On March 23rd, 2024, the Climate Forward Pakistan’s Children and Youth Advisory Board (CYAB) organized an insightful session titled “Empowering Climate Justice Advocates through Social Media.” The primary aim was to equip attendees with the necessary skills to run effective digital campaigns for social causes, particularly focusing on aiding the victims of the Balochistan Flood. The session aimed to incorporate social media strategies to raise funds for the affected individuals.
The session commenced with Durlabh Ashok providing an overview of “Climate Forward Pakistan,” setting the stage for the importance of digital advocacy in addressing pressing environmental issues. Following this, Mahnoor Rashid, Chairperson of the CYAB, offered insights into the Board’s mission and objectives.
The highlight of the session was the presence of Shajeea Khalid, Policy and Operations Associate at Climate Finance Pakistan, renowned for her groundbreaking digital campaign “femSoc” aimed at ending femicide. Shajeea shared invaluable insights gained from her successful campaign, emphasizing the power of social media in mobilizing support and raising funds.
Shajeea guided the participants through the intricacies of campaign planning. From structuring teams to delineating roles and responsibilities, every aspect was thoroughly examined. She emphasized the importance of utilizing free graphic design and writing tools to craft compelling content that resonates with the audience. Practical examples were provided, illustrating effective engagement strategies.
Recognizing the significance of volunteer engagement, Shajeea advocated for assigning diverse roles within the campaign beyond mere tweeting. Regular Zoom meetings were proposed as a means to foster collaboration, enabling volunteers to take ownership of the cause and establish a deeper connection.
An interactive activity further enriched the learning experience, as participants were divided into groups and tasked with crafting policy and rhetoric-based tweets on specific topics. Shajeea provided constructive feedback, stressing the importance of cohesive hashtags and impactful language to amplify the campaign’s reach.
Amidst the workshop, a one-minute silence was observed as participants, in solidarity with the mission of climate justice, switched off their lights to mark Earth Hour. This moment underscored the synergy between digital advocacy and tangible environmental action, resonating deeply with the objectives of the Workshop and its commitment to addressing climate-related challenges.
The session concluded with a vibrant Q&A segment, where participants had the opportunity to seek clarification and guidance. Shajeea commended the engagement and active participation of attendees, while Mahnoor expressed gratitude for Shajeea’s invaluable insights and time.
In essence, the session not only equipped the participants with practical skills for running a successful digital campaign but also instilled a sense of empowerment and purpose. Armed with newfound knowledge and strategies, these climate justice advocates are poised to make a meaningful impact in their mission to aid the flood victims of Balochistan. As they harness the power of social media for positive change, the ripple effects of their efforts are bound to be profound.