Sample of Capstone Project on Advocacy Through Technology

Advocacy Through Technology

Transforming the Way, We Drive Change

Influence of Technology

One of the largest influences technologies has had for advocacy is through the ability to leverage the use of social media. Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok give individuals the tools for spreading word rapidly, making mass mobilization and education easier. Hashtags #BlackLivesMatter, #MeToo, and #ClimateStrike became rallying points for mass awareness and real-life repercussions, proving the ability for online activism to translate into shifts in policy and societal norms. These platforms also give the tools for citizens to address the decision-makers head-on, giving citizens the tools for holding the lawmakers accountable, making them listen, and shaping the opinions of the general populace like never before.

Why This Cause Matters to Me

My personal connection to advocacy was actually exacerbated during the George Floyd case where the demise of the young man went viral on social media and led to the Balck Lives Matter movement.Seeing the extrajudicial killing of a person that did not have a weapon and was shouting for help to the point of their death was heart wrenching on the atrocities that face Africa American men while they deal with an unfair and biased systemic racism.

Evidence Based Approaches

Another critical building block for advocacy through the use of technology is the ability for using data analysis and artificial intelligence. Based upon the analysis of demographic data, online opinions, and social trends, advocacy groups can craft their campaigns to reach the right audience in the right tone. AI chatbots and automated feedback also support mobilization by providing data, answering frequent questions, and pushing them towards increased engagement. These tools also make advocacy less labor-intensive, reducing the burden for volunteer labor and allowing campaigns to expand exponentially.

For example, one can take the case of the AI chatbot for instant support for individuals suffering from depressive and anxiety disorders. This chatbot can be deployed through universal platforms for communication, thus reaching many potential individuals easily. This chatbot can use the natural language for understanding the queries from the individuals and providing coping skills, relaxation skills, and references for relevant resources. The chatbot can also be programmed for the identification of warning signs for suicidal thoughts and connecting the individuals with the available support during crises. In order to make the chatbot culture-sensitive, the chatbot can also be adapted for multiple languages and culture backgrounds, providing culture-sensitive support for multiple groups. This solution can leverage AI for spanning the access barriers and delivering the support in a timely and customized manner for the individuals, thus empowering mental health advocacy

Personal Experience

My personal experience with advocacy through technology is the ability to witness the impact that tools online can make when individuals can challenge injustice and fight for change. I have seen movements start from the grass roots level through the use of viral campaigns, bringing awareness about serious concerns that the mainstream press will not address. I have also utilized the tools online for awareness about different causes, for instance, by signing online petitions, contributing to online fundraising campaigns, and practicing online activism. Advocacy through technology can evoke emotion and develop personal connections. It fuels a movement by resonating deeply especially with those facing injustices such as systemic racism and other challenges. The need to amplify voices through technology that were otherwise weakened has fueled my passion for advocacy. Additionally, technology is real time and timely and affects the lives of individuals actress the board within a short time. Global platforms for technology assisted tools such as websites that have garnered huge followings can let the word out within just a few days. I believe that as an expert I have a huge role to play in ensuring that vulnerable and marginalized populations gain a voice through my work. Through technology various social injustices can be brough to light and eliminated with time.

What is your plan for recruiting people to advocate with you?

To build the strong advocacy for the potential for activism through the use of technology, I will use online platforms for recruiting like-minded individuals who support the use of technology for the cause of activism. My main tools for the purpose of recruiting will be online social campaigns, online forums where interaction is possible, and online networking tools through which the audience is engaged through various activities through a QR code for easy access to a designated website.Social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram allow for the potential supporters to engage immediately. An appealing campaign through the use of strong visuals, strong narration, and relevant hashtags will appeal to the larger audience. For example, I will start the #TechForChange campaign where one can share their stories about the use of digital tools for advocacy work in their local communities. If one is required to tag their posts using the campaign tag, one can build a collection of empowering stories, triggering greater engagement and bringing like-minded individuals onto the platform.

Another strategy is the use of short-form videos like TikTok or Instagram Reels showcasing real-life success stories of online advocacy. These videos can range from the use of testimonials, brief guides for online petition use, or the use of social movements starting from the internet. Interactive features like polls, Q&As, and live discussions will also engage the audience, making them experience the sense of being part of the audience instead of being passive viewers.

Beyond social media, I will also set up an official advocacy web page where one can subscribe for newsletter alerts, access resources, and engage in virtual meetups. A call-to-action button from the web page will invite guests to subscribe for membership for online forums, such as Discord forums or private Facebook groups, where one can work together, exchange thoughts, and initiate campaigns online. Additionally, I will also use targeted online advertisements for reaching wider. One can run advertisements in front of the audience likely to act through advocacy by analyzing the demographics and the behavior of the audience using the internet. Facebook Ads and Google Ads enable very targeted ads where the recruitment is likely to reach the audience best placed for taking the desired action.

By integrating all these online measures, the recruiting is smooth and interactive. Technology facilitates advocacy work to expand very quickly, touching lives from all corners of the country and backgrounds. Through the internet, online interaction, and citizen projects, we can mobilize even more people towards the cause and inspire them towards taking concrete steps towards the use of technology for advocacy.

Tweet with #Black Lives Matter

Raise awareness and shape attitude.

According to one article in the Global Newswire-Digital advocacy software market is set to reach US$791.31 million by the year 2033.The key points of the article are that North America leads in advocacy software  and Non-profits remain the one that are primarily involved in advocacy work. Additionally, there were over 18000 campaigns that were started in 2023 and the use of AI in customer engagement and enhancement has made it easier to interact with advocacy platforms such as websites. The companies such as Capital Canary, Quorum, Nationbuilder, Fiscal note, Blackbaud and others are key players in the sector. The article demonstrates that the use of technology assisted tools in enhancing advocacy across the globe is growing through the innovative approach of technologies that substantially make it easier to put the word out.

The next article discusses the political activism potential of TikTok, particularly for the younger populations. Examples from the mobilizations using TikTok for grass-root movements like the presidential election of the year 2020 and the Black Lives Matter movements, where citizens shared knowledge and mobilized support through creative posts, reflect the efficiency of the platform.It explains the participatory nature of TikTok, highlighting its potential as a tool for political communication and advocacy. The piece explains how individuals use the features of TikTok—such as the use of hashtags and interactive content—to engage others and make their voice heard during social movements. This article was instrumental in demonstrating the ability of the platform to bring about real-life changes through online activism.The  movement #metoo is also mentioned as it brought to light incidences of sexual abuse perpetuated within the home setting. The article encourages the use of social media to raise awareness on the social injustices and raising the voices of the voiceless within our society.

The BBC article covers the evolving context for the #MeToo phenomenon in France, reporting how the Cannes Film Festival has become the platform for the conversation around the prevalence of sexist violence and sexuality in the movie industry. The key points it reports is that France responded differently when the phenomenon arose, but now the next generation of female filmmakers is pushing the boundaries.Additionally, most of the women in the film industry are objectifies and their decency is rarely protected during shoots. The article brings to light the accusations against high-profile individuals like Gérard Depardieu and the screening of the short film “Moi Aussi” by Judith Godrèche pushed the issue onto the agenda. The article illuminates the violation of the rights of women within the show business and calls to action those in policy to make strides on protection of women’s rights .

Misconceptions in the Use of Technology for Advocacy

The intersection of advocacy and tech is evolving rapidly, bringing innovative opportunities and persistent misconceptions. One misconception is the assumption online advocacy replaces traditional practice. While tech, supported by the market for digital advocacy tools reaching $791.31 million by the year 2033, is bringing robust new tools, it complements rather than replaces tried practice. Strong organizing, strong stories, and genuine engagement continue to form the building blocks for good advocacy, enhanced by tech, not fabricated by it. Increased adoption of cloud platforms and the intersection of AI and blockchain demonstrate not only the latest tech, but also the revolution in the nature of the work organizations do and the campaigns they run, for which new skills and strategic direction are needed.

Another misconception is the assumption that social media, and platforms like TikTok, only afford light entertainment opportunities. As the articles bring out, TikTok has also proved to be a powerful tool for political activism, particularly for younger populations. Its nature and features, including its ability for interaction through hashtags and interactive videos, enable the rapid spreading of information and mobilization for social causes.  Both the US presidential election of 2020 and the Black Lives Matter campaign showed the ability of TikTok to influence political conversation and mobilize real-life actions, countering the argument that the platform is only good for spreading catchy dances.

A significant misconception is the idea that the #MeToo campaign has not achieved much in France. France did react differently earlier, and some high-profile individuals were rallying around the “liberty to seduce,” but the article documents the attitudinal shift by younger generations. Younger women filmmakers now make conscious use of forums like the one available through Cannes to bring the subject matter of sexist violence onto the agenda, demonstrating greater momentum for the campaign in France.Another misconception is French cinema’s alleged unwillingness to tackle the subject matter of abuse and the objectification of women. This is countered by the very presence of some high-profile films during the festival held at Cannes, tackling the very subject matter head-on. Whether through the documentary by Judith Godrèche about abuse survivors, “The Balconettes” and “Wild Diamond” is representative of French cinema now being ready to tackle the subject matter, proving the industry is ready for the tough stuff. This potential, however, also presents the risk for the spreading of misinformation and manipulation, and thus the need for the assessment of the information being disseminated through such platforms.  The potential for online activism to disrupt real-life happenings, such as political rallies, highlights the strength of the tools available online, but also the need for caution when using them and their potential for abuse.

References

AstuteAnalytica India Pvt. Ltd. (2025, February 10). Digital Advocacy Software market to hit valuation of US$ 791.31 million by 2033 | Astute Analytica. GlobeNewswire News Room. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/10/3023475/0/en/Digital-Advocacy-Software-Market-to-Hit-Valuation-of-US-791-31-Million-By-2033-Astute-Analytica.html

Al Jazeera. (2023, September 14). US activists worry about losing major asset TikTok as potential ban looms. Retrieved February 19, 2025, from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/9/14/us-activists-worry-about-losing-major-asset-tiktok-as-potential-ban-looms

Jones, E. (2024, May 23). France’s divisive reckoning with MeToo: “It’s been brewing for years.”https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20240522-cannes-film-festival-frances-divisive-reckoning-with-metoo

Communication with decision-makers.

To effectively advocate for the adoption of tech for activism, I would reach out to the thegoverning agency handling the matter of tech and digital rights. Because the policies governing internet access, online privacy, and online activism impact advocacy work, policymaker engagement is integral for those responsible for making the changes.

SPEECH

Opening Statement

Good morning/evening afternoon all, and thank you for being here today. We are honored to address you all here today as we launch the platform that has the potential to revolutionize the way we advocate, mobilize, and bring about real changes—our new online advocacy platform. We embark here today to harness the power of the internet for the voice, mobilization, and mobilization of supporters, and the mobilization of the decision-makers like never before.

The Power of Technology for Advocacy

We live in an era where one tweet can start a global phenomenon, where one online petition can change the law, and where one viral clip can bring exposure for injustice like nothing the traditional press ever could. Think about the impact of the internet—how #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, and #SaveTheInternet began shaping the conversation around policy, the law, and the rights of man. This is the potential for online advocacy, and this is the very reason this platform has been created.

Why Should You Care?

Our website is not only the venue for discussion; it is the playing field for action. It is where like-minded individuals come together and make things happen, where movements begin, and where policymakers and leaders are mobilized en mass. In the span of one mouseclick, you can sign online petitions, make your voice heard through compelling stories, and engage in online advocacy campaigns that matter.

Features of the Website

I’d like to guide you through the features of our website:

1. Campaign Hub:

We  maintain ongoing advocacy campaigns with real-time progress reports. If you’d like to fight for online rights, the environment, or the rights of humanity, you can find one you believe in and make your voice count.

2. Online Petition Centre:

Door-to-door canvassing is now obsolete. With the online petition centre, you can start and sign petitions reaching thousands of supporters and sent directly to the policymaker.

3. Decision-Maker Engagement

We made it easier than ever for you to engage the individuals who make things happen. With tools all under one roof, you can send emails, Facebook and Twitter posts, and even schedule virtual meetings with elected officials and policymakers.

4. Educational Resources

Strong advocacy is informed by knowledge. We equip activists with toolkits, videos, and articles to support them in strategizing and being informed about the policies for which they advocate.

5. Community Collaboration

We believe in the strength derived from collective work. We provide forums and live activities through which activists can communicate, exchange knowledge, and work together towards common aims irrespective of their geographical locations all over the world.

Why tech?

Since now we can witness for ourselves the walls being breached by online platforms. An activist from a distant village can now make the entire globe listen about the environment disaster in their town. A whistleblower can now expose corruption and not fear being silenced. A suppressed community can now assert their right for equality and make their voice heard all over the globe. We need to accept the playing field being leveled by technology and make the best use of this tool for good.

However, this authority is not challenge-free. Online spying, online disinformation, internet access blockages, and censorship remain serious stumbling blocks. That is why advocacy also insists on policies granting access to the internet for all, online guarantees for privacy, and cyber security legislation for the protection of activists.

Call to Action

I now invite you all here and those joining online. This platform is only as robust as the people using it. If you believe in the potential for the advocacy through the use of technology, and you believe your voice matters, then make the first move—join us.Sign up now online. Be part of the international movement for online activism and bringing about the desired changes.

Engage on social media. Use your platforms for raising awareness. Post about the petition, tag your policymaker, and start the conversation using our advocacy hashtags.Take action now. Whether you sign a petition, listen to a virtual rally, or reach out to a policymaker, make your voice count.

Closing Statement

We are reaching the tipping point in history where technology can enable us like never previously possible. We can now campaign beyond the limits of street demonstrations and mass media—live, online, beyond borders, and beyond limits. And through this web site, we are bringing the tools for transformation right into your hands. So let’s make some noise, tap the potential of the internet, and fight for the best possible world—together.