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      How to Use Social Media for Recruitment

      Resources for Using Social Media to Market Your Brigade

      Social media is an amazing way to raise awareness and recruit for your Brigade.

      We encourage university Chapters to create branded social media accounts on Instagram and TikTok. These accounts can be used for volunteer recruitment, fundraising, and spreading awareness about your group's impact. However, social media activity must align with our core values, principles, tone, and interests, as it reflects on the Global Brigades Organization as a whole.

      Chapters and Volunteers Should Follow Global Brigade’s “Three C’s” When Posting:

      1. Consent: Always ask if you can take a picture, and always ask if you can post it on the internet. If you're having a hard time asking if you can take a photo or video -- or explaining why you are wanting to do so -- make sure to get help from your Brigade translators.
      2. Content: Avoid showing sensitive or vulnerable situations and environments, such as private areas of health clinics, patient faces if consent was not given, medical procedures, and anything you wouldn't want to be shown of yourself or a loved one in a medical setting. 
        Always ask yourself:
        • What is my intention with this post?
        • Would I appreciate being portrayed this way?
      3. Caption: Avoid oversimplified generalizations and perceptions -- in other words, avoid stereotypes. Know the name and background of the people portrayed and include them in your informative caption. Use empowering language and appropriate terminology, such as "Global Brigades partner communities" instead of "the village, the people there, etc." Additionally, make sure to highlight the sustainable aspects behind a Brigade. You can end your post by adding a call to action for your audience at the very end. Make sure to always ask yourself before clicking the post and share button:
        • Am I accurately representing the impact my Brigade made?
        • How can I share about the sustainable aspects of the program I volunteered with?

      Social Media Strategies for Every Part of Your Brigade Journey:

      Pre-Brigade:

      1. Set up social media profiles with appropriate branding and information. It's helpful for recruitment if you tag your university or city as the location.
      2. Follow Global Brigades, Global Medical Brigades, and accounts from other universities to expand your network.
      3. Promote info sessions, fundraising events, leader spotlights, post informational content, and share content from Global Brigades.
      4. Make sure you are posting quality content consistently.

      During The Brigade:

      1. Give a send-off to Brigade volunteers.
      2. Post content regularly about Brigade activities. Jump on current social media trends with music and transitions. 
      3. Highlight your Brigade Program and how it supports sustainability and the Holistic Model.
      4. Recognize local staff and community leaders.
      5. Welcome volunteers home at the end of the Brigade.

      Post-Brigade:

      1. Post volunteer testimonials to highlight personal experiences.
      2. Share reflections about what Chapter members learned during their experience, how volunteering abroad can challenge stereotypes, and how someone following the account can get involved with the next Brigade.
      3. Start posting about the next Brigade that's in the planning process.

      More Tools and Resources:


      Brigade Marketing Kits CTA Button