Social Networking: Use It Or Lose It

By Luis Zaffirini

It is increasingly apparent that far from being merely a passing fad that is waning in popularity, online social networks such as Facebook and Twitter are clearly nothing less than game-changers. The ability for people to easily, cheaply, and efficiently communicate with one another and directly with companies or organizations, is changing the relationship between organizations and their members on a daily basis. That happily applies to our Movement as well.

Consider an average online shopping experience on Amazon.com. You can search not only a variety of products, but a variety of vendors as well using feedback from customers in the form of ratings and comments. Now consider visiting a pro-life blog or Facebook page where ideas are wide open to criticism from literally anybody. Pro-life social net-workers need to be adept at posting factual, easily digestible information and making sure it gets viewed by a variety of people.

The capability to educate, motivate, and energize our base will only increase over time. As the technology becomes more widespread and accessible, grassroots pro-lifers have no excuse not to take full advantage of them. With such a rapidly changing dynamic, it is very important for pro-life individuals (and especially groups) to begin using these technologies as soon as possible.

There are a million reasons to do it, which means it is an opportunity that cannot be ignored.

Simply having a presence in various social media increases the audience to which you are broadcasting a very important message. A wider audience also means more potential members and volunteers for your group. But most importantly, becoming skilled in how to utilize these networks early gives you an advantage as the online discussion of the issue of abortion becomes more decentralized. These discussions will need experienced and knowledgeable voices.

Simply put: pro-life groups need the web and the web needs pro-life people. Without your input and grassroots know how, these technologies will rapidly become stagnant and useless.

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