Using Tech for Community Organizing

Interview: Juan Vasquez, Organizer at NationBuilder
Our interview this week is with Juan Sebastian Vasquez. Juan is an Organizer at NationBuilder. He spends his day working at the intersection of community organizing and technology for political and nonprofit groups worldwide. He focuses much of his energies on the the Latino community, working with political advocacy groups, immigration reform movements and other minority organizations. Previously, he led the most active social media team in the 2013 Los Angeles mayoral elections and was the Director of Communications for a local technology nonprofit.
Juan is part of the HuffPost and The Good Men Project blogger networks and in 2013, his social media team was named to the Los Angeles’ Social 25 (25 most influential entities in social media). He has spoken at organizations such as the New Leaders Council, Voto Latino, and was recently asked to speak at the University of Florida on technology as a pathway to social change. Juan is a pretend chef, amateur cyclist, and full-time rule breaker.
Juan provides his insight about grassroots community organizing and how you can use technology to reach your targeted audience and amplify your message.
Questions discussed during the interview:

* What is the intersection between community organizing and technology?
* How can an organization or movement leverage social media to engage their supporters?
* What are the best ways for leaders of an organization to get their online community involved?
* What to do when discussing controversial topics without alienating those who may disagree?
* How to build your community with a small marketing team or a low budget

Mentions in the interview:

* NationBuilder
* Voto Latino
* Voto Latino Power Summit
* Crowdismo
* Tony Lima, SAVE Dade
* Yago de Marta
* HopeMob
* Voto Latino’s Google Hangout on September 3rd 4pm EST, Social Media Best Practices for RUL Organizations. Juan will be a participant

Favorite Smartphone App:
Instagram
Must-Follow on Twitter:
Shaun King, from HopeMob
Must Read Book Recommendation:
The 50th Law
You can follow Juan on Twitter!