USA: What change looks like

The hopes of civil society the world round have certainly been lifted by Barack Obama’s election. The Associated Press, in an article on November 12, reports on the wave of Obama-mania that is sweeping across Europe’s grassroots organisations: in France a 2 thousand strong support group for the Democrats, “the Movement” has become a fully fledged campaign for political diversity; in Britain a black voter group claim to be “inundated” with calls; in Austria activists are putting pressure on political parties to file minority candidates and in Germany a Facebook group called “Yes we Cem” has been started by Tukish politician Cem Ozdemir.

Less than 2 weeks from the memorable night in which 126.0 million Americans took to the polling stations, more than 66 million pledging their support for the first black president in the history of the United States, it is early to speculate on what this change will actually mean for civil society. The President-elect will only take up office in January and America faces what many have called the most “difficult transition period ever”. But there are things about which there is no doubt: Obama has proved that bottom-up activism works. That young people can be active participants, even leaders, to change. And that when it comes to fundraising, every little helps.

The mood is definitely optimistic. But what is civil society saying and what lessons can it learn from Obama’s election campaign? VitaEurope has selected a series of articles to take a closer look:

Obama’s 8 million volunteers: A volunteer army of activists have managed the unexpected: Obama for president. The philosophy behind their success? One to one leadership. Here is the recipe. (Read more …)

Obama: Harnessing the web for change: Italian advertising guru Gavino Sanna explains the key to Obama’s success: a perfect campaigning machine and an artful internet strategy.(Read more …)

Obama: What’s in store for the environment: The US President elect says his top priority will be a new, green energy economy. Here is what to expect and what it means for our aching planet. (Read more …)

USA: Obama can’t save Africa: African experts do not expect too much from America’s “African” president: Africa is not high on his agenda. And they warn that it is he who will expect a lot from them. (Read more …)  

Obama: Defending women’s rights overseas: International charities have welcomed Obama’s election as it may mean a more flexible approach to family planning counselling, currently restricted by the USA’s strict anti-abortion stance. (Read more …)

 

Other VitaEurope.org articles on the US 2008 presidential elections:

Obama’s America

Obama: America changes face

From our Blogosphere: Who is leading us?

Take Action: Sign Amnesty International’s appeal to the President-elect