Library Advocacy Text Alerts from ALA Washington on Vimeo.

Library Advocacy Text Alerts

from ALA Washington 5 months ago

“Last week, we sent out our first action alert using our new advocacy tool, Mobile Commons. This was an exciting first step because it was our first time using mobile technology with our network of strong library advocates.

Mobile Commons allows us to send text message alerts to our mobile list. From there, our advocates can be directly connected to their legislators simply by responding to the text. Mobile Commons also allows us to post click-to-call alerts on our webpages. The alert connects advocates, whether they’re on our mobile list or not, to their legislator’s office simply by entering their phone number on our page and clicking “call.”

During the week of July 30, we used a text-to-call alert and a click-to-call alert to voice concerns over the Cybersecurity Act of 2012. Thanks to groups like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and others linking to our page, we were able to generate over 300 calls into the U.S. Senate in support of amendments that protect privacy online. That type of support helped lead to debate on the bill being halted, most likely for the rest of the session.

As we move forward in this legislative year, I highly encourage you to sign up for text alerts. It’s as simple as texting “library” to 877877 or signing up online. It’s a great way to stay up to date on library issues and to engage in hassle free advocacy.”

For more information on Library Advocacy, check out: I Love Libraries