How SMS 2.0 will power progressive change

In an age where effective communication can make or break campaigns, SMS 2.0, or Rich Communication Services (RCS) is emerging as a powerful tool for progressive organisations. From trade unions mobilising workers to NGOs raising awareness, RCS offers a smarter, more impactful way to connect with people. Movement provides the tools to make the most of this technology, enabling campaigners to engage, organise, and inspire like never before.

What is RCS and why does it matter?

RCS is the evolution of the humble text message, transforming SMS into a dynamic, interactive platform. It enables multimedia messaging with features like images, videos, carousels, and buttons for instant responses – all within a single conversation. Think of it as a messaging app that works on nearly every modern smartphone, without needing third-party downloads.

For progressive groups, this means you can deliver visually compelling calls to action, provide instant access to resources, and foster real-time engagement with your audience, all while ensuring your message cuts through the noise.

The benefits of RCS for progressive causes

RCS isn’t just a technical upgrade – it’s a tool for meaningful connection. Here’s how it can empower movements for change:

  1. Mobilising action at scale
    Imagine a trade union sending out a beautifully designed, branded message urging workers to attend a strike rally, complete with a map of the meeting point and buttons to RSVP. RCS can make this a reality, turning a simple notification into an interactive experience.

  2. Building trust and authenticity
    With verified sender IDs and consistent branding, RCS ensures recipients know the message is from a legitimate source. For NGOs battling misinformation, this is invaluable. Whether you’re running a climate justice campaign or providing crisis support, trust is paramount.

  3. Enhancing inclusivity and access
    Many campaigners face challenges in reaching audiences across platforms. RCS bridges the gap by working directly with the native messaging apps on most smartphones. For progressive political parties, this means reaching constituents who may not use mainstream apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

  4. Driving engagement through multimedia
    Picture a campaign to end housing inequality using RCS to share a video of affected families, followed by quick-reply buttons to contact local MPs or sign a petition. It’s a way to make complex issues tangible and spur immediate action.

  5. Streamlining organisational logistics
    From event reminders to resource distribution, RCS enables progressive groups to manage logistics with ease. A grassroots organisation, for instance, could send a message with links to downloadable flyers, social media assets, and live updates about a protest.

How Movement makes it simple

RCS’s potential can seem overwhelming, but Movement’s tools make it accessible to everyone. Their platform enables organisations to design and deploy RCS messages with minimal technical expertise, ensuring progressive groups can focus on their mission rather than technology.

Key features include:

  • Drag-and-drop message creation to build visually impactful content

  • Integration with existing databases for personalised outreach

  • Real-time analytics to measure effectiveness and fine-tune campaigns

  • Scalability to support everything from local campaigns to global movements

Whether it’s a union strike ballot, an NGO fundraising drive, or a political call to action, Movement ensures your message is delivered powerfully and effectively.

Why progressive organisations should embrace RCS now

RCS is not just a tool for the future – it’s here and ready to be used. In a landscape dominated by misinformation, short attention spans, and digital overload, RCS offers a way to cut through and create genuine impact.

For campaigners, trade unions, NGOs, and progressive political parties, RCS is a game-changer. It’s a means of reaching people where they are, with content that compels them to act. With Movement’s support, progressive organisations can take full advantage of this technology to amplify their voice and create real change.

A call to action for progressives

If you’re working to build a fairer, more equitable world, the tools you use matter. RCS messaging offers an opportunity to rethink how we connect, mobilise, and inspire. By embracing this technology, and the tools Movement provides, progressive organisations can stay ahead in the fight for justice, equality, and sustainability.

Now is the time to harness the potential of RCS. The change we need depends on how we communicate – and RCS ensures that communication is more powerful than ever.


If you’d like to talk to us about harnessing the power of RCS (or SMS 2.0 as we sometimes call it) then book a call bellow and we’ll be in touch:


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