Around the Institute

APEP Twitter Update: Advocacy Strategies that get Attention

October 1, 2010  • Lisa Molinaro

From Big Ideas to Big Change
A significant chunk of our daily work here at the Advocacy Planning and Evaluation Program is facilitating meaningful communication between foundations and their grantees. Spitfire Strategies recently revealed their latest report, From Big Ideas to Big Change: A Communications Guide for Grantmakers. It examines how foundations communicate and engage with grantees about their change strategies. And Spitfire suggests small manageable adjustments that can lead to major improvements.

Step Up Your Online Advocacy
Small U.S.-based nonprofits might want to take advantage of DemocracyInAction, an organization designed to connect nonprofits with technology to enhance their efforts for social change. It’s Salsa tools integrate into already existing websites to help with advocacy campaigns, targeted email communications, online fundraising, and other. Even if you think your online advocacy is set to go, this website is a fun one to explore how other advocates leverage technology to enhance their work.

Small Change: Why the Revolution Will Not Be Tweeted
Malcolm Gladwell, in a recent New Yorker piece, reveals a captivating analysis of the utility and value of social media tools: “With Facebook and Twitter and the like, the traditional relationship between political authority and popular will has been upended, making it easier for the powerless to collaborate, coordinate, and give voice to their concerns.” Gladwell claims that social media capitalizes on weak ties as opposed to strong connections. What are the implications for advocates using these tools to mobilize people in meaningful ways?