What is Info-Activism?

Info-Activism is an approach which helps rights advocates tactically utilise information, communications and digital technologies to enhance advocacy work. Tactical Tech believes that new technologies have significant potential to enhance the work of campaigners and advocates, giving them the tools to gather and analyse information and the means to turn that information into action. In this website, we would like to introduce you to our new initiative - The Info-Activism Camp which will be held in Bangalore, India between the 19th and 25th of February 2009. More about our approach to Info-Activism can be found here.

Kenyan Voters Influence MPs

Case study

Bunge SMS in Kenya is a mobile phone-based service by Made in Kenya Network that combines the internet and mobile telephony with the aim of empowering every Kenyan to influence local governance in their constituencies. People can report corruption, violence and environmental degradation, influence constituency project choices and monitor development activities. This service provides Members of Parliament and other stakeholders in each of the 210 constituencies with a source of timely information on the needs and desires of voters.
The SMS can be sent to a dedicated short code number. For instance, one constituent texted saying - "Kilome security is so bad. people r being killed by gangs armed with guns and as our mp u have kept quiet. we need your help."

Featured examples of info-activism

Mobilising Support

MIGRANTE, a migrant rights group in the Philippines, has been using mobile communication in its advocacy campaigns for many years now. The group initiated an “emergency text” programme which allowed Filipino migrant workers to text in their complaints and so far, many cases of physical abuse of domestic workers by their employers were reported to the hotline.

What is Info-Activism?

Kenyan Voters Influence MPs

Featured examples of info-activism

Recent Guides

Recent Toolkits

Info-Activism on Twitter