Sooner or later, hopefully sooner, the politician that you have been contacting is going to be persuaded by your compelling dialogue. You obviously have been using our email tips and templates and getting noticed. You receive that exciting response in your inbox that reads, "OK, I want to join Mastodon. What's the next step?"
Don't panic, we are here to assist. Whether you are working with the politician directly or someone on their communications team, follow the steps below to help them get a smooth start on Mastodon:
- Find them a home. If they are in your community, and you are with a local instance, then recommend they join there. Otherwise have them select a community from the list on our website. Once they have made a selection they can go to the chosen website and apply for an account.
- Help them get moved in. Once the account is approved you should support them with the minimum setup. A good bio, a header image, a photo for their avatar, and getting the account verified if they have a website. Get them settled and make them look trustworthy from day 1.
- Meet the neighbours. Let's help them find them some followers. Suggest they send out an Introduction Post (using the hashtag #Introduction). Notify us so we can update our Politician Tracker and we will also send out an announcement every time a new politician joins the Mastodon Canadian family. Then help them follow some accounts that they might be interested in. Use ourFollower List Builder (Note: it's a work in progress) to generate a starter list. Following people or organizations that interest or inform them will result in the community following their account.
- Get them established in the community. If you are able and willing, consider offering to be a Mastodon guide for 30 to 60 days. Teach them how to use hashtags effectively, and to follow hashtags that are important to them and their community. Show them how to configure their settings for notifications to they can respond and engage with their followers. Work with them to ensure Mastodon is part of their regular communication strategy.
Getting the politician to join Mastodon is an excellent start. But just as important is turning them into a regular user and enthusiastic champion of the Fediverse. If they stay engaged with Mastodon their community will grow and the need to use U.S. based social media platforms will be reduced and eventually eliminated.
If you need additional help or have questions, or if you have suggestions that might help others, please contact us at @ElbowsUpforDigitalSovereignty.
Paul Busch, @ElbowsUpforDigitalSovereignty
