5 Rules for Using @ThunderclapIt to Make an Impact + Amplify #StuVoice

Is there a cause or idea your students want to spread? Thunderclap is a great resource to do just that. As described on their site, Thunderclap is the first crowd-speaking platform that helps people be heard by saying something together. You come up with the message and if you reach your supporter goal, Thunderclap will blast out a timed Twitter, Facebook, and/or Tumblr post from all your supporters, creating a wave of attention.

Here's a visual overview of how it works:

This video explains more. 

Using Thunderclap aligns to the common core standard of using the internet to produce and publish writing and interact and collaborate with others.  It also gives students the opportunity to write for real audiences and do something that matters in the world.  Before using Thunderclap students will have to employ critical thinking and prepare properly.  

Here’s how.

1. Have a unique hashtag - What will your hashtag be? How do you know if it is available? How do you set it up? What will be most effective? You'll need to figure all this out. For help on how, read this: http://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2015/01/hashtag-how-tos-figure-configure-follow.html.
2. Write a message people will want to read - You need a quality message that is interesting and compelling to supporters.  Here on some tips on that http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2010/09/28/4-twitter-tips-no-one-will-give-you.
3. Determine your target audience - With Thunderclap you need to set a goal for how many supporters want to reach. This means you want to figure out who the big influencers are in your area of interest and you need to make sure they take action.
4. Make a personal outreach - Don’t send out a generic blast. Write a personal message that will get the attention of the person you are asking to help you. You are asking them to take time to help you. Customize the ask.
5. Do your homework - Look at other campaigns. What was successful? What could be improved? Keep this in mind before starting your campaign. Learn how these campaigns turned inspiration into impact: https://www.thunderclap.it/casestudies.  

So what do you think? Is this something your students would get excited about? What kind of campaign might they start? Give it a try and if you do, share the results, successes, and lessons learned in the comments.