The word is that Instagram is going to be the next big social media platform and if that is so, should your not for profit organisation be there, too?

If you are not familiar with Instagram, let me tell you about it.  Instagram is a photo sharing app that allows you create and upload photos for sharing with friends and followers.

Why Instagram could work for you.

They say that a picture speaks a thousand words but a photo speaks many more.  Photos are powerful tools for giving a glimpse into the lives of the people you help, and for showcasing your work.

Look at Greenpeace and how they use Instagram.  It is filled with photos of their expeditions, their events, their people and above all, of the world and the animals they are fighting for.

Pop over to Save the Children and browse their photos.  It’s impossible not to feel something when you look at those faces.

Your potential donors, volunteers and supporters will be affected by your photos just as you were by the photos you saw.  What a great way to establish a connection with a potentially powerful and loyal supporter base.

What you can use it for.

Do you have stories to tell?  (The answer should be yes!)  Do you have successes to celebrate?  Perhaps you have a special event coming up that you are preparing for.

Adding photos to Instagram will show people what to expect from you and your events.  It will show why you do what you do and show the difference you make at a really human level.

If you decide to try Instagram as a way to share your message, make sure you tell everyone to pop over to your page.  Instagram is still relatively new to many people so you will need to tell them to look – don’t expect them to immediately understand what to do.

Next time you run an event or send someone out into the field, make sure their phone has a camera so your story can be captured in glorious photos and shared with the world via Instagram.