Campaign online
Nothing replaces the impact of 100,000 people marching, or the power of lobbying your MP in person. But the internet opens up amazing opportunities for campaigning.
Connect to thousands or even millions of others, spark off an online protest that hits the headlines, and engage more directly with decision-makers than ever before. And with MPs increasingly working online - there’s no doubt that online campaigning is only going to get bigger.
Here's how you can have an impact right now...
What? A direct email from you to the decision-maker. We provide sample text on our website so you can send your email at the click of a button.
Have an impact. Tailor the text to make it personal. Show why you care about the issue and it’ll double the impact.
Do it now! Email the Prime Minister for our 'Hungry for change' campaign
On a blog
What? Our personal perspectives are found on the Just One World blog. But your opinion speaks volumes. If you're blogging already, please blog about our campaigns and link your blog to ours. If you don't have your own blog, you can still have your say: simply click ‘leave a comment’ after reading a blog.
Have an impact. If you have a story to tell or an exciting event to report, contact your local diocesan office to write your own blog on Just One World.
Do it now! Visit Just One World blog or find your local CAFOD office.
With a comment
What? A growing number of UK readers get their news online these days. News editors and decision-makers gauge public opinion by the reaction to online news stories so, just like writing letters to the editor, commenting on an article helps shape the news to reflect what you care about.
Have an impact. You can offer your support to articles or opinions that align with your cause and speak out against those that don’t. Join in the conversation about issues you care about.
Do it now! Start reading your favourite newspaper online.
On Twitter
What? 'Tweets' (Twitter messages) are messages, comments or updates in just 140 characters. You can ‘follow’ individuals or organisations, and the more you follow and are followed, the further your message can reach. You can ‘retweet’ messages, and reply to other people's tweets. It’s a powerful tool for tracking public opinion. And it works: it was a 12-hour online uprising in the ‘Twittersphere’ overturned a leaked injunction barring the reporting of Parliament.
Have an impact. If you use the hashtag #CAFOD or #hungryforchange it’ll alert us to your message. If you include a web-link, use a service like http://bit.ly to shorten it rather than using up your precious 140 characters.
Do it now! Follow updates from CAFOD - and why not try tweeting at your next CAFOD event?
Through social networks
What? Facebook and other social networking sites make you part of a global online community. You can join groups you’re interested in, which helps show the strength of public concern over an issue.
Have an impact. Get your friends involved in a cause by 'liking' and sharing actions, videos or interesting links on their walls or in your status updates. Publicise an event or card-signing by creating an event on Facebook and inviting all your friends.
Do it now! Become a fan of CAFOD on Facebook.
