It’s time to inspire our members and communities by telling our story through media. The Department of North Carolina has over 70 Auxiliaries united by the call to serve veterans and their families and promote patriotism in our communities. Whether your Auxiliary is large or small, you can use media to share your story and record its history. Media allows us an opportunity to share and brag about what Auxiliaries at all levels (local and District) are doing for our veterans, their families, and our communities. Many of our seasoned members utilize Facebook while many of our younger members prefer Instagram. So, what is stopping your Auxiliary from utilizing those two social media platforms? Did you know that those two platforms can "talk” to one another, and you can cross-post to both platforms by linking your two profiles together? There are other media outlets that can be utilized as well. ● Reach out to your members and friends using social media. Create an Auxiliary Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, or Pinterest. ● Use video! Videos are a great way to communicate; they are more visually engaging than written content and a great way to deliver information. ● Many of us have smartphones and it’s easy to record, upload and share videos on social media. Reels This year, National is focusing on Auxiliaries using and creating Reels to spread the word about our Programs and what you’re doing in your communities. I know you are asking yourself, "What the heck is a Reel?’ ● Reels are full-screen vertical videos up to 90 seconds long. They feature a suite of editing tools and audio tracks, as well as trending voice/sound snippets. Reels allow you to add captions, stickers and backgrounds; upload video clips; use a range of filters and loads more. ● Reels can be made up of a single video, several clips edited together, still photos or some combination of photos and video. Reels can be posted to both Instagram and (which has 1.3 billion users!) and Facebook. Reels have outstanding visibility and usually appear at the top of your feed. ● Descriptions and hashtags should be used for the Reels as well and those are easy to add. ● Visit MALTA Members Resources, Historian & Media Relations, to read about how to create a reel. Please continue to use traditional methods of communication to get information out. Email, monthly or quarterly newsletters, flyers, newspapers and magazines are time-tested ways to share Auxiliary news and events. You should recognize your members who are celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, volunteer work, etc. Remember to include the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where and why) when recording a video, writing a post for social media or an article for a newsletter. Details matter! Department President’s Official Visit The Auxiliaries will be capturing photos and videos of the Department President’s visit as well as events that take place in the Auxiliaries throughout the year. I am requesting that each Auxiliary Historian submit a minimum of five (5) photos of the Department President during her visit to your District. Also submit photos of events, fundraisers, meetings and ceremonies that take place in your District. This is your opportunity to brag about your District/Auxiliary to the Department President. I recommend that you post your story to the Department Historian Facebook page or send your photos to Historian & Media Relations Chairman Barbara Beard, 198 Oakridge Dr, Raeford, NC 28376. Make sure it’s something you are proud of! Monthly Tips Each month I will provide valuable tips and information on how to use different types of media to better communicate with your auxiliary and the public. Be on the lookout for information about the following: ● Types of Media ● Do’s and Don’ts of Social Media ● Examples of how National Uses Social Media