Writing a Post
Every project has three stories. Tell all three, in words a non-Rotarian understands.
Writing a post
Every project has three stories.
Most club posts only tell the first one. Add the other two and the same post becomes something a stranger wants to share.
Before and after
"Our members planted 100 trees so future generations can enjoy a greener town."
Project, people and impact in one sentence.
"We planted 100 trees."
Only the project.
"Twelve of our members cooked 400 sausages on Saturday and raised $1,800 for the new defibrillator at the footy ground. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, and to Bunnings for hosting us."
Who, what it achieved, and a thank-you. (Example figures.)
"We held a BBQ on Saturday. Thanks to all who came."
Tells a stranger nothing: who, why and what it achieved are all missing.
The order is flexible. Leading with the impact often works best: "The footy ground has a new defibrillator, thanks to 400 sausages."
Say it so a non-Rotarian understands
When we talk to each other we take shortcuts. The public doesn't know what a District, a DG, an Assistant Governor or a Paul Harris Fellow is, and doesn't need to.
- Spell out every acronym, or leave it out.
- Leave out the process (who moved the motion, which committee approved it). Keep the people and the result.
- Test it: would your neighbour understand this post if they had never heard of Rotary?
- Finish with one ask: come along, message us, or tap Email the club. See people join people.
Show Rotary, don't sell Rotary
Never just post "Join Rotary". Show members laughing, serving, building and helping, and let people ask how to get involved. Rotary International's own advice for a good post is the same: say what you did, offer proof (a number, a photo, a quote), and finish with a call to action (Rotary Brand Center, People of Action).
Comments: amplify, but test first
Commenting on and sharing club and district posts spreads them further. Before you comment in public, run it through the Four-Way Test.
Add useful information. Support projects and events with enthusiasm. Share posts so more people see them.
Post incorrect information. Criticise other members' opinions in public. Criticise Rotary in public: it damages the brand for every club.
AI tools can turn three facts into a first draft for you to edit: AI for publicity. Ready-made openings are in templates and checklists.