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Digital technology has fundamentally changed the way power operates in our civil societies. Previously, people and organisations who fought for their causes did so mostly with the support of their local communities or directly with governments. Their campaigns were often still driven by real people and stories, but the scale of their reach and impact was limited by the size of their networks and the tools available to leverage those networks.

In recent times, the Internet has sprung many digital media platforms that provide tools for every day people and organisations to reach people they never knew existed or cared and mobilise them into action. Whether action means signing a petition, volunteering their time or giving their money, people are choosing to act more than ever because it's easier to start.

But can doing things online like clicking, signing and sharing really save lives? In this webinar we will unpack how online tools can help make changes. We will also look at the anatomy of a few people driven campaign wins that were also wins for not-for-profit organisations. 

We will specifically cover :

• how people powered campaigns start, gather steam and win
• how organisations can leverage the online tools to connect with new mission aligned supporters
• how these tools can make your fundraising and advocacy efforts more effective
• why personal stories inspire supporters more than your policy work
• how to develop a simple campaign to recruit and cultivate new supporters

Key learning objectives

• understand the changing landscape of power in civil society
• understand the online tools that are available to affect change and how they work
• know the characteristics of effective online campaigns
• know the characteristics of good supporter cultivation
• understand how fundraising and advocacy efforts can be effectively combined online 
• skills to utilise personal stories to inspire public support 
• knowledge of the steps in developing a campaign to recruit and cultivate new supporters

About the presenters - Anna Robinson and Olivia Whitty

Anna Robinson is Director of Business Development for Change.org the world’s largest platform for social change with 2 million Australian users and 70 million globally. Anna leads Change.org’s work supporting and providing strategic advice to leading not-for-profits on their fundraising and campaign strategies in the Asia-Pacific region. Change.org has 22 not-for-profit clients in Australia and has worked with more than 500 nor-for-profits globally. This gives Anna unique insight into cutting edge strategies being used by not--for-profits to acquire and retain donors. Prior to joining Change.org Anna spent ten years in the not-for-profit and ‘socially focused’ private sector driving revenue growth on behalf of organisations. Her experience includes attracting social investment and managing social impact bonds, developing strategic partnerships and securing multi-million dollar contracts in Australia and the UK. Anna is currently completing a Masters in Public Policy at the Melbourne School of Government. 

Olivia Whitty is Client Manager of the Asia Pacific region for Change.org. Through Olivia's work with clients, she sees, supports and strengthens the capabilities that underlie great digital fundraising and advocacy campaigns. Prior to joining Change.org Olivia worked alongside not-for-profit boards and managers to improve long term organisational performance. The prior decade Olivia enjoyed brand marketing and strategy roles in digital media, employment, youth and mental health sectors in Australia and the U.S. Olivia holds degrees in Commerce and Psychology.