You are here:

Top tips for online campaigning

From mass petitions to media stunts, influencing decision-makers is all about being creative – and being heard. Follow our top tips for online campaigning that packs a powerful punch.

Nothing can replace the impact of 100,000 people marching, or the power of a constituent lobbying their MP in person. But the internet brings amazing new opportunities for campaigning.

You can 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...

By email

What? A direct email from you to the decision-maker. We often provide sample text on our website and allow you to send your email at the click of a button.

Have an impact. Make sure you sign up for our enews (in the box on the right of the page) for links to the latest actions. 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 PM to turn the tide on water poverty

On a blog

What? Read personal perspectives of our work on the Just One World blog . Then voice your own opinion. If you are blogging already, please blog about our campaigns and link your blog to ours.

Have an impact. You can inspire other readers to act, simply click ‘leave a comment’ after reading a blog. 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 blog.cafod.org.uk

With a comment

What? More people in the US get their news online than from a newspaper, and the UK is not far behind. 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 .

With a tweet

What? Twitter allows you to post a message, comment or update (a ‘tweet’) in just 140 characters. You can ‘follow’ individuals or organisations you are interested in, just as they can follow you. You can also ‘retweet’ messages you like, so that it’s possible for a virtual storm of people to all tweet on one issue. It’s a very powerful tool for tracking public opinion. Still sceptical? It works – for example, 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 #thirstforchange 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 here - and why not try tweeting at your next CAFOD event?

Through social networks

What? Facebook and other social networking sites allow you to be part of a global online community. You can search and join groups that you’re interested in, which can help 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. And when you host an event or card-signing, create an event on Facebook and invite all your friends.

Do it now! Become a fan of CAFOD on Facebook for the latest news from our campaigns, to meet other supporters, and share what you’re up to.

Give

For every £1 given to our Give it up! appeal this Lent, including Lent Fast Day, the government will donate another £1 – doubling your donation and changing even more lives