Social media

Communities have the power to make the world a better place. The Makaton Charity embraces the fact that today’s communities do not only exist in the physical world, but also online. We recognise the wide reach that communication in online communities can have, both positively and negatively.

Why use social media?

Social media provides new ways to engage with large audiences very quickly and very cheaply. It actively encourages word-of-mouth recommendations, and can generate goodwill, awareness, new ideas and fresh relationships.

Using social media can help you to raise awareness of the charity and its work, and build stronger, more successful professional relationships. It's also a way for you to take part in global conversations related to the work we are doing at The Makaton Charity and the things we care about.

By using social media our goals are to:

• Expand and strengthen The Makaton Charity’s advocacy work for people with learning and communication difficulties.
• Increase the number of people who know of and use Makaton.

Tips when promoting the Charity

Write what you know about Makaton

Stick to your area of expertise and provide unique, individual perspectives. Makaton is a multi-modal language programme, so do not refer to it as a sign language. Use information from our website or signpost the website, to ensure a consistent message of what Makaton is.

Use your common sense

If you're about to publish something that makes you even the slightest bit uncomfortable, don't shrug it off and hit send. Take a minute to try to figure out what's bothering you, then fix it. If you're still unsure, you might want to discuss it with your manager. Ultimately, what you publish is yours, as is the responsibility - so be sure. Don't say anything online that you wouldn't be comfortable seeing quoted on BBC news, being asked about by your mother, or having to justify to your boss.

Keep us in the loop

Don’t forget to tag us with #makaton, #wetalkmakaton or @themakatoncharity, so we can help get you a greater reach and support you with any media attention.

Remember confidentiality and copyright

If you are using someone else’s work (including their blog posts, comments or tweets) then make sure you attribute it properly. Be sure that you have permission to use this work in the way you want. If in doubt, don’t use it.

To make sure you don’t share information about other people that they would not like, do not post photos that you have taken without the permission of everyone in the photo. Similarly, do not ‘name names’ of people or organisations that you are working with unless you have their permission to do so.

Other relevant policies

When you are communicating via social media, you should also be mindful of the terms, conditions and policies given in your Tutor Handbook. The Makaton Charity’s Tutors are contractually obliged not to bring The Makaton Charity into disrepute.

Conclusion

Using social media can help The Makaton Charity and its Tutors to engage with other people outside the charity, and be a valuable tool for communicating The Makaton Charity’s aims and message. Like any outward-facing contact, you should be sensible and professional when using social media to show case your work and share your experiences.