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Online activism made easy |
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Written by Mary Jane Borden
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Saturday, 10 June 2006 |
How to reform drug policy using DrugSense / MAP
DrugSense is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides accurate information about drug policy, offers wide-raging services from an archive of news articles to web hosting, to promotion of broadcast media events. Everyone interested in drug policy issues should be aware of the helpful services it offers, including the Media Awareness Project, or MAP.
One frequently requested topic is Help: how to find and use the myriad resources available on DrugSense Websites. Below are a number of useful topics, which can be used to explore the many, versatile, and interactive components available to assist activists in adding their voice to the growing chorus calling for reform.
A treasure trove of services
• DrugSense Web Portal. All DrugSense services can be accessed by registering at DrugSense.org, including video, blogs, and reform-focused collateral material.
• Media Awareness Project (MAP), MAPinc.org, includes the DrugNews Archive of drug policy news clippings, DrugSense Weekly e-Newsletter, and resources pertaining to letter writing and media activism.
• Drug Policy Central Web Services, DrugPolicyCentral.com. Web-based resources for drug-policy groups: Web hosting, e-mail discussion lists, tech support.
• Media Activism Center, MAPinc.org/resource. All you need to engage the media on drug policy issues: Internet meetings, media training, Drug Policy Writers Group for OpEds, and schedule of OnAir events.
• How to Search the DrugNews Archive, MAPinc.org/search/shelp.htm. Find news articles about drug policy in our DrugNews Archive using one of three search forms.
• How to be a MAP Newshawk, MAPinc.org/hawk.htm. Learn how to locate, format, and submit news articles to the DrugNews Archive.
• How to Become an Active Member of MAP, MAPinc.org/how2.htm. Volunteers drive MAP. Here are activities activists can do to change drug policy.
Features of the DrugSense.org Website.
• DrugSense.org/help/ Moving a mouse over various features shows how to uses the DrugSense Web portal.
• How to Handle the Media, MAPinc.org/media2.htm. Learn how to pitch stories, generate messaging, and stage media events.
• Tips for Writing Letters-to-the-Editor, MAPinc.org/resource/tips.htm. Platinum letter writer Robert Sharpe reveals secrets of a record-setting 1,000+ published LTEs.
• How to Get Drug Policy On Air, MAPinc.org/resource/maf_howto.htm. Learn how to gain local radio and TV coverage for drug policy topics.
• Media-Contact-on-Demand Tutorials, MAPinc.org/mcod/. Connect local media to drug policy reform using the DrugSense Media Contact Database.
• MAP Virtual Conference Room, MAPinc.org/resource/Paltalk.htm. Join an Internet-based, voice conference on drug policy topics by downloading software and accessing this ‘room’.
To reform the draconian drug policies are dedicated activists ready, willing — and trained — to respond proactively in the media. This is what DrugSense does, heightens awareness of the extreme damage caused by the flawed and failed system of drug prohibition, commonly known as the “War on Drugs,” and informs the public on rational alternatives to the Drug War by helping organize citizens to take actions that bring about needed reforms.
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Last Updated ( Wednesday, 20 September 2006 )
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