Benchmarks

We're all really excited about our new campaign, Save Our Social Networks (SOS). Dave says we're doing a top-notch job, Maya is on the phone all day with our partners, and I am juggling a few story ideas with reporters. The office has taken on a lively character, we all feel fulfilled. Today we got the news that 1,000 letters to Congress have been written!

This is the campaign right under your nose. Congress thinks that we didn't need social networking websites (Facebook, Friendster, MySpace, Essembly, YPAC, Yahoo 360...), and young people are saying: "yes we do!" After all, young people have grown up with the internet all our lives, Congress has only had it for the last 15 years or so.

It's integrated into our lives, and we're used to coordinating with our friends, and engaging in public and civic discourse, through this medium.

Or at least that's what I'M saying.

We have a website, www.mobilize.org/SOS, where we want people to give us their feedback about why social networking websites are important to them. Here are a few of the many great responses we have received:

“Don’t Stop Progress!”~Josh Kappel from Wildwood, MO

“I love MySpace because it allows me to keep in touch with my friends. Since college, everyone has moved all over the country, and MySpace is an affordable and quick way to keep in touch. Now that I am a mother of a six month old, I don't really have a lot of time for long telephone conversations or for lengthy emails, but in a few minutes I can send a quick message out to all of my friends.”~Nicole Berkheimer from Knoxville, TN

“I use MySpace to promote my band. If you pass this legislation you will be taking money out of our pockets.”~J. Grant Bolign from Coupeville, WA

“They are used to work on assignments for class. We message each other to find out about homeowrk or schedule a time for group projects. Many school organizations also use these websites to remind people of meetings or upcoming events.” ~Trent Armitage from Victoria, VA

“I have friends whose lives have been saved because of these very websites. Suicidal youth who look out for help (and GET IT, through these sites), the kids who get beat up each day who need to find other kids to talk to who go through the same thing, many kids who do not even have a computer at home, or do not feel safe BEING at home. Over 69 million people use MySpace.com, and of those 69 million, 12 have been prosecuted for child abuse. That's hardly a measurable fraction.”~Tevi Abrams-Slep from New York, NY

“We have 5 children and they utilize the web / email / instant messager to keep in touch with friends and family from around the world. As responsible parents we realize that the responsibility is ours and not the government's to teach our children the safe way to use the web which is as it should be.”~Barry Chalcroft from Vancouver, WA

“Thank you taking the time to read my letter and consider mine and my peers views.”~Danny Carle from Willoughby, OH

“I am in Iraq and banning networks like Myspace would greatly reduce my connections with the outside world. Its not only a place to keep in contact with friends and family but I can see PICTURES of america! The American melting pot is sort of like myspace. There is nothing more AMERICAN then myspace.”~Jennifer Adlard from Petuluma, CA

“Keep in touch with friends and family: For instance, I recently found my half brother and sister by utilizing socializing websites. It seems that many of the older generations do not understand the electronic world. They feel that meeting/chatting with people online is a horrible thing, when nothing is further from the truth. I implore you not to ban social networks.”~Traci Wilkins from Warner Robins, GA

“I am concerned that this bill would have a chilling effect on free expression by young people. When Congress passes any bill restricting youths' free expression, it gives the sense that young people should just shut up rather than get involved in public discourse and debate. HR5319 doesn't do anything about child predators; it attempts the appearance of a solution by restricting youth. In other words, it punishes the them.” ~Svend la Rose from Hayward, CA