Every purchase is a vote of support for that business. A consumer boycott is a vote against firms that live off the community but give back little in return. Shopping at socially responsible firms ('buycott') is a vote for social justice and corporate responsibility.
Elections can be rigged, voters suppressed and districts gerrymandered, but it's hard to manipulate every day purchases by thousands of citizens. Every dollar spent is a vote.
But it's hard for community organizers to implement direct activism. How do you research firms worth supporting? How can this information be shared with community members so that they can make their purchases to further the collective good?
MRNV designed their app on the free GlideApps software platform in two days with a little help from DemLabs. Try it at http://bit.ly/shopnevada and remember to shop at the recommended firms when you are in Las Vegas.
"59% of activist-minded consumers said it was more important than ever to participate in consumer boycotts, while far more — 83% said it was more important now to support companies they believe “do the right thing” and buy from them." - Washington Post.
"The strategy of attracting consumers who are willing to spend more — by taking a stand on an issue or expressing how a company views a social issue — may better position brands than the strategy of remaining neutral to avoid “boycotters" who may not have spent money with them anyways."
"We wanted a means to let our community residents show their support for local businesses with social justice values", explains Lalo Montoya, political director at MRNV. "This app lets us engage more businesses and gives the community a stronger voice in Nevada’s legislative process".
Take away
Money talks. Encourage supporters to spend their money in line with their values - from patronizing local socially responsible stores to avoiding products from companies that advertise on TV programs spewing racism. Learn more about encouraging digital consumer activism here.