embracing the blogosphere: building a better movement
David on Apr 26th 2007
It’s no secret that the times are changing. The information age has birthed the connected age - a world of blogs, message boards, wikis, social networks, RSS feeds and countless other tools that are functional, fast and free. The world is getting smaller and we’re more connected than ever before. Information is exchanged at break neck speeds and, through the internet, grassroots advocacy and action are ignited faster and more effectively than ever.
In this new world, power is pushed to the edges. Everyday citizens are given a stronger voice and the tools to express it. Everyday citizens are given the ability to affect change like never before.
A recent article by Lane Hudson points to the fact that the gay rights movement must wake up to the importance of the blogosphere. It was picked up by Pam’s House blend and brought to our attention by Mombian:
It seems that the gay rights movement may be the least adept at knowing their value. At a recent event, a leader in the local DC gay rights movement told me that he “hates” blogs. Other gay rights leaders have been tone deaf when it comes to working with the blogosphere.”
We couldn’t agree with Lane Hudson more. With the advent of the blogosphere, organizations can no longer view themselves as “mouthpieces.” Dialogue occurs in two directions. And dialogue is necessary to strengthen this movement as a whole. This new, more connected world isn’t a threat - it’s an opportunity of monumental proportions.
Everyday, at Family Pride, we challenge ourselves to “wake up” just a little bit more to this new and exciting world. We recognize that people are much more likely to be part of a plan or a movement if they have a say in shaping it. It’s why we encourage people to comment on our blog, write guest posts and give us feedback. It’s why our new website plan is being shaped by our supporters through wikis.
As we continue to challenge ourselves and the organization to open new doors and travel new avenues, we want your input every step of the way. This is your movement.
Embracing the blogosphere is just scratching the surface. Wikis, social networks and other new technologies are powerful tools that are reshaping the way we interact and the way we work. Ultimately, if we use these tools effectively, we will be smarter, more strategic and more powerful than ever.
The world has changed. Let’s challenge ourselves to embrace it.
What do you think?
I am in total agreement. The “blogosphere” has really invigorated our activism, connected us with other LGBT families, etc.
I only wish I could blog more, act more…
btw.. this blog has really turned into a great one!
The phrase “wake up to the importance of the blogosphere” and Lane’s claim “gay rights movement may be the least adept at knowing their value” insinuate that GLBTQ people are somehow not blogging.
That simply isn’t true. There is a huge treasure-trove of GLBTQ blogs. More than any one person could keep up with.
Just because someone, including Lane, hasn’t read most of those thousands and thousands and thousands of blogs - including this one which doesn’t show up on the blogrolls of the blogs I read, doesn’t mean their authors are sleeping, less than adept, or ineffective.
Thanks for referencing my blog posting for AlterNet.org.
Just to clarify for one of your commenters, my suggestions were meant more for the organizations that make up the gay rights movement and less so for LGBT Americans. By and large, these organizations do not have blogs and also rarely engage the blogs. I hope they will come around and engage with, not only LGBT blogs, but also other blogs in ways that help advance full Equality in our country.
Best-
Lane