In the field of humanitarian and non-profit work, a strong and engaging social media presence is crucial for effective fundraising. In addition, it is a key component in raising awareness, which is a goal of the organizations themselves. With each cause, comes a social media campaign of its own. Marketing the organizations is crucial for their success, and this is the most effective way of reaching the public. In the non-profit world, money and success are not guaranteed, so organizations have to work hard to achieve success. Doctors Without Borders, specifically dealing with world health issues, relies on social media to bring people together in times of crisis, as do the other two organizations I am following. For example, the American Red Cross works to spread awareness for natural disaster preparation. That inform the public of necessary steps to take to ensure safety in dangerous situations like tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and more. A recent post on the Twitter page of the American Red Cross promoted tornado preparation awareness. This is a great way to reach the over one million people who follow the account. They posted “Get Ready To Drop, Cover, and Hold On” with a visual image of steps to take when preparing for the impending doom that is an approaching tornado. In this case, social media with the method of communication for the organization and probably the most convenient way to instantly reach over one million people. Quick, cheap, and convenient communication is exactly what humanitarian non-profit organizations need to spread awareness.
Another instance in the importance of social media in the non-profit humanitarian sector is it’s ability to provide access to donations and make the process easy. Care recently posted an update demonstrating this: “A10: Donate, learn more, advocate! #UpChat #ShareAMeal http://care.org/advocacy” This post asks for donations, provides the reader with information, and engages the audience in further conversation with the use of conversational hashtags. In addition, the post provides a link to the organization’s website, where there is a link for easy donation. In addition, there is information on advocacy, awareness, and more. Without social media, the non-profit would surely have a lower amount of donations, and a tougher time with getting the message out.
The Organization Doctors Without Borders often utilizes Instagram to spread awareness of the work that they do (mostly overseas.) Social Media plays a crucial role on doing this task for the organization.
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Patrick Poopel, six years old, holds his certificate saying he is #Ebola free. Patrick and his father were both discharged from the Ebola Case Management Centre run by #MSF in Monrovia, #Liberia. “Being discharged from the centre is a confusing affair. After weeks when people are afraid to go near you, suddenly they want to hug and kiss you. It can bewilder anyone, even a worldly young man like Patrick,” says MSF psychologist Ane Bjøru Fjeldsæter. Liberia 2014 © Morgana Wingard
A success story such as this one puts the organization in an extremely positive light, which therefore promotes the organization. The little boy in the photo has survived thanks to Doctors Without Borders.
Without Social Media, these important organizations would have a much tougher time raising awareness, providing information to the mass public, raising money, and informing the public of their work.
Humanitarian Awareness 