Activists
Did you know that your Facebook friends can be the spark that starts a movement that changes the world? Grassroots activism has always been based on social networks—you, getting your friends together, who then spread the word to their friends, and so on. Today, our networks (not to mention the issues we care about) extend far beyond who we can get together at the local coffee shop. Your ability to organize friends around the world is powerful when combined with other activists’ ability to do the same. For the first time in history, we can easily and efficiently organize massive communities of people to spread information, raise money for important non-profit work, and advocate for change. You don’t have to work for a non-profit or be a trained organizer. Your passion and inspiration to make change as well as your willingness to get your friends involved are the most important qualities in a Causes activist. You know what you care about—now get to it: start a cause now! Questions? Email support@causes.com
Best Practices
Starting a Great Cause: How to make any cause a great cause
Grow Your Cause: How to go from just you…to a community
Making An Impact: How to mobilize your cause to change the world!
All-Star Activists
Eric Ding
Eric Ding, a medical student, started the “Support the O Campaign for Cancer Prevention” cause to benefit the Nurse’s Health Study at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, making the case for why it was THE best place to donate money for primary reseach on cancer. Over the past two years the cause has grown into a global movement of more than 5 million members and a Wall that is a constant stream of personal stories from those whose lives have been affected by cancer. Eric has been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times, and he recently incorporated his own 501(c)3 non-profit to support an innovative new approach to cancer research that Eric plans to lead in partnership with Brigham and Women’s.
Link: causes.com/cancer
Brian Glasscock
The cause for Amnesty International was started by Brian Glasscock, a 16-year old high school student in San Francisco who was a volunteer for Amnesty International in the summer of 2007. The cause has grown to over 500,000 members and Brian maintains it daily by posting announcements, raising awareness about new campaigns, and starting discussions on important topics. The cause and Brian impressed Amnesty International so much that they have hired him to coordinate their online organizing efforts.
Link: causes.com/amnestyusa
You
You, after reading these stories, started a cause about an issue you really care about. You invited all of your friends who invited their friends, too. Together you discussed the issues, shared your thoughts on the wall, posted relevant articles on the media board, and pictures of your members taking action. Soon, petitions were signed, protests were organized, people started paying attention. Now, you are at the head of a global movement to make change. Good job, you!
