MoveOn.org

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MoveOn.org

• Daniel Mintz

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A Little History

• MoveOn.org founded by Wes Boyd and Joan Blades in
  September, 1998
• 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
• By the November, 1998 Elections, it was clear
  that MoveOn had found its niche

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Membership

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

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Fundraising

• Before there was Howard Dean, there was MoveOn.
• Raise money over the net from small donors
• 2000 2 million raised
• 2005 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.

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ActionForum

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

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Organizing Principles

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

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3 Models

• Use Sheer Numbers
• Use Members Existing Skills
• Give Members New Skills

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Abundance of Members

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

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There are a lot of us
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Use Members Existing Skills

• BushIn30Seconds garnered more than 1000 entries.
  (Winning Video)
• MoveOn 2005 Holiday Card designed by professional
  designers who are members
• HurricaneHousing logo donated by members
• Statistician members help analyze data
• MySQL programmers help optimize queries

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Give Members New Skills

• Operation Democracy
• Establish Local Coordinating Councils
• Identify and tap into existing networks
• Find and cultivate the best members
• Its a great way to meet progressive neighbors
  you never knew you had. -Daniel MoveOn.org
  Support

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Thanks (for all you do)