent out pre-prepared Twitter, Facebook and blog posts. Making it easier for your audience to act: smart!