When the spread of COVID-19 caused the world to shut down, people had to figure out how to continue to work and socialize. People turned to social media to help them stay in touch with others. Companies used web-based meeting apps to meet with clients, staff, or other groups.
The pivot towards social media and web-based meeting apps helped revolutionize how people could come together. One of the benefits was the rise of digital advocacy.
Professionals and volunteers perform advocacy work. Advocacy groups work to raise awareness of the causes, ideas, or policies they want implemented. Many of these organizations can be found in local, state, or national settings. Before COVID-19, those rooted in the community had in-person meetings at regular intervals. Volunteers were at times unable to attend meetings or activities because of work, family obligations, or financial constraints.
COVID-19 reshaped how advocates could work and meet. Almost immediately after the COVID-19 social isolation regulations and quarantine, private, nonprofit, and government agencies worked to develop virtual access. Web-based apps were employed for meetings. These apps helped connect people and allowed the business to continue.
Web-based apps serve another purpose. Government agencies realized they could use the apps to stay in touch with advocacy groups. Congresspeople understood they needed to remain connected to the groups to get much-needed information. Advocacy groups could also contact their elected officials through virtual conferences or phone.
The ease of accessibility to business and government leaders supported the work of advocates, ensuring their voices and concerns were heard despite the social isolation regulations. Advocacy was more accessible for professionals and volunteers to engage in.
Advocacy groups’ annual conferences were once attended by those who could afford to go. The travel, the event fee, and other incidental expenses were prohibitive. COVID-19 shutdowns shifted the conferences from in-person to virtual. This shift opened the door for those who couldn’t travel but could attend virtually. The practice of virtual conference attendance remains even after the COVID-19 social isolation regulations were eased and removed. Because of digital advocacy, advocates could stay active and participate in conferences.