I’ve got experience of campaigning, so why do I still feel like an amateur?

Sophie Walker is a feminist campaigner and author of Five Rules For Rebellion: Let’s Change The World Ourselves*

The day you feel like you’ve got it all figured out is the day you need to take a break. Campaigning is a lifelong lesson in learning. You’re honing skills and getting useful experience every day. But no campaign is the same, and no campaign relies on the same tactics at every stage. Feeling your way into new areas is both necessary and fun!

Having an open mind and a healthy disregard for what everyone else is doing is a key part of creating campaigns that have impact.

It’s tempting to think that one day you’ll understand everything and be able to work from a place of total control. But your edge as an activist comes from being always curious. Campaigning relies on connecting to people – in all their glorious unpredictability. So embrace that and go with the flow – and enjoy the twists and turns.

1. Regularly install security updates on your devices and apps that may be used for work. This enables the latest fixes and defences. Set a bi-monthly ‘self-defence reminder’ to update passwords and use two-factor authentication across all accounts. Ideally, you should include a frequent review of your digital footprint.

2. Intervene. If you witness abuse, report it, so that we can help everyone to positively reclaim the digital space.

3. Communicate your boundaries. Have a page policy, pinned tweet, short post or email signature that lists what you expect from others online. Include how you plan to respond to abuse, as well as how best to reach you.