1. SPREAD THE WORD! SOCIAL MEDIA ESSENTIALS

2. AN INVITATION “ It is important to know how to dialogue, and how to enter, with discernment, into the environments created by new technologies, into social networks, in such a way as to reveal a presence that listens, converses and encourages. Do not be afraid to be this presence, expressing your Christian identity as you become citizens of this environment. A Church that follows this path learns how to walk with everybody!” Pope Francis

4. 3 REASONS TO USE SOCIAL MEDIA 1. Community / relationship focused -Build connection 2. Share information and resources 3. Communication tool -Answer questions -Reach people where they are -Share the message both internally and externally

5. CREATING CONTENT -What is the purpose? -Who is it for? -What will it be based on? - Elements of content creation Stories Themes Useful and encouraging Shareable

13. INTEGRATING OUR MESSAGE 1.Start with an article with content (2-3 images + key words / theme) 2.Pull out the key phrases (140 characters long if possible) 3.Create ‘Instagram’ post with one of the images 4.Create a ‘quote’ post 5.Share with everyone!

14. YOUR ONLINE COMMUNITY -Listen to the community -Invite various members to join -Share content that adds value / inspires/ encourages / invites -Be a part of the team

15. TASK: RCIA SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGY -Purpose (Why) -Who is our audience? (profile) -What do we want to share? (content) -How often do we need to share it? -Who do we need in our team? -Which channels are best

16. HERE ARE SOME TIPS -Share all meetings / events on your Parish and Diocesan Websites and Social Media accounts -Try to listen and take notes when speaking with the Parish, potential catechumens and past RCIA participants -Talk with the extended community in your own life and find out what questions they may have and where they spend their time online -Google is your best friend when it comes to content creation and support -Always be compassionate first -Quality over quantity -Do not be afraid!!

17. TASK: CREATE A SOCIAL MEDIA POST Goal Encourage the local Parish and community, to invite people in their lives, to consider attending the upcoming RCIA Workshop “The hope of Jesus” Strategy Flyer (in local schools, community centers, parishes, diocese) Bulletin Notices Article on the topic – shared in local papers, news page on Parish/School/Diocesan website, Diocesan Magazine Social Media Posts on the Parish / Diocesan Facebook & Instagram page based on the article Social Media event on the Parish Page

18. We need to hear what you have to say. You have all the resources needed to put the word out into the world about our Faith. Work with your Parish Priest to begin putting together a strategy & start sharing! A good start is the news page on your Parish website / Facebook page

19. danielle.mifsud@dbb.org.au @daniellemifsud @dbbwyd