How To Launch a Human-Rights Blog 

You’re outraged over human-rights abuses, and you want to take a stand. A blog can be one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard. For more information on social movements, go to http://youthmovements.howcast.com

Step 1: Set it up

Set up the blog. Check out the web sites of journalist-rights groups for information on programs to use, techniques to avoid censors, and security measures to take.

Step 2: Pick the issues

Decide which specific issues and events you want to highlight. Practice drafting entries before you go live.

Step 3: Make it current

A successful blog is not a history lesson; your writing should reference current events. And stick to the facts—human-rights abuses don’t need embellishment.

Step 4: Find your voice

Develop a distinct voice. Whether you’re scholarly, sarcastic, or bombastic, be consistent, and be original.

Step 5: Remain anonymous

Increase your chances of remaining anonymous—and escaping detection by authorities—by not revealing personal information on the blog.

Step 6: Seek help

Identify regional specialists at human-rights organizations and nonprofit groups that support press freedom. They can offer guidance and may even be able to provide funding and legal advice.

Step 7: Optimize

Optimize your results in search engines by using keywords—terms and phrases related to your topic that people tend to search for—in the titles and top paragraphs of your posts.

Step 8: Link to external sites

Link to other relevant blogs, dissident and human-rights groups, and news organizations. Get as many of them as possible to reciprocate.

Step 9: Make it interactive

Encourage reader comments and suggestions. Lively debate can increase traffic.

Step 10: Use photos and video

If possible, incorporate photographs and video. A picture tells a thousand words, and video is harder for censors to catch than text.