Animal Planet has an awareness campaign called Animal Planet ROAR. Reach Out. Act. Respond. This campaign is designed to encourage people to make a difference in animal’s lives and to “help make the world a better place for animals – in our communities and in the wild.”
I first researched this campaign for a class last year. While doing research for our current final project on social media, the internet, and political campaigns, I remembered one particular aspect of the ROAR campaign that I thought would translate well to a political campaign.
The Promise Map. This map which is probably a mashup and not a widget is used to show individuals how they fit into this big picture campaign and it also holds them somewhat accountable (or gives them credit, depending on how you look at it) for the actions they have pledged to accomplish in support of the campaign.
A similarity between what I think the Obama campaign has done right and this ROAR campaign—they both give individuals or groups very concrete activities that could be accomplished in support of the cause. They go way beyond just raising or donating money. They list things in the Animal Planet ROAR campaign that even children could do. They highlight a montly activity and list dozens more. They range from simply signing a pledge to be more aware of the needs of animals to volunteering at a local shelter. The list goes on and on.
But wait…back to the mash up Promise Map. It is a yahoo map that can show you the people in your community who have signed up and promised to help. You can connect with these fellow supporters and even work together. You also get credit for the promise or actions you have pledged in support of the campaign. It really is impressive to see all the little color coded flags (donate money, volunteer, raise awareness, adopt a pet) and read about what others are doing.
Anyway, check it out. It just may inspire you to make a promise too.
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