Written by Technology has provided new opportunities for faith-based organizations to engage in social impact and activism, mobilize online communities for social causes, and promote digital philanthropy and spiritual principles. In this chapter, we will explore the ways in which technology is being used for social impact and faith-based activism, including specific examples and URLs.
Faith-Based Organizations Using Technology for Good
Faith-based organizations have a long history of engaging in social impact and activism, and technology has provided new opportunities to amplify their efforts. Here are some examples:
- ‘Catholic Relief Services’ (https://www.crs.org/): Catholic Relief Services is a faith-based organization that provides international aid and development assistance to those in need. The organization uses technology to promote their work, share stories of those they serve, and engage with supporters through social media, email campaigns, and mobile apps.
- ‘World Vision’ (https://www.worldvision.org/): World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization that focuses on providing aid and support to vulnerable children and families around the world. The organization uses technology to facilitate online giving, promote their work through social media, and provide updates on their efforts through email campaigns and mobile apps.
Mobilizing Online Communities for Social Causes
Social media has provided new opportunities for faith-based organizations to mobilize online communities for social causes, promoting advocacy and activism in real-time. Here are some examples:
- ‘#PrayForParis’ (https://www.cnn.com/2015/11/13/world/paris-shooting-social-media-reaction/index.html): In 2015, following the terrorist attacks in Paris, social media was flooded with the hashtag ‘#PrayForParis’. The hashtag quickly went viral, and faith-based organizations used social media to promote prayer and support for those affected by the attacks.
- ‘#BlackLivesMatter’ (https://blacklivesmatter.com/): Black Lives Matter is a social justice movement that seeks to address systemic racism and violence against Black people. The movement has used social media to mobilize communities, raise awareness about their cause, and promote activism and advocacy.
Digital Philanthropy and Spiritual Principles
Digital philanthropy has provided new ways for individuals and organizations to give back and support social impact and activism efforts. Here are some examples:
- ‘Charity: Water’ (https://www.charitywater.org/): Charity: Water is a non-profit organization that provides access to clean water in developing countries. The organization uses technology to facilitate online giving, and provides updates on their efforts through social media and email campaigns.
- ‘ActBlue’ (https://secure.actblue.com/): ActBlue is a digital fundraising platform that allows individuals to donate to a wide range of progressive causes and organizations. The platform has been used by faith-based organizations to support social impact and activism efforts, promoting digital philanthropy and spiritual principles of giving.
In many ways, technology has provided new opportunities for faith-based organizations to engage in social impact and activism, mobilize online communities for social causes, and promote digital philanthropy and spiritual principles. From using social media to promote advocacy and activism to facilitating online giving and support for vulnerable communities, technology is playing an important role in the intersection of faith and social impact.
Top photo courtesy of CharityWater.org