Appendix 1: Digital Citizenship Stakeholder Meeting: Findings from the Digital Citizenship and Participation Mapping Exercise (Brussels, February 2023)
2. Empowering Unions, Assemblies, and Alliances in the Digital Age
The impact of digital technologies extends to various levels, beginning with the ability for individuals to come together and form unions and communities through the use of technology. People can now connect, gather, and forge alliances using simple yet powerful tools like hashtags or online groups, such as Facebook groups or Viber communities.
Additionally, digital technologies have revolutionised the process of official association registration. In Estonia, for instance, citizens now have the opportunity to establish organisations through online platforms, streamlining and simplifying the registration process.
Moreover, digital technologies not only facilitate the formation of communities but also foster the growth of Communitas / Communities of Practise. Platforms like Reddit and M-SCHOOL.ORG exemplify these digital spaces where individuals with shared interests and expertise can come together to exchange knowledge, collaborate, and enhance their skills.
3. Harnessing Digital Collaboration for Joint Work and Collective Impact
Digital technologies also play an important role in enabling collaborative work, which holds immense significance in preparing and coordinating various actions. Collaborative document platforms, such as Google Docs or Notion, empower multiple individuals from different locations to collaborate seamlessly on specific documents, including policy briefs and other collaborative projects.
Furthermore, in the realm of governance, digital technologies have opened up opportunities for e-governance within organisations and unions, providing a convenient means for people to organise and coordinate their work. Digital technologies provide an added value by facilitating the decentralisation of decision-making processes. Working groups, assembly meetings, and other forms of collaborative governance can now be conducted efficiently using digital platforms, streamlining the process and enhancing participation and engagement.
4. Amplifying Campaigning and Awareness Raising through Digital Channels
The emergence of new technologies has revolutionised the way campaigns are conducted, enabling the rapid dissemination of information and the ability to reach a wider audience within minutes or hours. Notable examples include the influential campaigns led by individuals like Greta Thunberg and the Green movement, which effectively raise awareness about pressing environmental issues.
Additionally, new technologies provide organisations with the means to attract young people by presenting Digital Citizenship initiatives in captivating and youth-friendly ways. Through innovative approaches and engaging content, organisations can effectively connect with young individuals and inspire their active participation in digital citizenship endeavours.
On the other hand, people also use digital technologies to run political campaigns, frequently started by movements and groups. The Arab Spring, with its extensive use of social media platforms, serves as a prime example of how digital technologies can mobilise and empower individuals to advocate for political change on a mass scale. Social media platforms have played a pivotal role in amplifying voices, organising protests, and galvanising public support during such transformative movements.
5. Transforming Event Organisation: Uniting Virtual Spaces for Mass Participation
New technologies have opened up new opportunities for people and organisations to organise online events, providing flexibility and accessibility. Traditional events can be conducted through regular video conferencing tools like Zoom, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration. However, the emergence of the metaverse has introduced immersive experiences, offering new possibilities for event organisation.
This expanded landscape allows for a wide range of events, including online trainings, counselling sessions, peer-to-peer learning experiences, as well as conferences, fairs, and other gatherings. Virtual meetings have become increasingly common across various platforms, enabling both multilateral and bilateral discussions, including meetings with decision-makers.
Furthermore, digital youth work has transitioned to online platforms, with the establishment of digital youth centres such as Mladi Zmaj – Digi MC on Discord. These virtual spaces provide opportunities for young people to engage in digital activities, connect with peers, and access resources and support within a digital environment.
6. Mobilising for Change: Leveraging Digital Platforms for Social Transformation
Mobilising for change goes beyond campaigning, enabling individuals to rally citizens around common ideas and drive both digital and in-person transformations. Tools like WhatsApp have facilitated mobilisation efforts, allowing people to unite, coordinate actions, and effect changes in both the digital and physical realms.
Organising protests, whether online or offline, serves as another powerful means of mobilising people. With advancements in technologies like augmented and virtual reality, the prospect of conducting protests virtually becomes increasingly feasible. This approach proves particularly timely and opportune for multilateral advocacy initiatives, such as those directed towards the European Union (EU), the Council of Europe (CoE), and other international organisations. Websites like kreni-promeni.org exemplify platforms that facilitate mobilisation for multilateral advocacy purposes.
Furthermore, digital technologies have expedited the process of fundraising, enabling swift mobilisation of funds. Notable examples include instances like fundraising for the People of Ukraine (War in Ukraine) or the People of Turkey (Earthquake in Turkey), where people were able to mobilise and raise money rapidly. Additionally, individuals and organisations can leverage digital platforms, such as GoFundMe, Instagram, and Facebook, to raise funds for small-scale activities through crowdfunding mechanisms.
Moreover, digital technologies have streamlined the process of initiating and collecting signatures for e-petitions. Platforms like Change.org and the EU Citizens’ Initiative provide accessible means for individuals to create and gather support for e-petitions, fostering greater citizen engagement and influencing decision-making processes.