Countering Disinformation in Your Community

The guide defines disinformation as lies spread for financial or political gain and outlines the "Four D's of Oppression"—division, distraction, delays, and demoralization—used by bad actors to block progress on issues like climate change. It advises against repeating or quoting disinformation to avoid the "illusory truth effect" and instead recommends building "values-driven narratives" that are accurate, aspirational, and actionable. The document emphasizes relational organizing, prioritizing empathy over expertise, and holding platforms and creators of disinformation accountable.

• Disinformation is defined as "Lies and misleading information deliberately spread for financial or political gain, usually at the expense of the public good."
• Coordinated disinformation campaigns are often used to "divide communities, delay action, and distract and demoralize" those working toward a safer world, and they frequently target Black, Latino, Native American, Asian, and Middle Eastern communities.
• Certain entities, including fossil fuel companies and the Koch-affiliated American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), are identified as bad actors that fund and spread disinformation across multiple areas, including climate change and pandemic response.
• The guide warns against the "illusory truth effect," stating that repeating or quoting disinformation—even to joke about it—can reinforce the falsehood and help spread it.
• Effective communication to counter disinformation should prioritize empathy over expertise, maintain a nonjudgmental attitude, and use a "values-driven narrative" that is accurate, aspirational, and actionable.
• The document advocates for "relational organizing," asserting that one-on-one conversations are the most effective method to build trust, identify concerns, and mobilize people into action.

APA

Marjanovic, S., & Berger, L. (2022). Countering Disinformation in Your Community. Union of Concerned Scientists. https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/Countering-Disinformation-in-Your-Community-Resource-Guide.pdf

Chicago

Marjanovic, Sophia, and Lindsey Berger. Countering Disinformation in Your Community. Union of Concerned Scientists, 2022. https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/Countering-Disinformation-in-Your-Community-Resource-Guide.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Marjanovic |first1=Sophia |last2=Berger |first2=Lindsey |title=Countering Disinformation in Your Community |publisher=Union of Concerned Scientists |date=April 2022 |url=https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/Countering-Disinformation-in-Your-Community-Resource-Guide.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{marjanovic2022countering, author = {Marjanovic, Sophia and Berger, Lindsey}, title = {{Countering Disinformation in Your Community}}, institution = {Union of Concerned Scientists}, year = {2022}, month = apr, url = {https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/2022-04/Countering-Disinformation-in-Your-Community-Resource-Guide.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }