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Kids Can... Use the Power of
Information Technology
One of the most important ways to make change happen is to educate people about a problem -- and it's solution. It used to be that when people wanted to get others to pay attention to a big problem, they had have protest marches, rallies, and sit-ins. The problem was getting enough people together, at the same time -- in order to show other people that this was something a lot of people cared about, that it was "a big deal", and to give them more information about the issue. Now we have plenty of ways to share images and information. Cell phones, text messaging, web cams, camera phones, web sites, blogging, and more. Kids can even print their own 'zines and newsletters using just a pc, a printer, and some desktop publishing software. The truth is, the power that was once held by a few, and tightly controlled by big business and government bureaucracy, is now available to vast numbers of teenagers.
Can This Really Work? Think about this: if insurgent fighters in Iraq can make on-the-scene news footage with their cell phones and broadcast it all over the world to gain sympathy and support for their efforts... why couldn't young people dedicated to a more loving and peaceful cause do the same? So what is your issue, your cause? Where do you really feel drawn to help out, to make a difference? What situation in the world is intolerable to you, and what do you want done about it? Sometimes all it takes is helping people realize what is going on, and helping them understand what they can do about it.
Getting Started So first, take a little time to educate yourself. Talk to teachers, read, discuss it with your parents and friends. Find out what organizations are already trying to do something about the problem that is important to you. Then gather helpful resources like website addresses, images, and email addresses of important groups or people. Then make a website or myspace page (with your parents' permission) to showcase your information. Write a little about your issue and why it matters to you personally. Remember that images really reach people. So if you can add pictures or video, you will make a greater impression than if you only put in words. Now include the links and other contact info to web pages and other resources that will help people learn more about your issue. Be sure that you mention what needs to be done about the problem. This could be donating to an scientific or charitable organization or emailing a government official. Or it might be staging an event -- either to get a job done or raise money. Most likely you will want them to also spread the word about what needs to be done.
Involving Others Now email or text message the web address or url to your friends. Ask them to share it with their friends in turn. Be aware that if you create a space for people to leave comments, or to email their opinion, you may get "all kinds" -- meaning a lot of cranks and spammers. So talk this over with your parents and teachers. Getting feedback from visitors can be really useful. But unfortunately not everyone who responds is interested in offering a polite well-considered opinion. Some are just looking to feel powerful by hurting someone else's feelings or to vent their frustrations. And others are looking to advertise a "get rich quick" scheme right on your comments page!
Useful Links
Add your own online petition to your web site or MySpace page and reach friends and potential supporters anywhere in the world! Spread the word! Start your own free petition today!
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