Meanwhile, skeptics are increasingly seeing their arguments heard. Case in point: Czech Republic's President Vaclav Klaus, an economist, argues that the regulatory ambitions of today's global warming activists are caused by a communist impulse. He cites a number of influential scientists who question the connection between carbon emissions and temperature increases. Or, more precisely, he cites research indicating that the causality runs the opposite direction in that escalating temperatures lead to greater carbon capture in the atmosphere.
Against this backdrop, it is no wonder that the green community encompasses such divergent beliefs over strategy. Many of these divergences relate to essentially opposed worldviews about the role of technology. Ironically though, it is technology itself that holds the hope of empowering the whole green community to secure its aims.
Indeed, many green groups can benefit from the use of new technologies that enable communication. From free conference call solutions such as Rondee.com that enable easy to deploy teleconferencing to next generation email newsletter platforms, there has never been a more ideal time to use new technologies to help the green cause.
Use web networking tools
The most successful green advocacy groups create networks of supporters who believe in their values and mission. While the word networking frequently gets an undesirable connotation, the simple reality is these networks can provide significant aid. Today in the Bay Area, the expectation is that professional folks will have at least a rudimentary profile page on Linked In.
At the same time, other networking systems such as Facebook are starting to see adoption by more professional users. These applications also provide a relatively easy method of increase your network.
Use a free conference call service
In the last few years, there has been increasing levels of collaboration between geographically diverse green advocacy groups. One cause of this trend has been lower air travel costs – a trend that may now be reversing with leaping oil prices.
Another cause is the flourishing of free conference calling services. Most of these offerings, including those offered by Rondee.com work on the same central idea. They offer you a personal access number and a toll number to dial. If all conference call participants dial the same toll number and enter the same PIN code, they are put into the conference call.
Consider desktop sharing systems
Some green advocacy groups have far flung leadership groups, and it is impractical to expect face-to-face meetings. Technology is addressing this problem by way of desktop sharing. Whether it's viewing a PowerPoint presentation displaying the group's fundraising initiatives or a spreadsheet showing the tracking of volunteer participation desktop sharing can be very useful for not a few green groups.
Use data based decision-making practices
One of the most significant trends in the last several years affecting nonprofits in the green community has been the escalating reliance on evidence based decision-making. Leaders can apply the same practices with simple to use Excel or Lotus spread-sheeting applications to ascertain what works and what does not work. Increasingly, the hurdle for quality decision-making is rising and thus reliance on conjecture and theory is being replaced by empirical evidence to justify decisions.|
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Originally hailing from Palo Alto, Linda Rogers speaks about communication technologies and other topics of concern to green activists. She consults to the free conference call service which was first launched by Rondee.com.