Activism is out. Advocacy is in.

The message has been received enthusiastically: your voice can and will make a difference. The movement has grown loud and large in an effort to end the genocide in Darfur. Meanwhile, as we develop a culture of activism, the genocide continues, arguably worse than it was a few years ago.

Darfur experts circulate conferences, giving their 1-2-3 point speech about what needs to be done in Darfur, and taking questions from the audience about UN reform and the vagueness of the term "genocide." The debate about terminology and philosophy, while relevant, is useless in terms of action. Instead, ask:

What is our end goal?
By what means do we plan to get there?
How will our activism help us to achieve our end goal?

Overwhelming the American public with repetitive, depressing information is not effective. Four years later, arm bracelets aren’t enough. Activists will only achieve their end goal through scrupulous research and focused, coordinated efforts. A large movement is exciting; a refined, powerful movement can bring results.