Scoutseven

Dump Google

It really is true that if you type “Free Tibet” into a Google search engine in China, the site will trigger an error page. Same goes for “Dalai Lama,” “Tiananmen Square Massacre ” or “Taiwanese Independence.”

In collaboration with the Chinese government, Google, the golden boys of let’s-revolutionize-the world-through-access-to-information, has agreed to restrict search results based on political content. Acknowledging that this is completely inconsistent with their corporate mission, Google claims the market potential is simply too juicy to pass up.

C’mon!

Do you people really need ANY MORE MONEY! You want to be innovative, right? So why not step way out on that dangerous edge and try something completely wacked like taking a stand for your values. Let the fact that you’re collaborating in opression make you uneasy enough to give something up. Be human. YES, pass on the biggest market in the world because you actually believe in freedom. Or at least start with freedom of information.

The entire thing is so pathetic and indicative of our world gone wrong that it’s got me more worked up than I’ve been in a very long time.

If it wern’t for the tenacity, brilliance, and humor of organizations like Students for a Free Tibet, I’d still be wallowing in my shame-on-Google-and-every-other-corp-doing-the-same-thing mysery. Check out SFTs No Luv 4 Google campaign, and be reminded of what a good online campaign looks like — clear, appropriate target, tremendous media potential, relevant timing, cultural piggybacking (valentines), humor, compelling message, user engagement, offline organizing leading to action. The site was concieved by the hard working SFT organizers, and built in a few hours by the fabulous Radical Designs. Good job y’all.

Chocolate Bribes

ScoutSeven has an exciting new project on our plate called dotOrganize — a collaborative effort to get better tech/organizing tools and strategies into the hands of grassroots organizers, so they have the support needed to organize on- and offline.

The first and MOST IMPORTANT phase of this project has been working with a group of 20 organizers to really understand their needs (our Requirements Working Group). What’s clear from our initial research is that 90% of the people we’re talking to are struggling. They flat out don’t have the tools and resources to support their work, and our goal is to change this.

In order to address the problem fully, we need to get a lot more specific about how it’s playing out sector wide– what’s working for people, what isn’t working, and what specific resources are called for. The more hard data we have on this, the better we’re equipped to develop the appropriate solutions…

So all you organizers out there, please give us 10 minutes of your time and help shape the next generation of grassroots online organizing tools. Yes, I’m asking you to complete a survey. You’ll probably hate me slightly for it, but it’s the most effective way for us to collect the hard data we need. It’s fun (well, kinda) and quick and it will REALLY help us help you.

http://www.scoutseven.com/survey

To show our appreciation for your fine efforts, three lucky participants will win a Fair Trade Extravaganza Gift Basket for their organization. Free chocolate + coffee + tea = officemates who love you!

If you have no interest in this, personally, but know someone who does, please pass it on.

The results (fascinating so far…) will be published in early March. Help us paint as complete a picture as possible of how the grassroots social change sector is using technology to support their organizing — what’s working, what isn’t, and where they need the most support.

http://www.scoutseven.com/survey

Many thanks for spreading the word…

2006 is Gonna Rock!

Remember how you felt 365 days ago?

Many progressives have spent a year licking wounds, tabulating losses, reevaluating outdated strategies, and gathering strength. It’s been a year of collective soul searching, which is never easy, but always worth it.

Big problems have to be solved in new ways.

I believe we have the power. Yes indeedy.

Let this be a year of innovation, new alliances, and crazy dreams come to life!