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Yes, we have finally taken the plunge and have gone for a double dose as well!  Middlesbrough Volunteer Centre has a Facebook page, not just that we also have a South Tees wide volunteering page.

We have thought about social media for a long time, knew that we had to get ourselves on at some point or other but never got around to doing anything about it.  It required a push from a need, that made us act.  A bit like me knowing that I have to lose weight, think about doing something about it but never get around to doing anything till the holiday season comes around...I am sure you know the feeling.

A Facebook page was always on the cards but it was the Volunteer Week celebration that pushed us take it up with such enthusiasm.

Volunteer Week Celebration

It all started with our last volunteer co-ordination forum where the topic of discussion was 'How can we celebrate volunteers during Volunteer Week'?  What we were looking for were creative, out of the box ideas to recognise the contribution of volunteers, the impact they have as well as promoting volunteering to the public. We were aware that we did not have much funds or capacity to organise a big bash or volunteer awards. So realistically we were looking for the most cost-effective, efficient and attention grabbing ways to celebrate Volunteer Week.

Lots of innovative ideas came up and out of those a couple stood out for us, capturing volunteer experiences through case studies as well as running a campaign like the 'ice bucket challenge' to get people to think about volunteering.  Of course what underpinned both of these was the use of an active social media presence. That is exactly what gave birth to our 'South Tees Voices for Volunteering' Facebook page and has aided the 'Middlesbrough Volunteer Centre' Facebook page as well.

Has it worked?

Yes, I think it has worked very well so far. Our Facebook pages are up and running, our team are getting to grips with using and promoting it to our various stakeholders. We recognise that this is just the beginning and in order to make it a success it requires sustained effort.

We have started to post interesting and inspiring case studies one for each day of the Volunteer Week.  We have also launched an online campaign called the #helpieselfiechallenge. What does this entail.... let me give you some clues - a frame, a hashtag, laminated hands and some kindness of heart. Intrigued? Click here to find out more.

Suganya Subramaniaraja

MVDA