We know that most of you are frequent users of social media and internet tools. It is time to make the most of your savvy skills and get your Club in the spotlight. Social media enables you to connect, track, and update almost instantaneously all your friends about what is new in your life. In addition, these tools have been proven to be efficient in communicating with fellow officers, publicizing your events, sending out alerts for meetings or organizing your calendars with activities. In other words, it can help you organize your work, communicate efficiently, build visibility, and collaborate with your community.
You are probably familiar with using sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube, but please review the below documents and learning opportunities to learn about the Red Cross business use of social media tools and all the tips for engaging personally as an advocate for the Red Cross.
Social media can be a tremendous asset for your Red Cross Club. You can take a proactive role in sharing your club’s achievements and build a solid online presence through your chapter’s existing social media platforms. To do this successfully, take the time to introduce yourself to your chapter’s communications person to learn how you can share your Club’s successes, photos, and stories through the chapter’s social media platforms. In turn, you can share any relevant posts that the chapter creates via your personal social spaces. Please note that clubs are not allowed to have their own social accounts.
The Red Cross has developed an easy way for your Club to communicate internally. Using Volunteer Connection your club can create a group and register members, as well as keep track of their hours in a simple and easy way. Their information stays on Volunteer Connection as long as they wish to stay a Red Cross volunteer.
You can use Volunteer Connection to:
On Volunteer Connection you’ll be able to connect with all your Club members. However, it may also be helpful to have a public page so potential new members or supporters of your Club can find out about what you are doing and when they can join your next meeting.
Creating a private group (such as a Facebook group) can help you advertise club events, promote club goals, and build camaraderie among members.
Suggested items that should go on your main Club page:
Tip! A club’s private Facebook group can be a great draw for new members but if it is not managed correctly and updated regularly, it can actually bring a lot of damage to your Club!
Contribute to your chapter’s blog. Decide if you have the technical capability and the human power to be a regular contributor to the chapter blog.
Other ways to engage with the Red Cross through your social platforms: