Learn how to use social media to connect with young people and promote youth work.

In this practical session, we will demystify social media and explore how youth organisations can communicate effectively, safely, and efficiently online. We will start with an overview of the modern digital landscape, examining where young people and community stakeholders hang out—from TikTok and Instagram to Facebook—and how to tailor messages for each audience. You will learn how to produce quality, authentic content, such as eye-catching graphics and short videos, that showcases your impact and promotes your services without overwhelming your schedule.

A central focus of the course will be time-saving strategies and free digital tools like Canva, showing you how to plan, batch, and schedule posts to get more done in less time. Rather than focusing on complex commercial marketing, this workshop provides a clear, practical strategy for building trust and engagement. The session concludes with an interactive Q&A where we will address your specific organisational challenges, answering your questions and providing solutions you can implement immediately.

About the Instructor

Shane McDonald has over 25 years in the area of digital marketing and has delivered social media campaigns, websites, and digital marketing campaigns internationally for a number of high-profile companies and charities. Shane’s focus is on training in plain English, so if you feel you don’t have good IT skills or limited social media expertise, Shane will assist your learning in language you can understand and using methods which can actually be implemented. Through step-by-step guidance and practical, live demonstrations, Shane removes the frustration and overwhelm often associated with online marketing. You will learn how to create engaging content, optimise your social profiles, and manage your time efficiently. By the end of the course, you'll possess a clear roadmap and the hands-on confidence to market your organisation effectively.

Description supplied by the event organiser.