Social Media Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines and expectations for all contributors to social media platforms of The Friends of the Heysen Trail and other Walking Trails. (The Friends). The policy is intended to assist in the continuity and protection of The Friends brand.

This policy (and accompanying procedures) may also be used to provide guidance to our members and volunteers in their personal use of social media.

Scope

This policy applies to:

  • Everyone who uses social media on behalf of the organisation
  • All social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram, X, Linkedin, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X, Snapchat and any other existing or emerging platforms.

Guidelines for our members and volunteers

  • We are always respectful and considerate.
  • We avoid engaging in negative, defamatory, discriminatory, harassing behaviour or offensive language.
  • We refrain from political, controversial or potentially inflammatory subjects.
  • We only post content that is directly related to the Friends activities. Posts should be informative, brief and direct so that they add value to the Friends role in maintaining and promoting the Heysen Trail.
  • We demonstrate a heightened sense of responsibility on our social media platforms when engaging in the natural world around us.
  • We maintain a professional tone and language in all social media interactions relating to the Friends.
  • We clearly distinguish our personal social media accounts and avoid expressing opinions unless we clearly state they are our own.
  • We understand that events created via Friends of the Heysen Trail and promoted by the Friends social media platforms, occur under the umbrella of the FoHT and therefore the policy and guidelines apply to such events.
  • Errors in content, spelling and grammar should be corrected promptly.
  • We respect copyright, trademarks, and other rules regarding advertising and legal marketing.
  • We do not advertise products or events on our social media platforms unless authorised by The Friends. This excludes promotion of Friends merchandise and events.
  • We protect sensitive information and do not disclose or share confidential information about the Heysen Trail or the Friends.
  • We respect individual privacy by obtaining consent before sharing any personal information, names, photos or videos of those who engage in our activities.
  • Any posts in breach of this policy must be notified to The Friends Office and arrangements made to remove them immediately.

Authorisation

An approved FoHT Administration is to be assigned to all membership related social media to ensure that online activity is in line with this policy.

Any account established which provides official information about the organisations’ activities must allow Administrator access to be granted to the President, Vice President , Facebook coordinator and Trailwalker Editor.

This policy needs to be read in conjunction with the following procedures:

  1. Establishment of End to End Facebook pages
  2. Use of photos in Friends

Social Media Policy approved by Council March 2024