Social

MAC focused on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for social media communications. Facebook was used to build community. Twitter was used to provide operational updates and closures. Instagram and YouTube was used for engagement and storytelling. 

Because the club was a not-for-profit company, whenever possible, private or closed groups were used in social media channels in order to protect the tax status and member privacy. 

Facebook had the highest usage and the Communications Department managed nearly 20 groups ranging from social activities to competitive teams. All social media channels, including Facebook groups, were requested by committees and departments and approval was required from the Communications Department and department director.

Once a group was launched, membership was monitored and members, as well as staff, managed the posts. We had a set of guidelines for social channels, as well as training, and issues or problems were rare.

Because members where highly-involved in running the club, when Facebook was gaining popularity, committees created Facebook pages and often abandon them once they realized how difficult it was to manage the page. It took nearly a year before the Communications Department was able to track down and close all the abandoned pages.

In addition to my experience with MAC, I am also active on my kayak fly fishing blog, YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest, and active in multiple Facebook groups.