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Digitally Active Org: Mjaft!
Written by Mary on January 28, 2008 – 3:39 pm -Web site: www.mjaft.org
What was it?: The Mjaft! Movement’s primary vision is to achieve a well-governed Albania with active citizens, strong communities and a positive image in the world. Mjaft means “enough” in Albania and is a reflection of the frustration of the founders who returned from university in the US and Western Europe and were shocked at the corruption, poverty, crime and failing public services in their country.
Where is it?: Tirana, Albania
Tools: MMS (multimedia messaging service), cell phones, web site
Here is some more information on how Mjaft! uses the Internet and cell phones for digital activism. The source of this information is the Financial Times article “Technology: Boundaries blurred as campaigners go digital”. Often direct quotations are used.
Alerting the Media with MMS
Within seconds, the organization can deliver pictures from a labour or political protest to news agencies. Using the multimedia messaging service available on mobile phones, its text messages can reach up to 500,000 subscribers.
Mobile Staff
Mjaft! allows staff to do their work from anywhere. “My whole office is on my cell phone,”says Erion Veliaj, former leader of the group organization. “Most of our staffers are always traveling.”
Staff members use mobile communications to keep in touch with the office round the clock, even when on the road and in remote parts of the country, allowing them to expose issues that go unreported by most mainstream media outlets.
Instant Mobilization
“We have 10,000 members and about 1,000 all-time-ready volunteers,” says Veliaj. “In minutes we can reach dozens to show up at a spontaneous action.”
Web Site
The web site is available in both Albanian and English, which is critical for creating international awareness. One shortcoming is that there is very little information about how to get involved. No activities are given on the web site, only an e-mail address.
source: Financial Times & MobileActive
Tags: albania, corruption, crime, easterneurope, mjaft, mms, mobilephones, poverty, translation
Posted in Europe, Organizations |