Getting the Word Out

It's important to keep people in the loop as well as sending people important information. There are different ways to send your message to different people. Always think about privacy when sending data to different people. 

Emailing Multiple Recipients
It's important to know what 'cc' and 'bcc' mean when faced with sending an email. This article from Lifewire explains what they mean and when to use them: 

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Using bcc in Gmail
This walkthrough from Gmass starts by showing you how to use bcc in Gmail and then introduces you to their own plug-in that can enhance sending mass emails. 

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Using WhatsApp
Not all communications need to go by email - sometimes a group chat where everyone is present and can contribute is better. WikiHow have a tutorial that walks you through setting up a WhatsApp group. Make sure you view our advice on Digital Platforms for Scouts, to check what you need to know to use WhatsApp safely.

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*We're a sociable bunch at the Scouts and we like working together. That's why you'll also find this skill in: Planning your Programme Digitally, Planning Events and Activities and Working Together.

Writing content for social media is totally different from writing emails. Click on the links below to find out when to use each different communication methods.

Comparing the different communication methods
Do you want to know the best method of communication to promote a camp? Or what is the best way to send direct communication to parents. This article compares each digital communication method to help you decide written by Resource Techniques. 

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Make messages easy to understand
Do you ever question how readable and understandable a message is? This is a free lesson from our friends at LearnMyWay which helps you to understand how to write in plain English which everyone can understand.

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Alternatives to email
Have you ever thought about sending communication using alternative means than just email? This class by GCF Global will take you through all your options and help you to decide which is best for your needs.

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*With such a diverse membership in Scouting this is an important skill, you'll also find in: Digital Meetings and Training, Working Together.

When writing posts and documents for your group, do you ever think about formatting the text to make it look nicer and easier to read? Have a look at the following links to help you better understand how to improve the design of your writing.

Microsoft Office Word
When typing up a letter or document do you just leave it on the default font and size? Do you want to improve the legibility and aesthetics of a document? You should experiment with using different formatting options, built right into Word. Learn more in this lesson from our friends at GCF Global.

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Do you want to know how to improve your documents to make them stand out and become more readable? Watch this quick four-minute video by LearnMyWay which shows you how to change text size, font, colour and other formatting in Microsoft Word.”

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Content for the web
Does your group own a website or do you promote the work you do on social media? Ever thought about the best way to make your content stand out from the crowd? Have a read of this article which goes over the things you should be doing when writing content for the web.

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*this is an important skill, you'll also find in: Data and Documents.

Want to spread the word about a camp you have been on? Or to promote an upcoming event? Photos and videos are an integral part of this, below is some support to help you develop these skills.

Digital Cameras
This Learn My Way course you will learn about digital cameras and how they work. You will also learn how to download photos from your digital camera to your computer so that you can share them with your friends and family.

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Transferring photos
How to transfer your photos from your camera to your computer, this guides you through sharing photos via email, Facebook and more

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Taking photos
In this free tutorial, you'll learn digital photography basics as well as some more advanced skills so you can take great pictures. There is also a section on digital cameras, tips on taking photos, plus specifics for smartphones, iPhone and Android.

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*You'll also find taking photos useful in Digital Events and Activities

Do you want to create videos to promote your group? Not sure where to start? Have a read of the links below to learn how to edit photos and videos using free software.

Video editing for beginners
Complete this free Udemy course taking you through the basics of video editing.

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Photo editing basics
Does your group have a social media account? Do you want to share creative content on there? Not sure where to start with editing your photos? Have a read of this link to improve your photo editing skills.

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Photo editing for beginners
Are you unsure which free tools are best to edit your photos? Have a read of this article where it compares the different tools available as well as offering handy tips and tricks to get you started.

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Does your group use social media? Would you like some tips on how to best use it to promote your group and attract new members? You have come to the right place, below are some sites to support you in using social media effectively.

Scout Guidance
Before using social media it's important to be aware of the Scouts' guidance on Staying Safe Online. Remember when contributing to discussions in Scouting social media that you are broadcasting to your 'world wide family of Scouts'.  Please keep all posts in line with our Scout values of respect, care and cooperation.

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How to use Social Media
Knowing how to use social media to stay in touch with friends and family, promote your cause, or keep up with news is an essential skill. We’re here to help this is a tutorial for a wide variety of platforms including Facebook, Meetup, Skype, Twitter, WhatsApp and Zoom etc.

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Alternatives to Email
Learn the various ways beyond email of communicating and sharing online.

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Forms of Social Media
Social networking allows us to manage and communicate with our contacts in a totally new way and access information as never before. We’ll show you how to get involved in these exciting, fun and flexible forms of social media.

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Social Media Safety
Bringing together the NSPCC’s expertise in protecting children and O2’s tech know-how, we’re helping you keep your kids safe online. Whether you’re an online expert or you’re unsure of where to start, we’re here to help.” Website by NSPCC and O2 on all types of social media which kids would use.

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*You'll also find using social media useful in Planning Events and Activities.

When writing content online you need to understand what you can and can't write in public and private spaces. This is both required to keep data safe and has the potential to raise safeguarding concerns if information is posted in the public domain which should have been kept private. Read the below article which discusses public and private spaces on social media.

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*An important skill, you'll also find in: Digital Finance, Digital Meetings and Training and Data and Documents

Would you know where to go if you came across misleading or incorrect information online? If not have a read of the links below to find out where to go.

Government advice
Not sure where to report bad content online? Read this government blog to find out how.

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Report on Facebook
Have you seen fake news or inaccurate information on Facebook? They have a report system in place to remove this, to find out more visit Facebook’s support site.

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You may not have heard of the term clickbait, however, you more than likely see it every day. Clickbait use clever ways to deceive you. Check out the links below to find out more about clickbait and how best to avoid falling foul to their clever tactics.

Clickbait
Do you notice the adverts on news sites trying to sway you into clicking on a link? These unsuspecting adverts can be very harmful. Learn more about clickbait and how it's used in today's high-tech world in this article by our friends at GCF Global.

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Sponsored Content
You probably didn’t realise that a lot of videos you watch on YouTube are sponsored by companies who pay to have their product promoted. This biased opinion may unwillingly entice you to make uninformed purchases. In this article by GCF Global, you will learn how to identify sponsored content.

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Targeted Advertising
Did you ever wonder why the adverts you see on social media always seem to promote products you have recently been talking about? Learn more about how advertisers use targeted ads to try and sell products to Internet users. Read this article by GCF Global to find out more.

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How Adverts shaped the internet
Learn how adverts and click shaped the Internet into its current form with this free lesson by GCF Global.

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*This is an important skill to have, you'll also find this skill in Digital Meetings and Training.