Social media powering social change

phoebe lebrecht
Confab Social
Published in
2 min readMay 22, 2015

A tool that started as a social network is now empowering people to make a difference to the world we live in. By giving people a voice, social platforms like Twitter are allowing individuals to rally together from all over the world, with no previous connection other than a shared passion for equality. This collected voice is getting louder and louder and we are now witnessing social media becoming a catalyst for social change, daily.

Recently we have seen #BlackLivesMatter catapult from a moment to a movement thanks to social media. Being able to share, listen and express with no social, territorial or time barriers has enabled a community led mission to reverberate across the world. #BlackLivesMatter is a call to action and a response to the virulent anti-Black racism that permeates our society.

The referendum in Ireland today is a prime example of the power of freedom of speech in the digital age. The #VoteYes campaign is inspiring. Social media has amplified the #VoteYes campaign beyond Ireland, to the world.

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By enlarging the conversation, we have made the world smaller. #hometovote has taken Twitter by storm. The dedication for equality has people flying thousands of miles to redeem their democratic ticket and thanks to Twitter we are able to celebrate their commitment and inspire others.

The more support that floods the feed, the stronger the #VoteYes glows. A referendum is arguably a dangerous option for dealing with the rights of minorities but at least in this case it has rallied a campaign of love & acceptance across cultures.

Glass doesn’t have the option to vote but we do have the option to stand tall. Love is equal. #VoteYes

Here’s a few of our faves:

There are also the voters who are closer to home, like 101 year old Kitty Cotter who inspires us all by using social media to knock down barriers and stand up for the minorities.

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phoebe lebrecht
Confab Social

Founder / Strategist @confabsocial - Trying to help people make the most of social media. Love Triathlon & Cycling — Editor, @Got_to_Tri.