[1]Leveraging Technology to Drive Activism
In 2007, Genocide Intervention Network launched 1-800-GENOCIDE. Since then, the hotline has directly enabled nearly 30,000 callers to lobby their elected officials on important Darfur and Sudan-related initiatives. The hotline has been a critical tool in the fight to end the genocide in Darfur and bring peace to Sudan.
The hotline played a direct role in the following successes:
- Successfully passed the Sudan Accountability and Divestment Act;
- Helped ensure adequate funding for the peacekeeping mission in Darfur; and
- Effectively encouraged the appointment of a Special Envoy for Sudan.
“The tools we have developed at Genocide Intervention Network demonstrate how an active national constituency can influence elected officials by highlighting their inaction and recognizing their helpful actions. It is critical that we hold our leaders accountable for their records on Darfur and other conflicts.”
– Sam Bell, Executive Director, Genocide Intervention Network
How it Works
Advocates call 1-800-GENOCIDE where they are asked to enter their zip code information. The caller is then presented with connection choices based upon their zip code, including the offices of their U.S. Representative, U.S. Senators and the White House. Once a selection is made, the caller receives customized talking points before being connected through to the elected official’s office. Callers can also be patched through to GI-NET if they have any questions or would like more information.
Benefits of the Hotline
All calls to the hotline can be effectively tracked. This in turn strengthens our conversations with elected officials because we are able to directly demonstrate and account for constituent pressure. Additionally, we can re-activate previous callers for future initiatives. When urgent action is needed, we’re able to contact people who have taken action previously and offer them an opportunity to be connected with key elected officials for free.
In developing 1-800-GENOCIDE, GI-NET has created a streamlined mechanism for anti-genocide activists around the country to make their voices heard. As we have seen, these calls serve to empower activists, educate politicians and make effective calls for action from Congress and the Administration. The hotline is a powerful tool that directly enables constituents to build the political will necessary to prevent and stop genocide and mass atrocities.
Endorsements
The hotline has been mentioned in publications such as the New York Times, People Magazine, and Time Magazine. It has also been mentioned on Larry King Live, MSNBC and CNN. Notable endorsers include Don Cheadle, Angelina Jolie, and Mia Farrow.
