Procedure - Missionary's Guide to Social Media
Section: Human Resource Procedure
Procedure Owner: Ignition633 Ministries Nigeria Human Resources
Procedure Name: Missionary's Guide to Social Media Procedure
Origination Date: October 2024
Purpose
This procedure provides guidelines for missionaries on how to appropriately and effectively use social media. It ensures that media interactions and engagements align with the ministry's values, support the mission, and protect the integrity of our ministry.
Scope
This procedure applies to all missionaries and employees using social media platforms to engage with the public, share content, or represent the ministry.
Policy Statement
Advocate With People, Not For People
Don't just rely on your assumptions. You are in a different country where people have a different lens than you do. Interview locals, talk to them, and get the story. You can learn their names and where they are to help understand their situations.
Focus on The Positive
Don't focus on all the negative aspects to create an emotional response, for we do not want a feeling of hopelessness. Are people here struggling? Yes, people struggle everywhere. Focus on what is being done to help, what steps the locals are taking to improve the situation, and what others are doing to help.
Shift Your Focus
Is Ignition633 doing great things? Sure! Are we doing this alone? Not! We are in partnership with others. Be sure to include those doing the groundwork and the strides the local and the Nigerian government are taking to improve. It is essential to take and share photos of the leaders running the organizations we visit and the work they do for their community rather than focusing only on us.
Be Respectful
Ask yourself why you are making the post. It is to educate, spread awareness, encourage, and gain support. However, you should not post for shock value or to shed local people in a hopeless and inferior way. Avoid posting things that show pity, or are offensive to the culture.
Get Content
Before you take a picture, ask. If you are at a large event like a school, ask the group leader if you can take photos. Be sure the person understands you. People often say "yes" to be polite but might not understand what you are asking due to the language barrier.
Keep Their Dignity
When documenting poverty, avoid taking photos of people in distress or children in vulnerable conditions. Before sharing, ask yourself, "Would I want this image online if it were my loved one?" If not, refrain from posting. You can raise awareness without compromising someone's dignity.
Honor People's Modesty
You may find that people in Nigeria are more comfortable with their bodies and may see nude adults/children; however, taking and posting nude photos (socially acceptable or not) is inappropriate—this includes children. Infants. Once an image is added to the internet, we have no control over how it can be used and do not want to provide photos that could be used as pornography.
Safety First
Avoid sharing live photos, videos, exact locations, or identifiable landmarks, especially at sensitive sites like IDP camps or orphanages. Wait at least seven days before posting. Never share personal details or names of recent victims of attacks, as this can put lives at risk.
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This procedure will be reviewed annually and is subject to change. Any changes will be communicated to all employees promptly.
For any questions or further assistance regarding this procedure, employees should contact the HR department at hr.nigeria@ignition633.org.