Meanwhile, skeptics are increasingly having their voices heard. Case in point: Czech Republic's President Vaclav Klaus, an economist, contends that the regulatory ambitions of today's global warming activists are caused by a communist impulse. He cites an array influential scientists who critique the connection between carbon emissions and temperature increases. Or, more precisely, he points to research suggesting that the causality runs the opposite direction in that escalating temperatures cause higher carbon capture in the atmosphere.
Against this backdrop, it is no small wonder that the green community encompasses such conflicting views over tactics. Many of these divergences relate to fundamentally opposed worldviews about the role of technology. Ironically though, it is technology itself that holds the promise of empowering the entire green community to secure its aims.
Indeed, most if not all green groups can benefit from the use of new technologies that empower networking. From free conference call systems such as Rondee.com that enable easy to deploy teleconferencing to next generation email newsletter applications, there has never been a more ideal time to leverage new technologies to further the green cause.
Utilize web networking tools
The most successful green advocacy groups create networks of supporters who believe in their philosophy and goals. While the word networking often gets a less than ideal reputation, the simple reality is these networks can provide significant aid. Today in the San Francisco Bay Area, the expectation is that professional people will have at least a minimal profile page on Linked In.
At the same time, other networking applications such as Facebook are starting to experience usage by more professional users. Such services also offer a relatively easy method of developing your network.
Use a free teleconference system
In the last few years, there has been increasing levels of collaboration between geographically diverse green advocacy groups. One underlying reason for this trend has been reduced flight travel costs – a trend that may now be going the opposite direction with leaping oil prices.
Another driver is the advent of free conference calling services. Most of these systems, including those offered by Rondee.com work on the same underlying idea. They offer you a PIN and a toll number to call. If all teleconference users dial the same toll number and enter the same code, they are placed into the conference call.
Use an automated electronic newsletter platform
It wasn't too long in the past that sending out an email newsletter was time consuming and difficult. This has now changed. On-line systems such as Jangomail, Mynewsletterbuilding, and Enewsletterpro are making it possible to create templated and scalable newsletters. These services cut the work load by at least 80% and in so doing enable green groups to focus on content development as opposed to content delivery.
Investigate desktop sharing technologies
Some green advocacy groups have far flung leadership teams, and it is impractical to have face-to-face meetings. Technology is addressing this problem by way of desktop sharing. Whether it's showing a PowerPoint presentation displaying the group's fundraising initiatives or a spreadsheet showing the tracking of volunteer participation desktop sharing can be quite useful for not a few green groups.
Use data driven decision-making
One of the most significant trends recently affecting nonprofit organizations in the green community has been the escalating reliance on evidence based decision-making. Practitioners can apply the same techniques with simple to use Excel or Lotus spread-sheeting applications to ascertain what works and what does not work. Increasingly, the hurdle for excellence in decision-making is rising and reliance on conjecture and theory is being replaced by empirical data to support decisions.
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A California resident, Bob Letterman discusses communications technology and other issues of concern to the green community. He consults to the free conference call service that was initially developed by the Rondee.com team.