How social networking has changed political activism.

It was some 7 years ago, I was talking down a trail with a friend in Algonquin National Park, discussing the merits of political activisim in it's current state. My argument claimed that since the 60's there had been very few learning’s by protesters, in their ability to influence change. It seems as though the same tactics which we saw so prevalent in the past were still being used today - gather - protest - leave.

It seemed that little technology was used in political activisim. Granted there were some online forums which assisted groups to organize themselves more effectively, but the medium in which they delivered remained the same. Due to this - media rarely covered the message but rather focused on the few bad apples that turned things violent.

Enter today's social networking environment, where people are using their new social voice through online channels to convey their message more effectively. I use the world people - because it appears that although an activists may start the voice, it's the every day people that had never before been participants in activisim, which are making the message more visible.

Browsing today's Facebook updates - you will see many of your friends with the status;

No one should die because they cannot afford health care, and no one should go broke because they get sick. If you agree, please post this as your status for the rest of the day.

Clearly this message is more a national issue related to the US and one which has been covered in depth everywhere. However micro-political statements, seen recently in Toronto after the recent traffic incident in the city. Statements about the need for bike-lanes and better attitudes toward the cycling commuters are more prevalant than ever. Organized groups paid tribute by quickly organizing a bike "sit down" at the scene. More effective however are the topics being brought to the attention of every day citizens regarding the North Americas 5th largest cities lacking bike infrastructure.

Are politicians listening?

It seems as though the media is at a minimum. The upside is that the attention is again favouring the issue rather than the battle at the rally. This is the first sign of advancement in protesting in nearly 50 years. With the addition of commentary on these articles, blog posts and Facebook groups - our society is having positive open debates about issues.

Are those who can make these changes listening? I certainly hope so. There are software vendors who are now taking advantage of such "communication". See Ascentum which operates a software packaged called Dialogue Circles - aimed at Governments opening and recording discussions on key issues.

What are your thoughts on the evolution of the protest?