Upon hearing that the Atlanta Humane Society was looking for a Public Relations/Social Media intern, I knew that I had to apply. Although I did not have much social media experience, I believe that my passion alone is what set me apart in my interview. I was so excited when I found out that I landed my dream internship.
I had to immerse myself in the world of social media. Before starting this internship I was a member of myspace for several years and had just recently joined facebook. My intern duties included maintaining the AHS facebook and Twitter page daily and blogging daily for the website. I also had to become familiar with flickr and youtube. I became increasingly aware of just how behind the times I was as far as technology goes. I was willing to do whatever it took to learn as much as possible in a short time to help the animals.
I realized that I had so much creative freedom when it comes to social media and being a representative of the Atlanta Humane Society. I was able to disperse information about animal welfare facts, upcoming events and adoptable pets with ease. I could use my photojournalism class experience and photograph our pets at their absolute cutest. Pairing the photos with my very own heartwarming interpretation of the pet's history and personality proved to be successful in adoptions. Every pet that I highlighted on social media may or may not have been adopted because of something the adopter saw on the internet, but I like to believe that I had a part in the pet's new and improved life.
The new new media and my internship was a great way to get the AHS supporters involved in a dialogue. I posted trivia and caption contests on twitter and facebook that our fans abslolutely loved. I also asked our facebook friends to upload themed photos of their pets which was always fun. People love to show off their pets! There were many other social media tactics that I used to inform and engage our supporters.
New new media has been very beneficial to non-profit organizations. It allows supporters or formerly non-supporters to keep up with exactly what the organization is doing. At any given time, a viewer can see all of our adoptable pet's pictures and a biography. When they donate money or time, they can keep up with how that money or volunteer time is being used through our social media. It is instant gratification that their support is really helping a great cause.
I mean, when you are scrolling through facebook and see a sweet puppy face that needs a home, how can you not feel some sort of calling to adopt, donate, or even just repost the puppy on your page. I am very proud to be the person responsible for giving the puppy the recognition and hopefully forever home that it deserves!
AHS facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/atlantahumane
AHS blog: http://www.atlantahumane.org/events/blog.php
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