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Learn Deep Research and Political Ops this Saturday

What do you need to be a digital sleuth and tactician? Take the Tyee Master Class.

David Beers 10 Apr 2013TheTyee.ca

David Beers is editor of The Tyee.

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Emma Pullman, ace political sleuth: 'I do believe that these tools are shifting power balances.'

Knowledge is power, which is why those in power make it hard to gain much knowledge about their activities and connections. That's when Emma Pullman reaches into her toolkit for conducting Deep Research and Political Ops.

Pullman has honed her techniques while laying the groundwork for some very high profile and successful campaigns. This Saturday she will share her knowledge with empowered attendees of The Tyee's latest Master Class -- and there still are several seats left.

Pullman, who has written for The Tyee and others, is a Canadian campaigns consultant with global online corporate watchdog group SumOfUs.org, is a rapid-response campaigner with Leadnow.ca, and is a researcher on energy and politics.

As the website description for this Saturday's Master Class says, Pullman "will take you through an in-depth background on how to get the answers you're looking for. The day begins with a tutorial on using online search engines to find key information from hard-to-access places. Using a case study, she will then guide you through a number of research tools including domain searches, lobbying records, code, and cached and archived pages. In the afternoon, participants will put their research and new knowledge to work, delving into the often gnarly world of Freedom of Information and Access to Information and Privacy requests. With special guests and hands-on exercises, you'll come away from this class with serious sleuthing skills and the chops -- and the tools -- to get what you need."

Pullman says her class is a natural for people of all skill levels -- journalists, writers, activists, campaigners, concerned citizens, NGOs, and those trying to influence public policy. Facts are precious and must be mined by makers of social change, she notes. "I believe that research is the bedrock of campaigning. Our work, to be effective, needs to be rooted in sound research to make sure that the issues and causes we're advocating for are factual, effective, come from a place of being a good ally, and can drive the policy agenda." 

Okay, but isn't that what Google is for? "Google is an amazing tool. Don't underestimate the breadth of what you can find publicly if you know how to use it well! In addition to Google, I love using Domain Tools to search the registration of websites. I also use Way Back Machine, and Freedom of Information and Access to Information and Privacy requests in addition to many others."

Countering spin

Master Class attendees will get their hands on all of these tools, and in so doing will be better equipped to participate in a digitally driven revolution, says Pullman.

"Right now it feels like our world is rife with misinformation and secrecy. Corporations have more power than they've ever had in history, and public relations firms create front groups to spin facts and confuse the public. Our government creates policy driven by an ideological agenda rather than by science. Our knowledge about what our government is actually planning to do is being eroded. Our public servants and our scientists can't speak up -- and so we have to. It feels powerful to have the tools to find and share the facts to counter misinformation.

"I do believe that these tools are shifting power balances," she adds, "but I'm hopeful for -- and campaigning and working towards -- a day when we no longer have to fight for these rights."

If Emma Pullman strikes you as a passionate and committed pro at ferreting out explosive information, you would be correct. But she's also quick to flash a smile and is relentlessly upbeat and friendly in person.

Spend this Saturday at The Tyee offices learning from Pullman as well as a special guest expert on the art and science of filing FOI requests. Enjoy a tasty lunch midway and a glass or two of wine after. Then go forth and find out all the stuff those in power would prefer you didn't.

To find out more and register, click here.

To find out about more Tyee Master Classes this spring, click here.  [Tyee]

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