Social Media Guidelines/Strategy C.J. Cavin, PRP

Social Media Guidelines/Strategy

By C.J. Cavin, PRP

2020 has not been the year that many of us pictured. For a substantial amount of time, many of us have experienced quarantine. I don’t know about you, but I know I have spent more time on social media than usual. I have enjoyed connecting with old friends and engaging with organizations. This experience has been unique and challenging for many. Some of us are turning to social media to fill the time.

This period of unusual isolation is an ideal time to discuss how social media plays a role in our daily lives and in our association. NAP has a strong and growing presence on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and LinkedIn. Our philosophy has been to use platforms that are engaging our members and potential members. The primary focus of our outlets is to promote NAP and the many activities and resources that we have available.

I often get asked about the difference between our website and our social media channels. The NAP website (www.parliamentarians.org) is our home base. Nearly everything we promote on social media is linked back to something on the website.

NAP’S goALS For The ASSoCiATioN’S SoCiAL MeDiA

A. Instill pride, encourage fun and fellowship, and engage members and nonmembers in a meaningful and interactive way.

B.

Provide information and idea sharing about NAP projects, educational programs, member recruitment/retention, and leadership development in a convenient and useful manner. C. Reward and recognize leaders and units/members who support

NAP’s mission. D. Facilitate relationships between

NAP members, divisions, leadership, and headquarters staff.

E.

F. Attract potential members, donors, and sponsors.

Drive traffic to the NAP website. G. Reach out to youth and adult leaders who need the assistance

NAP provides. H. Build a community for those interested in parliamentary practice and study.

I. Establish personal contact with social media audiences and elicit feedback. (NAPOPP 11.3.03)

We use these accounts to highlight the work that associations and units are doing around the world. Our members are doing some incredible work to advance educational opportunities in parliamentary procedure. The NAP Communications Committee encourages all units and associations to submit their stories.

There are a few ways to get your story on NAP’s social media. The first is to email socialmedia@nap2.org with the relevant information. Be sure to include photos. Social media algorithms tend to show content if it has a photo or video with it, and NAP strives to include photos in as many posts as possible.

You can also tag NAP on Facebook and Twitter. If you type “@Parliamentarians” on Facebook or “@NAPParlyPro” on Twitter, it will tag our pages and makes it easy for us to share with the wider parliamentarian audience. The next time you elect officers, host an educational workshop, or are doing something in your community, tag us and let us know!

Going forward, NAP will also include a byline for those that have submitted content for our channels. We think it is important not only to highlight those that are making a difference for our association, but those that are also ensuring the good news is being spread. For example, if the Oklahoma City Unit of Parliamentarians wanted to highlight our upcoming virtual educational content, we could ask to have it promoted on Facebook. The post would include the submitted information, hopefully a photo, and a byline that the information was submitted by one of our unit officers.

I would also encourage units and associations that have or are considering setting up social media channels to know your target audience. There are a lot of social media channels, and more popping up every day. Know where your members and potential members are. Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn have been a good way to keep in contact with NAP’s members, and our communications strategy is tailored accordingly.

What strategies do you use for your units and associations? Send me an email with your tips, tricks, and most importantly, your updates. NAP would love to highlight the work you are doing!

You can email me at socialmedia@nap2.org.

C.J. Cavin, PrP, is a licensed Oklahoma attorney and professional parliamentarian. He serves as the Parliamentarian for the Oklahoma House of Representatives and has served on the Communications Committee for the last two administrations.