Social media has helped build activist networks for marijuana reform. Small groups of dedicated people using tools like NORML's chatrooms, podcasts, and donation drives have been able to change public opinion on cannabis. While anonymity online allows for honest discussions, it can also lead people to believe their issue is less popular than it is in reality. The internet era has helped propel marijuana policy reform forward from the low points of the Reagan administration.

1. The Power of the IntertubesHow Social Media Builds Activist Networks “Radical” Russ Belville NORML Outreach Coordinator NORML National Conference 2011

2. NORML SHOW LIVE & NORML Network http://live.norml.org

3. VIRTUAL Relationships lead to ACTUAL Relationships “Never doubt that a small, dedicated group of people can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” Margaret Mead - Anthropologist

4. Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon 3 OracleofBacon.org

5. From NORML SHOW LIVE Chatroomto NORML National Conference 2010/2011 AdamHand Adevarat BngwtrBecki Buz1 CannabisCureUK DamonAlexander DreadSmokesWeed Dustruction GraayWolf JenAlexander JohnDoeRadio KayLea LAngel1 Mr. Spof Stereotype StonedKidney ThaiStik TrixterPhillips VaporKing YellowJuanaCake

6. Personal Relationships Build Institutional Respect “The most important thing you can cultivate in NORML is the attitude of gratitude.” Madeline Martinez – NORML Board of Directors

7. From NORML SHOW LIVE toMaterial Support for Reform Messaging $1,600 in listener donations for El Jefe Hot Wings contest and other pledge drives LivelyLibra – Emergency meant couldn’t attend conference; donated registration for licensing NorCalKid – Volunteer assistance at Prop 19 election night coverage & Spring Gathering DamonAlexander – Donated “The Mothership” RoLLaJaY – Donated every bit of audio and recording gear that’s streaming and recording this conference online NOW

8. You can podcast on NORML Network Start small – a laptop and a headset mic are fine for beginners – record short local news info Audacity is free open-source recording software Skype can be used for recording interviews Expand to small mixers – adding recorded elements – structured segments Record to MP3, free software to upload to The NORML Network

9. Virtual Anonymity allows more honest dialogue “Son, you can fool all on the people some of the time, some of the people all of the time… and that’s damn good odds!” John Byron Belville – My Father

10. The “My Neighbor Hates Pot” Paradox Similar polls from Minnesota and Texas “Do you support medical marijuana / decrim?” “Do you think your neighbor supports medical marijuana / decrim?” We’ve been convinced our issue is less popular than it actually is!

11. 70’s Peak Reagan Era Low W. Bush Nixon Era Beginnings Internet Era

12. Thank you for your attention!Enjoy the NORML ConferenceThe Big Book of Facts Coming Soon Live.NORML.org Weekdays LIVE at 1pm Pacific “Radical” Russ Belville Twitter: @RadicalRuss Email: Russ@NORML.org Blog: Stash.NORML.org