Here are some essential tips for being an effective online Health Activist!

1. A Hegltk Ahtlvlst’s Gulde to…
Effective
Online
Advocacy!
Tips for being an awesome online health leader >>

2. • Be Yourseli •
It may go without saying but – you are unique.
Your perspective, personality, and insight is
yours alone and – once you tap into it – is
yours to utilize, present, and empower others
with. Be you – it will keep you consistent and
give you a presence your
community can recognize
and rely on.

3. • Try New Tklnjs •
The online space – especially the online health
space – is constantly evolving. This is good news
– because it lets us evolve too! Right now
blogging or tweeting may be your favorite
venues – but be ready to try new ways to
connect. If there is an in-person event, go! If
there is a media opportunity –
take it! The more willing you are to try,
the more you – and awareness
for your condition – will grow.

4. • Get Regl, Keep lt Regl •
Like life with a health condition – advocacy is not
all sunshine. There will be dark days, tough
moments, and challenges. Prepare yourself by
being as real with your community as you can
right from the start. This will open you up to
receiving the support and interaction you need
(tkroujk tke jood news gnd tke fgd). Ii you’re not
feeling well – lt’s ok to sgy so. By felnj konest gnd
open, you’ll set the stage for a
strong community.

5. • Skgrlnj = Cgrlnj •
We all want our work to be recognized; a great
way to get yourself out there is by sharing the
work of others. By skgrlnj, you’ll open up
communication with your peers and make new
connections. Think: nurtured networking. Also, by
sharing what inspires, irks, or even puzzles you
– your community will get to know you better.

6. • Collgforgte, Elaborate •
You already know who the best orgs, leaders,
and voices in your condition or health interest
are – work wltk tkem. Onhe you’ve iound
people who share your mission – borrow tips
from them and work with them. Look beyond
your condition and outside of the health
space for ideas that have proven
successful. Join forces when possible
and get creative to differentiate.

7. • Legrn 1st, Educate 2nd •
Before you can be an effective leader,
especially online – you’ve jot to learn the
language and get to know your audience.
Wkgt’s glregdy out tkere? Wkgt’s mlsslnj? Do
your research and get your own story down –
tken you’ll fe regdy
to empower others. Keep
up-to-date on news, trends,
and opportunities.

8. • Follow Your Instincts •
Let your experiences as a patient, caregiver,
or consumer guide you – your perspective as
someone wko’s feen tkere ls your fljjest
gsset. All tke knowledje you’ve jgtkered (irom
life and from research) makes your insight so
important and influential.

9. • Be Open •
Wken you’re open-minded, it shows. Community
members want to know that their thoughts,
experlenhes, gnd questlons gre vglld. Ii you’re
open, you’ll enhourgje honversgtlon gnd fe
receptive to
wkgtever’s “next”
for you.

10. • Stlhk to Your Guns •
Be honslstent. It’s glwgys g jood ldeg to
reaffirm your mission through your words
and your actions. Remember what inspires you
and stay true to your goals and your
community. As a leader, your conviction and
dedication are essential.

11. • Go There. •
Speak out about tough stuff. Chances are –
you’ll sklne g lljkt on sometklnj otkers ln your
hommunlty gre experlenhlnj too. By “jolnj
tkere” – espehlglly wken lt’s dliilhult – you’ll kelp
people. Correct misconceptions, speak out about
your fears, even offer up embarrassing
moments – your community will appreciate it.
Taking risks will also enhance
your self-empowerment.

12. • Be Brgve, Be Bold •
Being a Health Advocate means going against
tke jrgln, sgylnj sometklnj tkgt’s true even li
lt’s unpopulgr, gnd iljktlnj stljmg. Be
prepared to face some skeptics and trolls.
Watch your community with a close eye – know
when to moderate. Pick your battles
wisely. Pause when your emotions
kick in. Remember positive moments
with your community to keep you going.

13. • Ask For Help, Oiier Help •
None of us is as strong as all of us. Find
people that support your mission and reach
out to them when you need. Arrange for guest
posts, brainstorm for ideas, and ask ask ask.
Like with your health, never be afraid to ask
for a second opinion. In turn – be there
to help others. When you have time,
energy, and ideas to spare – offer them up!

14. • Keep Blnohulgrs Negrfy •
Always be on the look-out for new
opportunities! Keep your eyes open for ways to
make your advocacy bigger and better. This
could be by collaborating or by jumping into
a new project. Watch and study other
communities, presentations, events, and
mediums for ideas on what to try
and what to avoid.

15. • Conneht! …gnd Dlshonneht •
Put tke “sohlgl” ln sohlgl medlg gnd fe jenulne
in your presentation. Seek relationship-
building and opportunities to connect with
otkers ghross hondltlons. And… wken you’ve
been caught-up in online-activism-world, know
when to step back and disconnect. Finding the
balance will be a challenge but an invaluable
skill going forward in your advocacy.

16. • Legd …gnd Follow •
The world of online Health Activism is still in its
infancy that means you have the power to shape it
any way you want. There is no right or wrong
wken you’re legdlnj tke wgy. Rememfer you’re
already living proof of the famous Emerson quote:
“Do not go where the path may lead; go instead
where there is no path and
leave a trail.” But lt’s ok to
“iollow” too – giter gll tkgt’s
how we connect online!

17. • Tglk Afout lt! •
Don’t fe sky – skgre tke jregt work you’re dolnj! It’s
ok to self-promote – you’re dolnj gwesome stuii!
And, we want to help! If you're excited, we're excited!
In fact, your accomplishment is an accomplishment
for Health Activism overall. We kope you’ll home fy
WEGO Health Community or reach out with projects
you’re worklnj on! We wgnt to iegture you,
highlight your work,
and share in your successes!

18. Got other ideas on what makes an effective
online leader? We want to hear them!
Join this discussion!
Let’s honneht:
community.wegohealth.com
@wegohealth
facebook.com/wegohealth
blog.wegohealth.com