Fri, June 19, 2009 - 6:30:53

The Twitter Revolution: Iranians Harness the Power of Small with Social Media

“We have no national press coverage in Iran, everyone should help spread Moussavi’s message. One Person = One Broadcaster. #IranElection,” read one post on Twitter this week.  This powerful message of revolution is just one of thousands being sent out every hour to the masses in rebellion against the Iranian election results.  With no traditional media outlets, Iranians in support of opposition candidate Mir Hussein Moussavi have turned to social media to participate in the newest form of political rebellion, cyber activism.  Behind all of it is a concept very close to our hearts, which we discuss in our book, THE POWER OF SMALL: that each of us has the power within to affect real change in our own lives and in the lives of others. 

As Monday’s New York Times article, “Social Networks Spread Defiance Online”, explains, the Iranian government’s crackdown on communication between its citizens by blocking text messaging, cell phone, and internet service, has caused Iranians to devise new ways to sidestep the restrictions.  On the high tech side, Iranians reach the internet by connecting to proxy servers created by individuals around the world for the sole purpose of aiding their cause.  By donating their skills, these developers’ small actions give a voice to thousands who would otherwise remain silent.

And it doesn’t stop there.  Thousands more are using social networking sites like Facebook, and most notably the micro-blogging service, Twitter, to not only report the latest news on the developing crisis, but to voice their solidarity in the struggle.  Through inspirational tweets featuring hashtags like the one above, by organizing others for protests, or by simply turning their avatars green, users throughout the global online community, from Twitter and beyond have joined forces to fight for a single cause.

One person equals one broadcaster.  It’s a powerful and awe-inspiring reminder that no one is insignificant.  Each of us can harness the power within to make a tangible difference, one small action at a time.  Alone, our voices may become lost in a sea of noise, but together we can each do our part to make real change.

Posted by Linda and Robin