MoveOn.org Daniel Mintz

A Little History MoveOn.org founded by Wes Boyd and Joan Blades in September, 1998 MoveOn.org founded by Wes Boyd and Joan Blades in September, 1998 MoveOn.org Collected 500 signatures in first 24 hours, 500 in next 3 hours, and ended up with 500,000 total Collected 500 signatures in first 24 hours, 500 in next 3 hours, and ended up with 500,000 total 2000 volunteers delivered the petitions in person to Members of Congress 2000 volunteers delivered the petitions in person to Members of Congress By the November, 1998 Elections, it was clear that MoveOn had found its niche By the November, 1998 Elections, it was clear that MoveOn had found its niche

Membership Everyone who signs a petition becomes a member. Everyone who signs a petition becomes a member. 3.2 million members 3.2 million members Primary method of communication is . Primary method of communication is . New members are recruited by their social network. New members are recruited by their social network. MoveOn can target members very effectively by using its member database. MoveOn can target members very effectively by using its member database.

Fundraising Before there was Howard Dean, there was MoveOn. Before there was Howard Dean, there was MoveOn. Raise money over the net from small donors Raise money over the net from small donors 2000: $2 million raised 2000: $2 million raised 2005: $9 million raised from 125,000 donors. Avg. contribution: $45. Largest contribution: $ : $9 million raised from 125,000 donors. Avg. contribution: $45. Largest contribution: $5000 Pioneered a new fundraising model made possible by low fundraising costs on the net. Pioneered a new fundraising model made possible by low fundraising costs on the net.

ActionForum Originally envisioned for local political use. Originally envisioned for local political use. Internet facilitates 2-way communication with membership. Internet facilitates 2-way communication with membership. ActionForum.com lets members suggest action. ActionForum.com lets members suggest action. ActionForum.com Most popular items float to the top. Most popular items float to the top. Avoids the “Tyranny of the Annoying” - Exley Avoids the “Tyranny of the Annoying” - Exley Weekly tracking poll Weekly tracking poll

Organizing Principles Tap into the strength in numbers. Tap into the strength in numbers. Offer different levels of engagement. Offer different levels of engagement. Provide lowest possible barrier to entry. Provide lowest possible barrier to entry. Use the media to magnify impact. Use the media to magnify impact. Cultivate the MoveOn “brand.” Cultivate the MoveOn “brand.” Encourage members to “bring a friend.” Encourage members to “bring a friend.” Tap into existing local social networks. Tap into existing local social networks.

3 Models Use Sheer Numbers Use Sheer Numbers Use Members’ Existing Skills Use Members’ Existing Skills Give Members New Skills Give Members New Skills

Abundance of Members Simple, time-consuming tasks can be performed quickly and efficiently. Simple, time-consuming tasks can be performed quickly and efficiently. Reclassify database entries Reclassify database entries Research positions of Members of Congress Research positions of Members of Congress Collect media contact info Collect media contact info

There are a lot of us

Use Members’ Existing Skills BushIn30Seconds garnered more than 1000 entries. (Winning Video) BushIn30Seconds garnered more than 1000 entries. (Winning Video) BushIn30SecondsWinning Video BushIn30SecondsWinning Video MoveOn 2005 Holiday Card designed by professional designers who are members MoveOn 2005 Holiday Card designed by professional designers who are membersHoliday CardHoliday Card HurricaneHousing logo donated by members HurricaneHousing logo donated by members HurricaneHousing Statistician members help analyze data Statistician members help analyze data MySQL programmers help optimize queries MySQL programmers help optimize queries

Give Members New Skills Operation Democracy Operation Democracy Establish Local Coordinating Councils Establish Local Coordinating Councils Identify and tap into existing networks Identify and tap into existing networks Find and cultivate the best members Find and cultivate the best members “It’s a great way to meet progressive neighbors you never knew you had.”-Daniel MoveOn.org Support

Thanks (for all you do)