The organizations didn’t post too much on social media this week, and the posts that were made were not too appealing; however, I managed to analyze what I could.
This week, the Red Cross discussed Veterans Day, winter heating safety, and influenza.
Since it was veterans day this week, the organization made multiple posts about veterans and topics of interest to them. The following post on Facebook was especially appealing:
“See the latest Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces team train alongside the military at Ft. Bliss, Texas. From advanced first aid training to knowing what to do when a Humvee rolls over, they’re preparing for a 5 month tour of duty at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. http://rdcrss.org/1EvqBbC”
The post, by putting members of the Red Cross alongside members of the military, effectively communicates the message that the Red Cross is involved with the armed forces and is a military-friendly organization. The Red Cross workers are learning specific skills and preparedness information to prepare them for humanitarian work overseas. This appeals to veterans and their families, current members of the military and their families, and others who are interested in supporting the U.S. troops. The link includes a video that contributes to the serious nature of the Red Cross’ involvement in military affairs overseas. Workers are interviewed and make statements like “I work for the Red Cross and I love it” and “We bring a smile and they’re so happy we are here.” This puts the work being done in a positive light and establishes a sense of passion among those who work for the organization. This positivity and passion is touching and appeals to the emotions of the audience.
Doctors Without Borders discussed Ebola, the crisis in South Sudan, affairs in Afghanistan, and more. One post in particular was especially appealing:
“That was the day my life changed”: Managing #Ebola in West Africa http://bit.ly/14jywMq via @BW
This post, regarding DWB’s work in West Africa, grabs the reader’s attention with the quote at the beginning. This tells the reader just how important the organization is. It changes the lives of those it provides aid to. By establishing that the organization does serious work overseas, potential and current donors with be inspired to give to the life-changing organization. The included web address is a link to a Business Week article about Doctors Without Borders’ work to manage Ebola overseas. The included information about the non-profit’s work appeals to the reader’s logos- it establishes a great deal of credibility and legitimacy for the organization through use of quotes and statistics. For example, “Since 1995 it’s responded to more than a dozen outbreaks of the virus, managing to limit the number of deaths in most areas to double digits.”
Care posted about the Berlin Wall anniversary, job opportunities, poverty, sustainability, the crisis in Syria, and more. The organization also made an especially appealing post about Ebola this week:
“It is essential to scale up the prevention measures to help #EndEbola in West Africa. Working with trusted community leaders, CARE is implementing social mobilization activities, health surveillance and hygiene promotion to vulnerable and affected communities. http://shout.lt/HW42”
The choice to use words like essential, vulnerable, and affected establishes a sense of severity and importance regarding CARE’s work overseas. The hashtag #endebola engages the audience in the conversation and is good for donor relations. In addition, the post lists a number of specific ways the non-profit has made an effort, which promotes transparency and credibility.
Humanitarian Awareness 