Today YouTube announced the official launch of YouTube DIRECT, a tool that allows organizations to collect, moderate and then display videos from users directly on their organization’s web site or an associated YouTube channel. The stated intention of the tool is to allow news organizations to develop an array of user-generated stringers who can upload video reports and commentary to a news web site while maintaining the news site’s editorial control. (At the time of writing it was not 100% clear whether the tool was limited to official news services only – let’s hope not).
But let’s think outside of the box here. Why limit this to news organizations? Could you image what a forward thinking non-profit or advocacy group could do with this kind of technology? (more…)
Yesterday, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Communication Center hosted a panel discussion on calculating your ROI for social media campaigns. I was fortunate to join three terrific panelists presenting at the event including Adam Conner from Facebook, Laura Howe from the American Red Cross, and Paul Argenti, a Professor from Dartmouth. (more…)
Over recent months, more and more advocacy organizations have started capturing testimonial footage from their constituents and producing short feature videos highlighting priority advocacy issues. Videos can be a powerful tool to deliver highly personalized messages to the Hill and can be easily leveraged through YouTube, Facebook and other social media sites to virally generate attention for a cause.
One recent example is from the American Academy of Dermatology who just launched a moving video about their Camp Discovery program for children with severe and chronic skin diseases. Please take 5 minutes to watch the video. Click here. (more…)
What can advocacy and political professionals learn from a travelling Indian food truck? When you are talking about the Fojol Bros “travelling culinary carnival,” it seems quite a lot!
First off, they know how to reach DC audiences, they are masters of getting attention on a limited budget, they are working to build a community of support using social media, and they are proactively engaging their detractors. Sound familiar to any of you advocacy folks! Obviously, part of their appeal is also that they offer delicious Indian food at street vendor prices – but hey, you get where we are going with all this.
For those not familiar with Fojol Bros, they have made a name for themselves traveling around DC in a tricked up 1965 Chevy Step Van blaring festive carnival music. If you go up to order at the window don’t be surprised to see them wearing their signature fake moustaches, one-piece jump suits and Indian wedding turbans. (more…)
