Those scary words ... ‘social media” are not really that scary, just a better way of doing things and getting better results.  Take Facebook for instance … many say “I don’t have Facebook!  I don’t want a Facebook account”.  No problem as did you know you can view a Facebook page just like any other web page without needing a Facebook account?
 
Now that we have cleared that up your club can and should start using Facebook to inform and communicate with the public and its members .
 
This is more of a summary to give you an idea that there are those working behind the scenes to make things better for you and to develop better resources and training in using these for you.  So while there are plenty of people who can help you now (if you would just ask) here is what is in store over the coming months.
 
The six districts of New Zealand have long had a Rotary Zone Communications Committee (ROZCOM) that has representatives from every district on it and has done things in the past like national radio and TV advertising among other initiatives.
 
The current Governors have requested a focus on improving the use of social media so ROZCOM has engaged an expert in the field who is helping to train the district Publicity/Public Image Chairs (and / or another in their district involve in Rotary social media) in the best way to use Facebook to get best results.  Alongside this a series of Zone-wide Facebook campaigns are being run; Rotary Alumni Reconnect Week has just been completed and has been extremely successful.  Next is for the Cure Kids Red Nose Day in November because many clubs participate in this and the topic is the sort that will gain great publicity for Rotary and then in February there will be another about the Centennial of The Rotary Foundation.  In addition each district is receiving advice in running their own local campaigns.
 
The advice and training will expand beyond Facebook into Google Plus and more.  The point is that as people in each district become fluent in using social media they will in turn be able to pass this knowledge on to clubs through district training and seminars and one-on-one help as requested by clubs.
 
So all exciting stuff and very worthwhile for clubs to make use of.