By Brenda Box, Cohort 11


The 2008 U.S. Presidential election was responsible for sweeping changes in politics because of online social networking, which was instrumental in propelling Barack Obama to victory. What many people didn't expect is that this new electorate remains active, mobilized through e-mail, text-messages, blogging, YouTube videos, Twitter, and other social networking sites. What's clear is that online activism is now a permanent fixture in politics -- and government.

The Obama Campaign reportedly amassed an unprecedented list of more than ten million donors, volunteers, and other supporters during the campaign. Blue State Digital, which provides online design and campaign strategies, claims to have helped the Obama campaign raise over $300 million from over 3 million online donors, a first for a presidential candidate.

As Obama prepares to take office, what's interesting is that his online supporters remain engaged, and are expecting to be a part of the change he has promised.

FIRED UP

Susan Howard of Burke, VA wasn't much of an activist before she sent $50 to the Obama campaign this year and signed up to receive e-mails from Moveon.org. Before she knew it, she was volunteering in the organization of more than four million members.

Moveon.org launched a movement called "Fired Up and Ready to Go!" Moveon.org's website listed 1,000 gatherings across the country on Nov. 20, aimed at mobilizing members to lobby the incoming Obama Administration for change.

Howard agreed to host a "Fired Up" event. The day of the party she visited Moveon's web site and opened a digital drop box, which informed her that 15 people would be coming to her house that night. Seven actually showed up.

A CHANGE IS COMING

The Democratic Party is using the internet to encourage activists to attend "Change is Coming" neighborhood house meetings on Dec. 13th and 14th.

"Your ideas and feedback will be collected and used to guide this movement in the months and years ahead. Join your friends and neighbors -- sign up to host or attend a Change is Coming house meeting near you."

David Plouffe, Campaign Manager, Obama for America

One of these parties is being hosted in Fairfax County, Virginia by Delegate Bob Hull. On the "Change.Gov" web site, Hull's pizza brunch is listed as an opportunity for activists for plot the strategy needed to elect a Democratic House of Delegates, Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General in 2009.

As of December 12, 25 people had signed up.

The effect of these online tools on users is immediate engagement.

As fires raged across the southern part of California in November, President-elect Obama's "Change.gov" website used an Obama HQ to describe the situation.

The site asked for volunteers and donations, and directed supporters to californiavolunteers.org for more information on assistance.


The Change.gov site is also gathering input for Obama's health care reform program as well as providing news about the president-elect's activities. It also invites visitors to submit stories and ideas for the new administration.



AN ONLINE DIALOGUE ON HEALTH



President-elect Obama is also using his web site to promote health care reform.

"These health care community discussions are a great way for the American people to have a direct say in our health care reform efforts," Obama writes on the web site.

Former Sen. Tom Daschle, Obama's nominee for Health and Human Services Secretary, launched a nationwide campaign to get public input on improving health care.

In an online video, Daschle invites Americans to sign up for meetings, and he solicits online comments. Change.gov claims more than 10,000 people have responded so far. There's even a "Wordle" word cloud featuring the most common words used in almost 5,000 comments.

"This is a terrific start on fulfilling Obama's promise to make government more open and participatory," blogs Micah L. Sifry on "PersonalDemocracy.com."

He says unlike other government sites, comments appear to be posted almost instantaneously and unfiltered.

Meantime, Republicans have no choice but to take notice.

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