The #MeToo movement is an example of hashtag activism that has had a far-reaching impact, as well as both results we can celebrate and lessons we can learn from. For me, the use of hashtag activism is an efficient way of making content accessible. This social media tool makes it possible for information to be transformed into short, digestible and shareable segments. On Twitter, these segments are no more than 280 characters. Hashtags like #MeToo also enable users to quickly find other social media posts with the same tag. This creates a ripple effect. The discovery of one hashtag opens doors to other similar hashtags and issue areas. This is the impact of the solidarity that the #MeToo movement fosters; seeing so many others share their story, users might be encouraged to share their own. This brings us closer to holding oppressive systems accountable and encouraging community and individual healing. 

CVT’s capacity development work reaches even more people impacted by torture, trauma and other human rights abuses.

Authors: Andrea Cárcamo, senior policy counsel, Leora Hudak, staff wellbeing and mental health specialist, Urmy Shukla, program evaluation advisor, and Lisa Peterson-de la Cueva, New Tactics training officer

After a year of working for New Tactics, I never once stepped foot in the St. Paul, Minnesota office. I only met my coworkers in person one time and yet I was still provided with such a meaningful learning experience at CVT. Although this was a different internship experience than most, I really enjoyed having the opportunity to work with such an amazing team and for a great organization. As a sophomore at George Washington University, I spent hours searching for opportunities to work in the international affairs field in Minnesota for the following summer.