Use video as a tool to grow the Do Not Mail Movement
April 12th, 2010The Do Not Mail campaign has some exciting news: we have partnered with CitizenGlobal, a new interactive video platform that is revolutionizing media as we know it. This partnership makes it possible for anyone to take videos to the next level and join in hot campaigns like Do Not Mail. Watch this video explanation of the project, then join us and start submitting footage of your junk mail today!
Want to participate in the Do Not Mail Video Project?
It's as easy as 1, 2, 3:
1. Register with CitizenGlobal and join the Do Not Mail Video Project -- click the "Join Today" button on this page to get started.
2. Start shooting the footage of junk mail that we need, and look out for 'footage calls' for specific media we're looking for.
3. Submit your footage to the Do Not Mail Video Project by uploading it!
Why are we so excited about CitizenGlobal? It actually features all the tools you need to upload, edit and mix audio and video for professional-quality storytelling.
Video is one of the most useful storytelling tools. We've used them for training activists, getting the word out about new actions, reporting on our successes, and more. Most of the videos listed below were made by folks with access to fancy tools. Now, with CitizenGlobal, anyone with a video camera can make high-quality videos.
Check out some of the videos we've already made for the Do Not Mail campaign below, and then join up to take part in our Do Not Mail Video Project on CitizenGlobal to help us create more.
Telling the story
The first step in building a massive campaign like Do Not Mail is explaining the issue and getting out the word. Some of these videos use humor, others are straight reporting. Here are some clips that illustrate ways to show potential supporters what's happening in the world and how to get involved:
Junk Mail Monster
Slow the flow of junk mail
Stop Junk Mail -- Sign the petition (Annabelle Gurwitch)
Take a brief Google Earth Tour of Sierra Industries clearcuts
Celebrating our victories
When Seattle became the second city in the US to pass a resolution supporting the Do Not Mail campaign, we told our supporters with this video recap:
Seattle City Council passes Do Not Mail
For another example of telling the story of a campaign, this video shows how ForestEthics was able to completely transform one of the largest cataloguers in the world into a forest ally:
Transformation Through Collaboration
Being our own media
What happens when supporters take to the street and traditional media don't cover it? We can report it ourselves! Here's an example of a video of a street action for the Do Not Mail campaign:
Do Not Mail Action - August '08
Training supporters with calls to action
For those of you on our email list, you've probably seen these videos before. Last year, we held a national day of action where folks actually sent their unwanted junk mail back to the worst offenders. Here are the videos we released to help supporters take action:
Return your junk mail to the worst offenders
How to "Return to Offender"
These videos were mostly made by folks with the tools to edit and produce videos. Now, with CitizenGlobal, anyone with a video camera can make videos like these. What kind of video will you make to help take back our mailboxes?
Check
out the Do Not Mail Video Project >>