Convert Public Attention Into Supporters And Donations

DemLabs blog

May 28, 2020

How do you convert public attention and media coverage into supporters and donors? Use QR Codes.

Basics
QR Codes are scannable codes that most phones can read. Scan the code with your smartphone camera and you'll be directed to a website or another call to action such as sending a text, or email making a call or playing a recording. Codes can be generated for free with apps such as Tec-It and QR Code Generator.

Grassroots innovation

Statewide Indivisible Michigan (SWIM) is a grassroots advocacy group from Michigan's 9th Congressional District. It describes its mission as "dedicated to defending our democracy by resisting the Trump agenda of racism, authoritarianism and corruption". SWIM uses yard signs co-designed with DemLabs to educate voters on the benefits of voting safely from home.

"Never waste a crisis", explained Paula Mantay, SWIM co-founder. "Everybody is out walking during COVID-19, so we decided to design yard signs to capture the eyeballs of pedestrian traffic and encourage them to vote by absentee ballot".

See how easy it is by scanning the the QR codes in this blog with the camera on your phone.

Convert attention to action
QR codes generate different calls to action such as requests for donations, sending texts, tweets or links to a website. The codes can be shared online, through yard signs or placards. Here are some hypothetical examples from recent protests. Scan the codes in the images below to see how your phone automatically generates the action to take.

Directs supporters to donate to Black Lives Matter

Directs viewers to the National Nurses Union (NNU) website

Generates tweet to send "Trump Lies. People Die. #TRUMPCOVIDFAILS

Take away
Don't squander public attention and press coverage. Use it to build support and get donations.

Deepak
Co-Founder, DemLabs

Please share this blog. DemLabs (a project of the Tides Advocacy Fund) is a SF-based, progressive hub for ongoing technology and creative innovation with free and affordable apps. Donate here to support our work.

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DemLabs applies innovative technology and storytelling tools in service of democratic values. It lowers the barrier of funding for worthy candidates and non-profits by applying existing free/affordable solutions.