Citizen Journalism: blogging for a Cause

Everyone has causes they support. Whether that cause be pro-life, aLS, breast cancer or some other cause. blogging is a great way to get the word out. Getting others involved by making them more knowledgeable will help your cause immensely. You are also helping with citizen journalism by spreading the word to others about your issues that you have strong convictions about.

In your blog you can include all the latest research and news pertaining to your cause. Include some historical background and why you feel so strongly about it. You can also take the citizen journalism one step further and include video interviews with others who support the movement. Maybe your cause is breast cancer awareness. You can include interviews with survivors of breast cancer, or people that currently have it. Tell there stories of how the disease changed their life and better yet, their stories of success.

When blogging about your cause tell others what they can do to help. Is there a fund to support research? Let others know about any events that relate to the issue. Link to other blogs that are supporting your cause. blogs can reach millions of people so make sure it is filled with the information they need to give support that is needed.

Tell the readers where they can find more information such as books, or articles that they might find helpful. Most importantly when blogging let the readers leave your page feeling like your cause is one worth fighting for. Have a section for readers of your blog to leave comments. They may know of further research that could benefit your cause.

also, be prepared as some causes will cause controversy. Everyone will not feel as strongly as you do. Some might leave negative comments on your blog. Do not let these get you down. Everyone is entitled to their own beliefs and opinions, even if they are not the same as yours.

Citizen journalism allows people from all over the world to express their views. People in different countries might do different things to support their causes. blogging is an effective platform to use to find out about these ways.

If you attend functions or events for your cause post pictures and videos. This shows the reader that there are real people behind the blog.  Make your reader feel your passion for the cause. Some people could be on the fence about an issue you feel strongly about, and your blog might be the deciding factor in the direction they choose.

What ever the cause you are blogging about make sure you feel passionate about it. If not the reader will pick up on your lack of enthusiasm and may not return to your blog. The more readers you can get to return and subscribe the more people that will be aware and supportive of your cause. by making your blog informative and personal you will be on the path to developing a reader following.    

blogging about a cause is an effective use of citizen journalism because readers get news with a personal touch that are no available on traditional news websites.

Photo credit: Elvert barnes