Foróige’s Communications Department is continually curating Foróige stories to be shared online and in the media. Here is a short guide to creating content which Foróige can share on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube on our website and more. Frances Macken is Foróige's Online Communications Officer (email [email protected]) and Cathy Gray is Foróige's Media & Marketing Officer (email [email protected]). We are continually seeking good Foróige stories. Why? Because they depict the transformative nature of Foróige. The spirit of volunteering. The confidence and belief provided to young people. Communities brought together and strengthened.
Photographs which can be used online and in the media
- Don’t include too much space in the photo, move in closely so we can see faces as clearly as possible. Fill your frame.
- Take high resolution images. Set your camera to take high res photos (see your manual if you are not sure how to do this).
- If your photos are out of focus or under/over-exposed, start using your camera’s automatic setting. Poorly focused images are the most common cause of a ruined photo.
- Have your camera on standby so you can be ready to take a photo when the right moment occurs.
- Go outside, you’ll get a nicer photo more often than not.
- Photos taken on a mobile phone can vary in quality. We may not be able to use mobile phone photos.
- Posed photos are great but try injecting some humour and energy. Don’t forget the SMILES are so important too.
- Action shots can illustrate the moment best of all.
- Even if there is only ONE excellent photo, this is better than TEN average photos. Quality over quantity!
- Caption if you can, from L-R.
Sharing your story with us
- It is important not to leave the person reading/hearing the story with too many questions. You should consider the following when pulling the story together.
- Who is this story about?
- What have they achieved?
- What did they have to say about it?
- Who was there?
- What was happening?
- Where did it happen?
- When did it happen?
- Who organised it?
- Why did it happen?
- How many attended?
- Quotes from young people
- Quotes from organisers, volunteers and other attendees
- Contact details
- How can people get involved?
Ideally, photos should accompany your story. One leading image is best, something which really illustrates the story.
Upcoming News
What better way to spread the word about an upcoming event or initiative than by using the power of the internet. If you’re looking to promote an event or invite people to get involved with something, let us know:
- Date and time
- Who is asked to get involved?
- Why has this been organised?
- Is there anything unique about it?
- Where is it happening?
- Is there a cover charge or cost?
Ideally, photos or posters or some kind of image which reflects the news story should accompany it. We look forward to receiving your Foróige stories in the coming weeks and months.