Virtual Activism

I and a team of undergraduate researchers recently completed a project called Influencing Climate Change Policy: a study on virtual and physical activism.

Abstract: This research explored the way environmental nongovernmental organizations (ENGOs) use virtual tools (from email to Flash activism) to substitute for or complement physical tools (from newsletters to marches) in influencing climate policy. By developing expertise on global warming issues and providing knowledge and information to decision-makers and the public, ENGOs appear to be in an excellent position to influence climate change policy. Their effectiveness depends on how successfully they communicate information. By exploring how ENGO representatives perceive the effectiveness of individual tools used for transmitting information, this research aims to draw conclusions about how virtual and physical tools can be employed to optimize effective information transfer.

Research was conducted in the months leading up to and including the Conference of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change/11th Conference of the Parties/1st Meeting of the Parties (UNFCCC/COP-11/MOP-1), held in Montreal, Quebec November 28-December 9, 2005. Analysis was built on primary data collected during telephone interviews with ENGO communication directors and face-to-face interviews conducted with ENGO representatives at the conference. Our results show that physical activism has an overriding importance in establishing personal relationships and networks, which were reported to be among the most effective ways to influence decision-makers and gain public and media attention. Virtual tools have a great potential to facilitate information transmission globally and are commonly employed to enhance physical activism. The research suggests our respondents chose activism tools in a case specific manner. Strategies with decision makers require personal interaction; whereas indirect strategies, such as media attention and public awareness, allow greater integration of physical and virtual tools.

My graduate student, Tian-ying Zhao, completed a masters degree (2005) on Internet and Diaspora: The experience of Mainland Chinese Immigrant Women in Montreal.

Abstract: This study examines the role of the Internet in the life of diasporic women. Twenty-nine qualitative interviews were conducted with Mainland Chinese immigrant women in Montreal, Canada to answer three research questions: 1) what is the use and value of the Internet as perceived by these women; 2) how have they experienced the Internet given their particular social situation as immigrants in Montreal; and 3) how have their diasporic identities been continuously produced/reproduced through such experience. The research found that Internet was perceived by these women mainly as a tool to obtain information, facilitate communication, and access recreation. Its appropriation reflected their special social situation as immigrants and women. Its use was largely involved in the reproduction of their identification with China, Canada and the Mainland Chinese diaspora, and n some case, in the production of new cultural positions. The study also suggests directions for future research.

Publications related to Virtual Activism

Journal Articles

Zhao, Tian Ying and R. E. Sieber. In progress. Internet and Immigrant Women. To be submitted to the Journal of International Migration and Integration.

Reports

Spitzberg, D. et al. 2006. Influencing Climate Change Policy: a study on virtual and physical activism. Project Report for Equiterre and for ENVR 401. Montreal, Canada: McGill School of Environment. 65pp.

Television and Radio

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Tim Belford on Quebec AM, CBC Radio 1, Quebec City, QC (June 20, 6:00-6:10 am, pre-recorded for broadcast later that morning)

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Lisa Laco on The Great Northwest, CBC Radio 1, Thunder Bay, ON (June 20, 6:15-6:25 am)

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Markus Schwabe on Morning North, CBC Radio 1, Sudbury, ON (June 20, 6:45-6:55 am)

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Terry MacLeod on Information Radio, CBC Radio 1, Winnipeg, MB (June 20, 7:00-7:10 am, pre-recorded for broadcast later that morning)

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Anne Budgell on Radio Noon, CBC Radio 1, St. John's, NFL (June 20, 7:10-7:20 am, pre-recorded for broadcast later that day).

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Randy Henderson on The Trailbreaker, CBC Radio 1, Yellowknife, NWT (June 20, 7:20-7:30 am)

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Martina Fitzgerald on Ontario Morning, CBC Radio 1, Ontario AM (June 20, 7:40-7:50 am)

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Shelia Coles on The Morning Edition, CBC Radio 1, Regina, SK (June 20, 8:15-8:25 am)

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Susan Elrington on On the Island, CBC Radio 1, Victoria, BC (June 20, 8:50-9:00 am)

Sieber, R. E. 2005. Commentary on virtual protest of Greenpeace during the 57th meeting of the International Whaling Commission in Ulsan, S. Korea, with host Rick Cluff on The Early Edition, CBC Radio 1, Vancouver, BC (June 20, 9:00-9:10 am, pre-recorded for broadcast later that morning)