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Volunteer Hub

Social Media – Guidance

Social media such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram offer us a valuable way to talk to our members, respond to feedback, join in discussions and explain what we do. Beyond member communication, if a potential volunteer, member of the public or journalist wants to find out about IWA they will not just look at our website; they will look around to find out as much information as they can. Using social media channels increases our presence on the web, providing more ways for people to find out about our organisation. They also provide another way that we can link people through to our website.

Social media is really just another way of communicating with people, and it can work alongside more traditional channels of communication, for example newsletters, events, email and web pages. IWA has national accounts with Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.  Several IWA groups take advantage of these channels with their own accounts, while others are not sure where to start.

Our Social Media Guidance provides guidance on the basics of setting up IWA branded accounts and best practice.  Download it below.

Read IWA’s Social Media Guidance

A guide to how to set up social media for your branch or group

(4.47MB)

Download

Social Media Policy

Introduction

IWA’s accounts on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and LinkedIn have been developed as good ways for members to keep up to date with what is happening across the Association.  IWA is keen to embrace social media and capture the benefits of spontaneity, energy and instant communication but wants individuals and the Association to guard against damage to reputations.

Whilst social media offers a fun, dynamic and interactive way for people to engage with others, anything said in public can be picked up and used. Whether intentional or otherwise, comments from IWA employees, volunteers and members who engage with others on social media may be taken as IWA official policy, and this presents a potential risk to avoid.

The following social media policy provides guidelines for employees and volunteers to follow:

  1. IWA Social Media Policy

    1. As a volunteer or employee you are personally responsible for the content you publish online, whether in a blog or any other form of user‐generated media. Be mindful that what  you publish will be public for a long time. Protect your privacy and take care to understand any site’s terms of service.
    2. Identify yourself by your name and, when relevant, IWA role when you discuss IWA‐related matters such as policy or campaigns. You must make it clear whether you are speaking for yourself or on behalf of IWA.
    3. If you publish content online relevant to IWA in your personal capacity, it is best to use a disclaimer such as “in my opinion” .
    4. It is crucial that you respect copyright, fair use and financial disclosure laws.
    5. Don’t provide confidential or other proprietary information about IWA, any volunteer, or any member, and never discuss IWA’s financial performance or other sensitive matters publicly.
    6. Respect your audience. Don’t use ethnic slurs, discriminatory remarks, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any similar conduct. You should show proper consideration for others’ privacy.
    7. Be aware of your association with IWA in online social networks. If you identify yourself as an IWA member, volunteer or employee, ensure your profile and related content is consistent with how you wish to present yourself personally with colleagues and other stakeholders.
    8. Spirited and passionate discussions and debates are fine, but you should be respectful of others and their opinions. Be the first to correct your own mistakes.
    9. Try to add value. Provide worthwhile information and perspective. Please remember that what you publish may reflect on IWA’s brand.
    10. Don’t adapt or misuse IWA logos (including WRG) and only use them if you have written authority to do so. For example, you shouldn’t use IWA in your screen name or other social media identification unless you have specific permission.