When you’re just starting out as an advocate, it’s natural to seek community. You want connection, advice, and support from people who share your goals. Facebook groups can look like the perfect solution. But not every group, or even every advocacy organization, is truly on the up and up.
Some build people up. Others break them down.
Here’s how to tell the difference.
Step 1: Don’t Be Swayed by Numbers Alone
Big membership counts don’t always mean quality. A group with a ton of people may look powerful, but if only a handful of members actually post, or if the conversation is dominated by a few loud voices, or if the content is poorly written, combative, and harmful, it’s safe to say, it’s not a healthy community.
Additionally, you can check the health of the group by looking at its monthly posts. An active group with around 25k should receive between 300-600 posts per month. If they’re not receiving that, they’re only making themselves look big, and they aren’t big.
That translates to less than 0.5% of users posting; that is exceptionally low engagement.
This article discusses groups focused on families, but is just as applicable for advocacy groups.
What to check:
- Are a variety of people posting, or just the admins?
- Do posts get thoughtful comments, or just quick “likes”? Is it the same personalities giving off an air of sycophancy?
- Are new members welcomed, or ignored?
Step 2: Pay Attention to Tone and Content
Healthy groups are about collaboration, not chaos. Harmful groups often thrive on drama, outrage, or conspiracy.
Green flags:
- Constructive conversations, even when members disagree.
- Sharing credible sources, news, or documents.
- Respectful replies, encouragement, and practical advice.
Red flags:
- Personal attacks, insults, or pile-ons.
- Posts that spread unverified rumors.
- The language of the posts coming from anonymous users all sound the same.
- An “us vs. them” mindset where outsiders are demonized.
Step 3: Look at How the Group Is Moderated
Moderators set the culture. Good ones enforce rules fairly, encourage participation, and step in to stop bullying. In toxic groups, moderators are typically the ones stirring the pot to make themselves look bigger.
Ask yourself:
- Are there clear, posted rules?
- Do admins shut down harassment, or do they join in? Worse yet, do they initiate it?
- Is dissent allowed, or are people banned for asking questions or for disagreeing?
Step 4: Check In With Yourself
Ultimately, the best way to judge a group is how it makes you feel.
- Do you leave conversations feeling inspired, supported, or more informed?
- Or do you log off feeling anxious, angry, or drained?
- Would you feel safe sharing your own story here?
Your energy and credibility are too valuable to waste in toxic spaces. Get out of that situation and save yourself the headache.
Why This Matters for New Advocates
When you’re new, it’s easy to assume that anyone with a loud voice or a big following must be legitimate. But there are some really shady groups and people that prey on that energy. They purposefully manipulate, misinform, or burn people out before they’ve even had a chance to make an impact.
You’ll find members of their group getting in trouble for similar things, and often repeating mistakes of the leader.
Choosing wisely from the beginning helps you grow as an advocate, build real connections, and avoid spaces that could hurt both your wellbeing and your reputation.
And if you see this happening to someone you love, speak up. Don’t let them stay in a cess pool. Help them break free from what could escalate into a cult situation.
Pulling It Together
Not all groups are bad, but not all are good either. Before you click “Join,” take a few minutes to analyze the culture, moderation, and tone. Advocacy is about building power, credibility, and community. Don’t let a harmful group take that from you.
Look for people who are building and not outright lying and tearing others down.
