With the myriad of opportunities to be an Environmental Internet Activist from the comfort of your desk chair, there is no limit to the depth and breadth of your influence. Online activism can provide a needed sense of community and hope for those of us who are intent on creating a sustainable future.

Online activism has become a major force, mobilizing people across the globe for shared causes. The virtual communication tools of e-mail, Internet, social networking sites and text messaging are at your fingertips for various forms of activism. You are personally empowered to expand your network to communicate and deliver your message globally and nearly instantaneously. These grand tools can be used for environmental education, advocacy, fundraising, lobbying, volunteering, community building, and organizing, to name just a few of the possibilities.

As an Internet activist, virtual activist, or e-activist, you can create and circulate e-petitions or sign and pass on e-petitions from organizations to government representatives and corporations to promote positive policy change. You can weigh-in with your representatives and be heard on issues and pending legislation from mountain top removal to animal testing. The role of online activism in the contemporary national and international political scene is extremely important and expanding.

eco-fb-for-stepforwardSocial-networking sites are also making e-activism tools available to users. Most advocacy groups with web sites, now have a presence on Facebook and Twitter as well, providing one stop shopping for socializing and mobilization. These networks are valuable on many levels. They disseminate information to hundreds of thousands of potential new supporters worldwide. Many of these people will become actively involved in their cause, and bring others along.

Online communication tools can complement more traditional activism techniques. Online, you can easily find gatherings, protests and initiatives being organized in your area on the topic of your choice. Lobbying is also facilitated via the Internet, with mass e-mail’s ability to broadcast a message widely and expand it virally.

Through the Internet, activists can draw attention to a grassroots cause beyond its local boundaries. They can promote their agenda or push a local outrage into the global spotlight, thus expanding their scope and influence.

compNetworking between activists groups is another key component of online activism. Many environmental groups network with one another to co-ordinate educational efforts, petitions, rallies and lobbying. Synergistic web sites include links to each other and co-ordinate internationally for global days of action and awareness raising promotions.

The outlet for alternative media provided by the Internet is an crucial tool for the online activist. Web sites such as AlterNet are aggregators of independent news with environmental chapters, distributing newsletters with calls to action.

To find a group or ten that support the causes dear to you, check out our Get Involved chapter for a list of resources. Consider signing up for email newsletters of groups that interest you. They’ll send you action alerts that just might inspire you to step forward.

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