Digital organising: Refurbishing practices and structures to make participation scalable and meaningful
In 2024, it is undeniable that the digital world plays an essential part in any political campaign conducted by political parties or civil society/activist organisations. But while we all agree on the political usefulness of this digital realm, it is not always clear how to make the most of its possibilities. Digital tools have become indispensable instruments for developing communication strategies. Thanks to them, two long-standing progressive desires can be fulfilled: direct communication and a two-way communication line between (political) organizations and citizens. But the empowerment of the people can only happen if we properly use online instruments that allow us to talk with them and reach a consensus based on their input, without any kind of self-interested intermediation. From the moment you invite a citizen to participate, he/she/they must be considered a protagonist of the process; their perspectives and needs should be taken into account. They are not simply mere viewers of social struggles. Information, communication, empathy, transparency, and accountability are essential to ensure this. How do we do that in the digital world, with usually limited resources at our disposal? How to organize internally in order to use the full potential of digital organising? Most importantly how to prepare and transition to the new mindset ensuring that your organization sustains the challenge of time and is fit for ever-changing trends, digital channels, audiences, etc?
Speakers:
Paulina Gruda, Digital Campaigns Expert, European Center for Digital Action
Paulina is a journalist by education and a digital marketer by profession. After gaining experience in the commercial market, she decided to use her knowledge and skills to work for non-governmental organizations. She specializes in paid advertising campaigns and fundraising activities. Both in her free and professional time Paulina supports Polish NGOs and political initiatives in fighting for democratic, European and progressive Poland.
