As activists, we communicate and create continuously. We collected a list of tools that will come in handy for you as as activist.
You can contribute: This handbook is written by people like you. Feel free to create an account and add the tools that you find useful! Find out more about how to contribute.
- Chat apps: Community building continues online. These chat apps will enable your movement to stay in touch.
- Video calling: These tools allow you to meet face to face even when you are on the other site of the world.
- Social media: Reaching out to potential supporters is vital for every activist organisation. Check out our tips how to use various social media platforms more effectively.
- Newsletters: Email may seem old fashioned, but sending out newsletters is still a great way to call people to action. We have made a comparison of several newsletter services.
- Graphic design: Creating visually attractive imagery is a great way to illustrate your message. In this article you will find a list of photography and vector editing applications.
- Video editing: By publishing promotional videos for your actions on social media and recording your protests, even people who are outside your direct circle will be able to get to know your movement.
- Web development: Having a professionally build website enables your members and others to find the information they are looking for. In this guide, we made a list of open source and cheap software for activist organisations.
¶ Our honest approach
We only recommend tools that we actually like to use. We are not being payed to promote any services. We ask everyone who adds items to our collection to stay objective and review the tools with a critical mindset. Any spam or promotional contributions will be removed.
As most activist organisations do not have access to large funds, we prefer free open source services over payed ones. We like to see that the products that we use reflect the positive impact we are trying to make on this world. In other words: we do not only assess the quality of the tools that we review, but we also try to look at the people and organisations behind the tools.
¶ Resources
- Apps and digital platforms for organizers by Blueprints for Change
- Tools for canvassing and door knocking by Blueprints for Change
- Digital security basics for campaigners by Blueprints for Change
- Texting campaigns by Blueprints for Change
- Volunteer-led phone banking by Blueprints for Change