It's been a long time coming, but Friends of NRA is finally there! We've finally joined social media phenomenons Facebook and Twitter so we can keep our circle of friends informed on the latest Friends of NRA happenings.
Friends of NRA has been able to open a whole new door for connecting with the general public and its current committees and the two social sites have become invaluable tools for individuals, businesses, and non-profits alike. Through the creation of a Friends of NRA Facebook Page (become a fan at www.facebook.com/thepatriotnation) , individuals are able to link their profiles to our page, receive updates, give feedback, and connect with other committees across the nation.
“Social media is allowing Friends of NRA to communicate to a mass audience unlike anything we’ve done before,” said Nicole McMahon, Senior Event Services Coordinator in NRA's Field Operations Division. “We update our Facebook pages daily with news we find on how Friends of NRA is helping the community through grants we distribute to clubs and organizations while also highlighting our volunteers who make a difference.”
Friends of NRA also uses their Twitter feed (follow us at www.twitter.com/FriendsofNRA) to update our audiences on the latest fundraising success stories, highlight when local committees are spotlighted in the news, and anything new and exciting happening within the program.
And what makes these social medias so attractive is the instant interactive capabilities it allows non-profits like Friends of NRA to have with individuals. For instance, fans and followers of Friends of NRA can comment on recent events, exchange information with volunteers, offer suggestions on what works well at their events, along with a plethora of other options.
“Social media is helping with the marketing of Friends of NRA banquets too,” said McMahon. “I’ve received numerous comments from field reps and volunteers who say they’ve already sold raffle and banquet tickets through active promotion on Facebook. We weren’t expecting this type of participation, but it’s definitely a plus! The more people we can reach using this medium, the more people we can potentially recruit as volunteers and the more organizations we can potentially give grants to that support the shooting sports.”
Friends of NRA strongly urges its committees to utilize the Facebook and Twitter tools as well by creating their individual committee pages and feeds. As of now, the Friends of NRA Facebook fan page has over 4,000 people who “like” the page and the number is growing every day. And as far as Friends of NRA is concerned, it's only the beginning in their push to reach out to fellow Friends of NRA committees. If you are already on Facebook or Twitter, start following our feeds today! If you’re not, what are you waiting for?
