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Activism and DIY Political Email

What I did about a year ago was to subscribe to all UK MPs that had email updates through their websites. Most of them just email automated bot-like RSS updates. Although I have to say that many have really improved since then, embracing and utilizing new media (I will be posting on online UK Political Communications next week).

I recently received an email update from George Galloway, rallying his supporters to send an email to Canadian conservative politicians, and demand from Jason Kenney Canada's current Minister of Citizenship, to allow the UK MP to enter Canada and attend a number of events.
I am not going to comment on the sort of events that Mr. Galloway is attending, or his political views.

I was really impressed by the Step by Step Guide that the email gave DIY Instructions:
1. Copy and Paste the email of the Minister
2. Copy and Paste the emails (c.c.) of the entire Canadian Conservative Caucus
3. Don't Forget to fill the subject line with a specific message
4. Copy and Paste a specific message to the body of the mail
5. Press Send!

Now, I know that this is not cutting edge stuff. They didn't utilize an automated online form, didn't use their website at all, and didn't have any new media pledges, causes and the like... in their email update they do not use banners or any sort of graphics. The email is simple and gives you directions on what to do. I remembered from the 2008 Obama campaign that they used a similar format in their email campaign, with minimal graphics and banners, giving the sense that this is an email from a friend, not somebody that is after your vote, your support or your money.

So very basic communique, with no glitter or use of new media technologies, but nonetheless strait, simple and with specific instructions.

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