Importance of social media presence for an NGO

First it was the internet, and now it’s social media that has altered our lives to an extent none of us might have ever imagined. We have attached such a kind of reputation to social media that your absence from it labels you as being an unsocial, outdated, or old generation.

Until a decade ago, social media was mainly used as a means of communication. But now, it is a platform to introduce and market businesses. For instance, when Facebook was first launched, we all used it to connect with friends and families. But, now Facebook is used more to market businesses and engage clients. If you visit the official website of any brand or business you will find Facebook as one of the ‘connect with us’ options, and the same is true for other social media platforms as well such as Twitter, Instagram, YouTube etc. The need for social media presence is not only felt by the business sector but by the not-for-profit organisations too.

Since, not-for-profit organisations or NGOs need the support of the civil society, it becomes a prerequisite to reach out to the mass. Here, social media plays a very significant role. If tapped well, social media can generate tremendous support for NGOs by spreading the cause in a limitless manner. Most NGOs – national and international, have realised the power of social media, and hence uses it strategically and creatively to garner support from the mass. One such NGO in India is The Akshaya Patra Foundation. It is a mid-day meal NGO headquartered in Bengaluru with operational units in 36 locations across 12 states. Currently, the Foundation is providing mid-day meals to more than 1.7 million children on each school day.

Akshaya Patra stepped into the social media arena around 2012. Currently, it is present on several social media platforms – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Google Plus.

With over – 10,000 followers in Twitter

1,700,275 followers in Facebook

More than 15,000 followers in Instagram

2,790 subscribers in YouTube

The Foundation uses these platforms to share NGO news and events, share videos and photo albums, run campaigns, update supporters of recent developments and the like. The Foundation also uses blogging as a means to involve supporters with its cause. The NGO blog includes various organisation -specific topics such as events, interviews, organisational highlights etc.; child-centric topics such as food, education, health, skill development; along with global topics such as environment, child labour and the like. By far, social media presence of Akshaya Patra has helped the organisation to get identified easily, interact with supporters present across the globe, run campaigns successfully, and garner tremendous support.

In conclusion, social media has opened up numerous channels for NGOs to reach out to people. If NGOs approach the social media avenue in a planned and strategic way, it has the potential to expand its cause manifold.

Follow NGO News and Blogs to Stay Updated on Social Issues

It is often said that if there was social justice, there would be no need for social service. Unfortunately, there is a lot of inequality that disrupts social justice. Lacks of awareness on social issues only add to this situation. That’s why NGOs around the globe keep their donors informed through blogs or news attempting to increase a collective knowledge so more people can come forward.

When we think of charity for children, it connects us with issues related to lack of education and hunger. Here’s why supporting charity keeps you informed about social issues:

Social injustice grabs your attention

Even when you have given charity donation just once, you must have noticed how naturally headlines related to specific issues grab your attention. You find yourself reading NGO news and blogs or devouring social stories that impact several lives. You naturally become a more aware citizen especially towards issues of injustice; you share this concern with colleagues and friends inspiring them to contribute as well, unconsciously creating a community of believers of social justice. Many contributors and donors start their own blogs and make others aware of the most pressing social issues around the world.  Akshaya Patra keeps its readers and donors informed about its Mid-Day Meal Programme in its endeavour of a deeper charity for children.

Human beings are reciprocal by nature. We expect something in return for a favour. NGOs like Akshaya Patra provide tax deductions and non-monetary motivation in exchange for a donation. When you contribute, you trigger an unconscious cycle of kindness because you talk about your contribution and share it with others. This gesture inspires many and creates an impression of you that often comes back in the form of small favours and help when you need them most. Moreover, others see you as someone who is concerned about social issues and they may get encouraged to work towards such causes as well.

You push them for accountability

Of course, when you make a conscious contribution, you want to find out all about what that organisation does. This pushes non-profits to improve their processes, do their job more honestly and engage in better management of resources. Donating to a charity indirectly contributes into a transparent ecosystem of social issues where socially aware donors demand more accountability and NGOs implement systems more efficiently. Pick up any NGO blog and you will read several stories where a positive difference was made. At Akshaya Patra too, we are always excited to share amazing stories of hope with our donors as they contribute in charity for children. We want our donors to know that their contribution wasn’t futile.

Charity for children

At Akshaya Patra, it’s our conscious desire to encourage you to understand our Mid-Day Meal Programme, the children who are benefitted by it, and their stories. Through this, you open up to a whole new world of giving where you are aware of the vital concerns related to children.

Make an aware and conscious choice today. Donate to Akshaya Patra.

Akshaya Patra Foundation in Gujarat: Beneficiary Success Story from Vadodara

Akshaya Patra in Gujarat: Sometimes, a beautiful face hides the grief behind it with great knack. Such is the story of Sheetal Chawla. Sheetal loves to draw Mehendi on others’ hands and is also fond of dancing. However, there is a gloomy story behind that smile due to an unforeseen life event that Sheetal has to go through during her tender age.

Two years ago her father suffered from high BP and had a mild heart attack. With some hope to help her husband recover and to support her family, Bharati Behn- Sheetal’s mother began to work as domestic help in a few houses.