DemocracyInAction.org: Technology for the Masses

Mission

DemocracyInAction.org believes technology can be a decisive force for social change. We exist to empower those who share our values of ecological and social justice to advance the progressive agenda.

History

Informed democratic participation in the policy-making process is key in any healthy democracy and the internet has given many organizations a new medium to advance their goals. However, thousands of nonprofit organizations lack the capacity ? both in staff and funds - to take full advantage of the technology available.

DemocracyInAction.org is a nonprofit organization that was founded in June of 2003 with the belief that information and communications technology and, in particular, online advocacy tools are a force that organizations and individuals can use to inspire social change and should be accessible to those with an interest in building a more civil society.

DemocracyInAction is dedicated to increasing the capacity and effectiveness of nonprofit organizations through the use of information and communication technology.

The organization was founded by April Pedersen and Chris Lundberg. April and Chris come from both the nonprofit and software development sectors. Upon close examination of how we were using information and communication technology tools, which sector controls them and how much the nonprofit sector is paying for them, we saw a real opportunity and the necessity to change the landscape. The question we asked ourselves was this: How can we use technology as a tool to support grassroots organizing efforts and enhance the communication efforts of hundreds or thousands of organization, rather than generate more work and fees, and deplete a narrowing pool of resources?

In just the past year, DemocracyInAction.org has grown to be a vital resource for nonprofits and campaigns of all sizes and we are quickly growing. Already, over 200 organizations of varying sizes are effectively using our platform of advocacy tools.

The Space

DemocracyInAction is currently the only nonprofit organization providing a sophisticated, integrated online campaign platform to nonprofits. There are a few other like-minded organizations, like Groundspring, NPower, and Network for Good that provide stand-alone tools, training and technical support to nonprofits. However, there is no nonprofit organization that provides a comparable integrated system that is affordable to most nonprofits.

For-profit companies such as Kintera, Convio, GetActive and CapitolAdvantage all provide a similar toolset and custom services to nonprofits. However, the majority of nonprofits simply cannot afford the set-up fees, let alone the monthly fees and support necessary to use them effectively.

Many organizations, both large and small, face serious challenges in the area of technology, especially the lack of resources ? staff and technical expertise. They are facing critical financial pressures from increased service demands and decreased funding.

While many have already turned to the Internet to recruit and engage supporters and raise funds, the adoption of sophisticated engagement and communications systems is mainly reserved to nonprofits with annual budgets over $10 million. Even for some larger groups, the budget for the website only covers technology ? leaving them with little or no funds left over to effectively use the technology to communicate and reach new supporters and members and raise funds online.

DemocracyInAction helps nonprofits overcome these and other hurdles related to technology by delivering sophisticated and affordable tools and expertise.

Financing

DemocracyInAction?s funding comes primarily from service fees from the organizations using our tools and services. While we strive to be a self-sustaining organization, we are actively seeking foundation grants to help increase our capacity. Our sustainability will increase as the number of organizations using the system increases.

The Vision & Future

DemocracyInAction.org strives to not only remain at the forefront of nonprofit technology, but to revolutionize it.

DemocracyInAction is all about empowering people. The Internet's major innovation for politics and advocacy continues to be the power that it puts into the hands of the people who have traditionally stood outside the process.

We will continue to build out and enhance our toolset and work to dispel the myth that the technology behind this is rocket science, and that bigger and more expensive is better. We are passionate about making technology accessible to grassroots organizations so they can spend less time and resources on technology and more time on strategy. Marketing, recruiting, cultivating relationships, and making change ? those are the things that nonprofit efforts should be focused on, not technology development.

We're also passionate about innovation and continuing to find innovative ways to use technology to move the progressive agenda forward and engage broader audiences. The online universe is evolving rapidly and many critical changes are taking place right now.