Action alert

An action alert is a message that an organization sends to mobilize people, often members of the group and supporters of a specific point of view, calling on them to take action to influence public policy.[1][2] Typically, action alerts are in reference to a timely issue, where prompt action is needed in order to affect upcoming decisions.[2]

Description

Action alerts are considered a cost-effective and efficient grassroots organizing tool and are employed widely by many advocacy organizations.[1][2] A well-designed action alert can be a "powerful way to invite people to participate in the processes of a democracy."[3]

Action alerts may, for instance, ask supporters to:

  • Contact their legislator to highlight the issue or argue for/against proposed legislation; or
  • Write a letter to the editor about a specific item in the news.

Action alerts commonly begin by explaining the public policy issue to the recipients, and then tell the reader how they can impact the decision. Action alerts go by many other names. Amnesty International, for instance, refers to them as "Urgent actions".[4]

Organisations that use action alerts

References
  1. The one-hour activist: the 15 most powerful actions you can take to fight for the issues and candidates you care about Christopher Kush, John Wiley and Sons, 2004; ISBN 0-7879-7300-9, ISBN 978-0-7879-7300-1.
  2. Cybercitizen: How to Use Your Computer to Fight for All the Issues You Care about Christopher Kush, Macmillan, 2000; ISBN 0-312-26305-8, ISBN 978-0-312-26305-8.
  3. The Nonprofit Manager's Resource Directory, Ronald A. Landskroner, John Wiley and Sons, 2001; ISBN 0-471-39242-1, ISBN 978-0-471-39242-2.
  4. "Urgent Action saves lives: Sign up today - Amnesty International". Archived from the original on 2005-04-03. Retrieved 2005-04-08.
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