Sending Messages

Communicate securely with your fellow union members through encrypted channels.

🔐 All Encrypted

Every message you send is end-to-end encrypted. Not even Grassroots can read your conversations—only you and the people in your channel.

Sending Your First Message

  1. Navigate to any channel in the left sidebar (e.g., #general)
  2. Click in the message box at the bottom
  3. Type your message
  4. Press Enter or click the send button

Message Types

Text Messages

Plain text messages are the most common. You can use:

  • Bold text: Wrap text in **asterisks**
  • Italic text: Wrap text in *single asterisks* or _underscores_
  • Code: Wrap text in `backticks`

Mentions

Notify specific members by typing @ followed by their name:

@alice can you review this?

They'll receive a notification even if they're not currently active.

Replies & Threads

Keep conversations organized by replying in threads:

  1. Hover over any message
  2. Click the "Reply" icon
  3. Your reply will be grouped with the original message

Reactions

React to messages with emoji instead of cluttering the chat:

  1. Hover over a message
  2. Click the emoji icon
  3. Choose your reaction

Common reactions: 👍 (agree), ❤️ (support), 😂 (funny), 👀 (seen)

Editing & Deleting

Edit a Message

  1. Hover over your message
  2. Click the "..." menu
  3. Select "Edit"
  4. Make changes and press Enter

Edited messages show an "(edited)" indicator for transparency.

Delete a Message

  1. Hover over your message
  2. Click the "..." menu
  3. Select "Delete"
  4. Confirm deletion

⚠️ Note

You can only edit or delete your own messages within a certain time window (usually 24 hours). After that, messages are permanent.

Sharing Files

Share documents, images, and other files with your union:

  1. Click the paperclip icon in the message box
  2. Select your file(s)
  3. Add an optional message
  4. Click send

Supported File Types

  • Images: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP
  • Documents: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
  • Archives: ZIP, TAR
  • Text: TXT, Markdown, CSV

File Size Limits

Maximum file size is typically 100MB per file. For larger files, use a cloud storage service and share the link.

Message Privacy

Who Can See My Messages?

  • Public channels: All verified union members
  • Private channels: Only invited members
  • Direct messages: Only you and the recipient(s)

Message Retention

Your union configures message retention policies. Common settings:

  • Indefinite: Messages kept forever
  • 30/60/90 days: Automatic deletion after period
  • Campaign-based: Deleted after campaign concludes

Best Practices

Choose the Right Channel

  • #general: Announcements and broad discussions
  • #random: Off-topic, social chat
  • #organizing: Campaign planning (sensitive)
  • Site channels: Location-specific issues

Be Mindful of Security

  • Don't share passwords or sensitive personal info in chat
  • Assume all messages could eventually be leaked
  • Use anonymous channels for sensitive discussions when needed
  • Report suspicious accounts to moderators

Communication Tips

  • Use threads to keep conversations organized
  • Search before asking—your question may be answered
  • Be respectful and assume good faith
  • Use @channel sparingly (notifies everyone)

Troubleshooting

Message Not Sending

  • Check your internet connection
  • Ensure you have access to the channel
  • Try refreshing the page
  • Message might be too long (split it up)

Can't See Messages

  • You might not be verified yet
  • Channel might be private (request access)
  • Messages might be loading (give it a moment)
  • Your access may have been revoked (contact mods)

Files Won't Upload

  • Check file size (must be under limit)
  • Ensure file type is allowed
  • Check your internet connection
  • Try compressing large files first

Next Steps