Six ways charities can #ReclaimSocial in 2022

#ReclaimSocial is an annual awareness campaign encouraging individuals and organisations to share inspiring stories on their social channels. The idea is to reclaim social for good and remind everyone of the positive side of social media.

 

Whether it’s an impactful campaign, an opportunity to thank your supporters or simply a chance to share the different ways you’re using social media for good, the result is the same. We’re getting together to inspire others to be more positive in their online interactions.

 

Right before #ReclaimSocial on 7 February 2022, we’re looking at the different ideas to reclaim social for good throughout the year.

 

 

Amplify stories that matter

 

There’s a lot of noise on our online feeds. It’s important to amplify stories that matter to expand their reach as much as possible.

 

Use your platform to maximise the impact of an inspiring project or campaign.

 

Make sure your content is diverse and inclusive and encourage others to make a difference with the use of their channels.

 

 

Set up processes to safeguard your online communities

 

All your followers should feel safe interacting online. A good way to protect them is to set up a process on how you’d address hate speech, negative comments, or trolls.

 

When do you need to react? How should you respond? When do you need to block a user or delete a comment?

Be as prepared as possible by proactively documenting your approach to such incidents.

 

If you’re running an online community like a Facebook Group, set up a series of rules to make it easier for someone to access them, if needed.

 

Center for Countering Digital Hate have created a practical guide on how to deal with hate on social media.

 

Charities Against Hate also created a useful guide with a section on how to create a safe and positive online community.

 

 

Use digital channels mindfully

 

We’re spending too much time online. That’s why it’s crucial to take breaks and support each other when needed.

 

Set up time limits if you need to control your personal time on social media. Don’t be afraid to talk about your struggles with your colleagues.

 

Here are some great tips for embracing a digital detox.

 

 

Connection, community, conversation

 

How have your social media habits changed during the pandemic? 

 

Fay Schofield and Claire Riley from Catnip Comms talk about the importance of connection and authenticity:  “Connection, community, and conversation. The pandemic has taught us all to dig deeper on social media, to look past the platform and build those connections we were missing – so let’s scale it in 2022. 

 

“Let’s connect with those outside of our regular following, let’s bring power to communities by amplifying their messages, and let’s have more open conversations with each other. The age of the algorithms is over, it’s time for the age of authenticity to take its place.”

 

 

Be selective with tech – aim for meaningful connections

 

You can’t be everywhere and you don’t have to. You can be more selective with tech and online channels in 2022.

 

Nikki Bell, Co-Founder of Fundraising Everywhere & Everywhere+, shares her thoughts on how we can reclaim social for good: “With the urgent pull of social media, the pressure to keep up with digital innovation, and now a whole new wave of tech incoming (we can’t talk about digital without mentioning the Metaverse and NFTs, right?), there’s no wonder people are feeling more overwhelmed than they did pre-pandemic.

 

“I believe that in 2022 we’ll see consumers being selective with their technology use and limit the number of platforms they use and how often they use them. Preference will be given to apps and platforms that allow for slower, more meaningful connections; quality conversations, experiences, and mindfulness.

 

“My advice to fundraisers would be to review what activity they have planned to engage with donors in 2022 and weave in touchpoints where the primary goal is to connect on a more intimate level than Facebook groups, mass mailings, and social media.”

 

 

Remember, your work does make a difference

 

Hateful comments and negativity can affect your experience with social media. It’s good to remember that you can still make a difference with your work.

 

Joe Freeman, Social & Digital Media Lead for NHS UK and NHS Digital, shares his thoughts on this: “Never forget that social can do amazing things, and the work you do across your channels does make a difference. The negativity and abuse we all see every day is not the norm; remember the majority of people don’t act this way or share the same beliefs.

 

“Make sure that you are reporting any offensive or abusive content, and work with others in your organisation to effectively call out abuse, instilling and sharing your organisation’s values within your content to help reclaim social for good.”

 

 

Let’s reclaim social for good

 

Social media can be overwhelming sometimes. But it can also be a community full of like-minded people who want to make a change.

 

Join us on 7 February 2022 to connect with others who want to #ReclaimSocial for good and share your own ideas and campaigns of impact.