Hashtags are a common way to communicate thanks to Twitter and the growth in social media. Beyond a communication tool, hashtags are a way to search for topics, interests, and specific information. Often, in looking at hashtags used, companies can determine what topics are trending and important to their audiences.

#ChangeTheWorld
Now, hashtags are taking on a much larger role in terms of changing the world. They are becoming a tool for social activism. Not everyone agrees on how well they work. In fact, some may dismiss the idea that hashtags really have an impact. They feel it is just a way to shout about one's personal opinions. And, these opinions typically tend to be about political, social, environmental, racial and economic issues.

Yet, there are numerous real-world examples of how people have used hashtag activism to spread awareness of issues and inspire more people to get involved offline.

Hashtag Activism in Action
For example, information collected by InMyArea.com, the leading comparison shopping engine for home services, illustrates just how impactful hashtag activism has become.

One of the best hashtag activism examples was #OccupyWallStreet. According to the article, the movement began September 17, 2011. The movement went from 90,000 subscribers before their first rally to millions of people showing their support and sharing the movement's message. Then, this movement spilled over into offline protests and significant media coverage.

Also, there was #OscarsSoWhite, which started in 2015 and became popular again in 2016. Numerous celebrities picked up on this hashtag and started using it as well. As the article noted, it made a difference. "In response to the fury by others in the film industry and fans nationwide, the Academy voted to double its female and minority members by 2020."  

Next, the #ALSIceBucketChallenge is another incredible example of hashtag activism. This movement started in Boston and quickly spread around the world. Even entrepreneurs, business leaders, and celebrities joined in this challenge and shared their challenge and hashtag. Facebook counted 17 million uploaded videos that showed people taking this challenge. 
InMyArea.com's article shared some amazing figures about the challenge: "Thanks to the challenge, the organization raised $70.2 million in August 2014 alone. According to the ALS Association, a total of $115 million was donated in a matter of months."

Lastly, other movements have grown significantly due to the power of the hashtag and the ability to spread information associated with one very quickly. That was the case with #BlackLivesMatter. With every incident reported, this activist grew and became a formal offline organization with a structure and strategy to propel their activism.

Best Practices for Hashtag Activism
If you are considering how to incorporate hashtag activism in your movement or nonprofit, consider these best practices.

First, keep your hashtag brief, relevant, and recognizable. Plus, it helps to connect to a larger movement that is universally understood. Also, the name should relate to a specific situation or event, which also helps to emotionally engage others in your movement.
Next, influencers like those known on social media. For example, this includes celebrities, brands, and anyone else that is recognizable. More people become involved in a movement when someone they admire is already behind it or tells them to join.

When you reach out to these influencers, be very specific about your cause, what it represents, and how they can help.

Lastly, put the word out about your hashtag movement. There are numerous online tools to help you promote your cause. These include blogs, social graphics, videos and live streaming, social media visuals and more. The more you put into the content that accompanies your hashtag, the more people you will engage and convince to spread your hashtag far and wide.