Technology, social media and your organisation
The internet, and especially social media, are increasingly becoming vital communication and marketing tools for not-for-profit community organisations. They can be a great way for your organisation to promote its cause and services, and to communicate with your community cheaply and quickly.
However, there are risks to reputation and legal risks involved with social media use - especially because of the speed with which information travels on the internet, its global reach, and the lack of control that your organisation has once something goes online.
What is social media?
‘Social media' usually means a website, mobile application or technology that allows users to share and communicate information (‘content') online - either privately or publicly. Examples of social media include:
- social networking sites (such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn)
- blogs
- information sources (such as wikis)
- video-sharing sites (such as You Tube)
- photo sharing sites (such as Flickr), and
- other sites with user generated content elements (such as news sites which invite customers to post reviews).
There are a range of legal issues your organisation should know about in using different types of social media.
Facebook – what are the legal issues?
Does your organisation want to (or does it already) use Facebook? If so, read PilchConnect's information sheet on Facebook and legal issues for your community organisation. It covers:
- things to think about when you sign up
- copyright
- privacy, and
- practical tips for using Facebook in a safe and legal way.
Note: This information sheet assumes some knowledge of intellectual property laws (copyright, trademarks). If you would like to read more about these laws, we recommend reading PilchConnect's Guide on Intellectual Property for Community Organisations before reading this information sheet.
Further information
Legislation
Other links
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iTaNGO is a project aimed at giving Victorian community sector organisations the knowledge and resources to get the most out of their information communication technology (ICT) setup.
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Play by the Rules provides a range of information and online learning for community sport and recreation groups.
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Connecting Up Australia has donated and discounted technology for not-for-profits, as well as other resources.