Thread by @indivisibleOR1

For activists, Twitter can be a great way to hone arguments, create change, make connections, find information and enrich offline activism. How do you become an effective member of the resistance on Twitter? 1/x

To get answers, the Indivisible Oregon District 1 Media Team asked Teresa Hill, one of the voices behind @indivisibleOR1 , for her best practices for Twitter activism.

OR-1 Media Team Q1: Why should activists use Twitter?
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Teresa A1: First, thank-you for giving me this opportunity to talk about Twitter activism! For me Twitter is a wonderful blend of local offline activism and a broad coalition of progressive voices online.

Most of the activists I’ve met on Twitter are also very active offline 3/x

A common thread is that new activists come to Twitter to avoid conflict with family, friends, and employers. They become politically active online, then feel empowered and encouraged to get involved offline. 4/x

Experienced activists I meet use Twitter as a tool to extend the reach of their message and to find new volunteers. 5/x

The intersection of new activists stretching their wings and experienced activists leading by example is a potent combination for coalition building. It’s one of my favorite things about Twitter. 6/x

OR-1 MT Q2: How can an activist tell if a Tweet is real or generated by a bot?

T A2: That’s a good question and one that’s difficult to answer because the troll factories and bot networks are constantly changing tactics. A couple of things to look for are:
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Is the account tweeting stories from the Main Stream Media or some unknown “news” site? If you’ve never heard of the media outlet don’t click on the link! They make money by selling ads on their website, or they spread malware and viruses. 8/x

Remember bots and trolls are there to sow discord and spread disinformation. If a Tweet shocks you and elicits an emotional response, step back and look at the account carefully. Does the account Tweet things that are confrontational? 9/x

Does it use reputable sources to back up assertions? Does it amplify messages like “it’s no use nothing will ever change”? If they pick fights, amplify negative messages, or don’t use reputable sources. They may be a troll or bot. 10/x

One final note on bots. The Hamilton 68 dashboard is a site that tracks Russian propaganda efforts in near-real time. You can check to see what stories are being pushed and avoid amplifying Tweets pushing those same themes. 11/x

dashboard.securingdemocracy.org

OR-1 MT Q3: Is it better to have a small group of engaged followers or should you try to get as many followers as you can?
T A3: For personal interaction, a small group of engaged followers is nice. You can brainstorm, help amplify messages, and support each other’s efforts. 12/x

Don’t focus on adding followers, your small group of engaged followers will help your account grow. As your number of followers grows, so will your messaging reach. A small group of engaged followers can have a large effect — your message is being amplified by the group 13/x

If you’re conveying useful information, fact based, and well sourced, in a respectful manner your followers will grow. 14/x

OR-1 MT Q4: What are the elements that make up a good tweet?
T A4: Oh wow! This subject even more complicated than bot spotting. It’s the holy grail of Twitter or really any media format. I’m not an expert in marketing or journalism so my answer may be very different from

what the experts would tell you, but I’ll give it a go.

The same things that make a good lede in a newspaper article or a good advertisement make a good tweet. You’re trying to convey information, an idea or issue, and get people to act. 16/1

Use respected sources for facts and figures and supply them. Talk about the result you want. (Don’t give the opposition free press by mentioning their candidate or position.) When possible connect to themes of Family, Safety, and Security. 17/x

Use visuals, pictures, GIFS, or even short videos will help convey your message. Finally, just because a tweet isn’t successful the first time doesn’t mean it is bad. Sometimes we need to hear or see a message multiple times before it piques our interest. 18/x

OR-1 MT Q5: For Indivisible members and other progressive activists, what are some of the best topics to engage in on Twitter?
T A5: The best topics are the ones that you’re the most passionate about. When I meet a new activist, I ask if they’re supporting any candidates 19/x

and what issues are important to them. They may not all have candidates and campaigns identified, but everyone has issues that they’re engaged with. Issues run a gamut from big and national, like healthcare and immigration, to small and local! like speed limits and sidewalks 20/x

If you care about an issue you’re more likely to work for change and may already have information on the topic that other people don’t. You are the leader you’re waiting for.
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5 Questions - why should activists use Twitter
In a Moment twitter.com/i/moments/9690…