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Many of us use mobile phones every day, but we rarely think about their use as tactics.  However, the Tactical Technology Collective has created a toolkit to teach us about how advocacy organizations can use mobile technology. This toolkit, called Mobiles in a Box (http://www.mobiles.tacticaltech.org/), is a collection of tools, tactics, how-to-guides, and case studies on how to utilize mobile phones as human rights advocates.

Importantly, Mobiles in a Box contains suggestions on a variety of tactics involving mobile phones.  For example, rallies and demonstrations can be organized quickly through mobile phones.  Many organizations have also utilized SMS (text-messaging) campaigns to increase membership and to fundraise.  Alternatively, organizations can set up interactive voice response systems that allow people to dial in for pre-recorded information on a particular topic.  This is particularly useful in areas where the literacy rate is low and requires some software (like Frontline SMS, available on the website).

Furthermore, mobile phones are invaluable for conference calls.  Tools like Fring (available on the website) can lessen the cost of conference calls by allowing users to access Skype accounts via their mobile phones.  In addition, virtual campaigning through text messages is a cheap way to reach many people.  Text-messaging is also a cost-efficient way to conduct a survey or a petition.  Furthermore, it is noteworthy that many mobile phones can also document events (photos, sound recordings, videos).  In fact, mobile phone documentation has been used around the world to capture human rights abuses.

Though these examples are just some of the many tactics suggested by Mobiles in a Box, the website also contains “How-To” pages.  These pages cover various topics, including how to set up an SMS Hub, how to make the most of a camera phone, and how to use mobile phones to update blogs and websites.  Mobiles in a Box also contains downloadable.  The viewer can download programs that make communication cheaper, that allow the user to log into instant messaging from a mobile phone, or that allow the user to publish multimedia content on the internet from a mobile phone.  The website also contains case studies of organizations that have used these and other tactics.

While working with mobile phones, it is important to keep in mind that in order to use mobile technology, an organization must keep an up-do-date list of the phone numbers of every member.  Furthermore, remember that, like all technology, mobile phones do come with security issues (see another dialogue on Security-in-a-box).  In addition, it is important to remember that different countries have different laws regarding mobile phones.  For example, sending unsolicited text messages is illegal in some countries.   

Overall, Mobiles in a Box contains interesting, useful information.  As our world becomes more technologically advanced, it is imperative that advocacy organizations remain up-to-date.  Furthermore, it is important that organizations learn cost-efficient measures in order to accomplish their goals.