184 Converting Resources to the Cause table 6.1. Libyan groups and organizations created for revolution and relief during the 2011 Arab Spring, as reported by respondents Diaspora Group/Organization Name Exclusively an Apolitical Charity? USA Lawyers for Justice in Libyaa Libya Coordinating Group Libya Outreach Libya Youth Movementa Libyan American Association of Ohio Libyan Council of North America Libyan Emergency Task Force Libyan Humanitarian Action New Libya Foundation No No No No No No No No No Britain Lawyers for Justice in Libyaa Libya Linka Libya Youth Movementa Libyan British Relations Council World Medical Camp for Libya No No No No No Other Libya AlAhrara (Qatar-based) Libya AlHurraa (Tunisia-based) No No a Denotes multinational membership. In addition to remitting directly, diaspora activists also channeled resources into the formation of new organizations staffed to support lobbying and relief efforts. These groups are listed in Table 6.1. Because the revolution was relatively short-lived – lasting from February 2011 until Gaddafi’s capture and execution in October – respondents reported that they were able to donate their time and resources to sustain a new set of pro-revolution diaspora organizations. Furthermore, those who traveled to Doha to work on the revolution satellite station had their hotel expenses paid either by funds supporting the National Transitional Council (NTC) or by wealthy Libyan donors. To that end, the creation of new organizations with low-to-no operating costs by the rank and file enabled activists to channel additional donations directly to the rebellion itself. Libyans’ full-spectrum role in the revolution was further bolstered by their social capital, including skills and experience in the areas of media, law, business, medicine, technology, politics, and civil society. Because knowledge and skills in these areas were needed to buttress a revolution that “needed everything,” activists reported that their expertise came to be converted to the revolution in different ways. For instance, Fadel, a Libyan American who had worked for the US State Department in the past, was contacted by NTC https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009272148 Published online by Cambridge University Press