The voluntary sector has often been considered a great proponent of social media. From the nfptweetup to global tweet chats, charities are constantly challenging the boundaries of social networks.
But are they doing enough?
New research suggests that charities should be expanding their use of social media, away from just fundraising and communications to service delivery.
The survey, conducted by the social enterprise Connect Assist, found that social media is an essential source of support and information for people – particularly younger generations. The sector is, however, "worryingly behind the curve" when it comes to using this potential.
With this in mind, our next live Q&A will consider:
Examples of innovative uses of social media
How to expand your charity's social media function
The common pitfalls to avoid
What help and support is available
You can leave your views and questions in the comments section below, or come back to join the discussion live from 1pm to 3pm on Tuesday 26 June. To join our experts on the panel, email Kate Hodge.
Expert panel
Ed Cox – managing director, Reason Digital
Ed is a social entrepreneur and founder of Reason Digital, a digital agency working with charities and pro-social organisations to maximise their impact using digital technology. He consults on business strategy for charities of all sizes, writes guest blogs and talks at conferences for charity sector organisations including NCVO, CharityComms and The Directory of Social Change.
Twitter: @ReasonDigital / @edcox
Sylwia Presley – director and head of client services, Voice
Sylwia is a social media strategist and word of mouth marketer with experience working for clients, such as 1000heads, Cemex, TATA and Nokia. She is now focusing on the non-profit sector, working with others for the EU Commission, Blackbaud, IEC, Institute of Fundraising, ActionAid UK and Princes Charities. Sylwia contributes to conferences and social media events with her insights on social non-profits, social media ethics and transparency. She is a citizen journalist and editor at Global Voices Online, as well as an organiser of Voice Tweetups and Barcamp non-profits.
Twitter: @presleysylwia / @nfpvoice
Kirsty Stephenson – digital strategist, Child's i Foundation
Kirsty has worked in a number of different roles for creative, advertising, media and production agencies including Endemol, Ogilvy Interactive, Tribal DDB and Delaney Lund Knox Warren. Kirsty is currently on maternity leave but continues to donate her skills to the charity Child's i Foundation.
Twitter: @kirsty
Matthew O'Reilly – programme manager, The Indigo Trust
Matt is a programme manager with the Indigo Trust, a UK-based grant making foundation that funds technology-driven projects to bring about social change, mostly in African countries. Matt manages much of the trust's online communications, primarily through its blog and Twitter account. Indigo has also supported a paper looking at philanthropy and social media.
Twitter: @indigotrust
Kate Brennan – communities and social media officer, British Heart Foundation (BHF)
Kate is manages the social and digital channels for the BHF, including Facebook, Twitter and the BHF online community. Prior to joining the BHF, Kate worked for top social media agencies Rabbit and Shiny Red, where she helped deliver campaigns for a diverse range of clients.
Twitter: @kate_brennan / @TheBHF
Honey Lucas – founder, TheVeryTiger's Blog
Honey is the founder of TheVeryTiger's blog on social media news for voluntary sector professionals. The site brings together news, case studies, guides and tips about using social media for charities and other voluntary sector organisations. In her day job, Honey is the information officer for GAVCA, a local support and development charity in Gloucestershire.
Twitter: @theverytiger
Adam Wilkinson – head of development, Connect Assist
Adam works with charities and public bodies to develop engagement strategies for their service users. Adam works closely with Connect Assist's technology team to create bespoke solutions for its customers, with an increasing focus on social media. Connect Assist currently works with a number of charities including the Retail Trust, Turn2Us, Bipolar UK, Renovo, NCVO and Caravan.
Twitter: @AdWilkinson
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