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E-Advocacy / Mobilization and Lobbying Model Underlying Principle E-Advocacy / Mobilization and Lobbying Model is one of the most frequently used Digital Governance model and has often come to the aid of the global civil society to impact on global decision-making processes. The model is based on setting-up a planned, directed flow of information to build strong virtual allies to complement actions in the real world. Virtual communities are formed which share similar values and concerns, and these communities in turn link up with or support real-life groups/ activities for concerted action. The model builds the momentum of real-world processes by adding the opinions and concerns expressed by virtual communities. The strength of this model is in its diversity of the virtual community, and the ideas, expertise and resources accumulated through this virtual form of networking. The model is able to mobilize and leverage human resources and information beyond geographical, institutional and bureaucratic barriers, and use it for concerted action. Applications
This model could be applied in the following possible ways:
Organisations / Projects based on such models
http://cybercentre.greenpeace.org/t/s/community_articles
Discussions This model has grown manifold since the onset of debates on the Seattle round of World Trade Organisation in 1999, which saw the formation of several virtual communities to express their concerns in the WTO agreements. The display of a unified, informed civil society force at Seattle was in some ways a result of the intensive interaction and exchange of opinion happening over the virtual networks months prior to this WTO summit. There was a lot of concerted actions at the Regional level as an end result of such discussions which built into the global movement. The model enhances the scope of participation of individuals and communities in debates which affect them and help them build a global alliance. A community may no longer find itself isolated but may find an ally for mobilizing effective action through this model. It also creates an effective deterrent for governments and decision-making bodies who are responsive to people's opinion to provide better governance. The model could also be used favourably by the government in a positive manner to encourage public debates on issues where the opinion and expertise of civil society is of great importance and therefore could become a tool to enhance democratic practises and improve governance practices (especially in Developing Countries).
Source : Vikas Nath, Networking Networks for Empowerment and Governance Presented at the Global Development Network 2000, World Bank, Japan.
Vikas Nath, Conceiver, Digital Governance and KnowNet Initiative Inlaks Scholar, London School of Economics, UK
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