It’s Your World, So Change It: Using the Power of the Internet to Create Social Change

8. How to Keep Allies and Supporters in the Loop

“It does not matter what you know about anything if you cannot communicate to your people. In that event, you are not even a failure. You’re just not there.”—Saul Alinsky

Here’s something you’re not going to see on the front page of your local daily: “Environmental group sends newsletter, announces monthly meeting.” Most of what looks like activism is really about attracting interest and bringing people in (see Figure 8.1), not the cause itself. Being attention grabbing is fun, exciting, and glamorous. Paying attention to something for a long period of time is—well, more like work. But it’s the most important part. The sizzle sells the steak, but the sizzle isn’t very filling.

Figure 8.1. Members ...