NetActivism: How Citizens Use the Internet (Songline Guides) [Paperback]

Ed Schwartz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 8, 1996 | Series: Songline Guides

As sound bites and mudslinging crowd out any debate over the issues, people all around the country are wondering how to reclaim politics. Can an individual make his or her voice heard? How do we find out the truth where there is so much shouting? Can local communities find a common purpose and organize to improve themselves?

Electronic networks offer new channels for action from the neighborhood to the national level. Now you can quickly find out what the government really does and organize around a cause or around a community using mailing lists, online debates, and Web sites.

Let a veteran political activist tell you how to use online networks to further your cause. Ed Schwartz has been a leader in citizen movements for more than 30 years and a major figure in Philadelphia politics for 20 years. As a member of the Philadelphia City Council in the 1980s, he won a "Best of Philly" award from Philadelphia Magazine for being an "honest politician." Introduced several years ago to networks, he now has all the accoutrements of an online presence: a Web site that serves community activists across the country, a mailing list that discusses civic values, and ties to a community network that organizes citizens across the city.

But this book is not a paean to the Internet. It deals also with the real world outside the Internet. Schwartz takes a hard look at what contemporary political movements need, whether they be about neighborhood empowerment, ecology, children, or electing candidates to public office. The Internet is not an end in itself, but a tool to wield in the constant job of organizing people. This book discusses the roles of mailing lists, Web sites, and community networks, and their relationship to traditional outlets for activism.

Whether you are a community activist, a politician, a nonprofit staff person, or just someone who cares about your community, you will benefit from the insights this book offers on how to make the fastest-growing medium today work for you.

Topics include:

• What equipment and software you need
• How to do research that will help you formulate policy and strategy
• How to organize and get your message across
• The role of an online network in local communities

Includes CD-ROM with Internet software and limited free online time.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

An experienced political activist, Ed Schwartz well understands that true political power depends on being organized. In NetActivism, he shows how people and institutions in all ideological and social groupings are using the Internet to change government. Schwartz explains how to gather information on issues and political leaders, communicate a cause with others online to build a powerful voice, and assure that political decision-makers give that voice the ear it deserves. Anybody hoping to make a difference on any social front should read this book and learn how to make the Internet a powerful tool for change.

From the Publisher

As sound bites and mudslinging crowd out any debate over the issues, people all around the country are wondering how to reclaim politics. Can an individual make his or her voice heard? How do we find out the truth where there is so much shouting? Can local communities find a common purpose and organize to improve themselves? Electronic networks offer new channels for action from the neighborhood to the national level. Now you can quickly find out what the government really does and organize around a cause or around a community using mailing lists, online debates, and Web sites. Let a veteran political activist tell you how to use online networks to further your cause. Ed Schwartz has been a leader in citizen movements for more than 30 years and a major figure in Philadelphia politics for 20 years. As a member of the Philadelphia City Council in the 1980s, he won a "Best of Philly" award from Philadelphia Magazine for being an "honest politician." Introduced several years ago to networks, he now has all the accoutrements of an online presence: a Web site that serves community activists across the country, a mailing list that discusses civic values, and ties to a community network that organizes citizens across the city. But this book is not a paean to the Internet. It deals also with the real world outside the Internet. Schwartz takes a hard look at what contemporary political movements need, whether they be about neighborhood empowerment, ecology, children, or electing candidates to public office. The Internet is not an end in itself, but a tool to wield in the constant job of organizing people. This book discusses the roles of mailing lists, Web sites, and community networks, and their relationship to traditional outlets for activism. Whether you are a community activist, a politician, a nonprofit staff person, or just someone who cares about your community, you will benefit from the insights this book offers on how to make the fastest-growing medium today work for you. Topics include: What equipment and software you need How to do research that will help you formulate policy and strategy How to organize and get your message across The role of an online network in local communities Political campaigns on the Internet Includes CD-ROM with Internet software and limited free online time.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: O'Reilly Media; Pap/Cdr edition (September 8, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1565921607
• ISBN-13: 978-1565921603
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,256,233 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars How to get this book, February 22, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: NetActivism: How Citizens Use the Internet (Songline Guides) (Paperback)

The author still has many many copies and is selling them for only $10 plus $3 shipping and handling. Send your check, payable to the Institute for the Study of Civic Values, attn: Deborah, 1218 Chestnut St., Rm. 702, Philadelphia, PA 19107. Phone: [phone].

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Benton Foundation's Jillaine Smith recommends NetActivism, December 19, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: NetActivism: How Citizens Use the Internet (Songline Guides) (Paperback)

This is one of the best books on the market that easily and clearly explains the benefits and pitfalls of using the Internet as an organizing and advocacy tool. It includes case studies as well as recommended online resources for organizations. An absolute must both for activists and advocacy organizations.