Spread Facts, Not Germs: Social Media Toolkit for Credible Messaging Around COVID-19

As the social change communications agency working toward solutions for the world’s toughest challenges, the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is proving to be an unprecedented challenge we are all navigating together. In an era of social media, “fake news,” and news stories moving faster than many can keep up with, it’s more important than ever to ensure that what we’re reading and sharing is factual, evidence-based, and not inadvertently spreading false or dangerous information. Lives are at stake, and we want to make sure we’re part of the solution instead of the problem. 

At Fenton, we are following guidance exclusively from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and official statements from local governments. 

We have created this social media toolkit to help our clients, partners, and social media audience stay informed, and to have the tools necessary to help spread factual information and to give tangible ways to take action during this time of crisis. 

This toolkit will be updated periodically.

Share real facts:

  • Click to tweet: Social distancing matters. The CDC recommends putting distance between yourself and other people. This isn’t just to protect YOU, it’s to protect your friends and family, too. https://bit.ly/39faqDo #COVID19
  • Click to tweet: Get the facts: the CDC website is up-to-date and includes valuable information for how to protect yourself from getting sick, and what to do if you may already be sick. https://bit.ly/2Uc8WWf #COVID19
  • Click to tweet: COVID-19 outbreaks CAN be contained, as has been shown in China and some other countries. But new outbreaks can emerge rapidly. @WHO publishes daily updates on the COVID-19 situation worldwide. Stay in-the-know: https://bit.ly/33JXbcP

Make an impact:

Support nurses on the frontlines during COVID-19 

  • Click to tweet: Tell Congress that you demand nurses be protected during COVID-19! Sign this petition from @NationalNurses: https://bit.ly/2WD7VYU  

Call on Congress to protect our elections

  • Copy/paste to tweet with graphic: #COVID19 is a threat to our democracy. Congress committed a down payment of $400M to secure voting, but states need $4B to protect elections. There is still time for states to take common sense steps to prepare for the election, but they need more resources now. [Attach graphic]

Support freelancers

  • Click to tweet: It’s a tough time for everyone, and some industries are hit harder than others. Support freelancers by checking out resources on @Upwork for your project needs: https://www.upwork.com/ 

Support your local blood donation center – they are safe.

  • Copy/paste to tweet with graphic: Blood banks always need supply – even while social distancing. If you’re eligible, please consider donating blood for patients in need ASAP.  https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive [attach graphic]

 

Donate to the COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund for the World Health Organization

  • Click to tweet: We must stand with @WHO to beat the #COVID19 pandemic. Your donation to the #COVID19Fund will support critical work to prevent, detect, and respond to #coronavirus: https://covid19responsefund.org/

Voice your support for “Paid Leave for All” 

  • Click to tweet: Call on your representatives to support the #PAIDLeave Act now. Millions of lives and livelihoods hang in the balance. Learn more: https://paidleaveforall.org/ 

Fill out your Census 

  • Click to tweet: Everyone must be counted! Fill out your 2020 Census online. https://my2020census.gov/ 

Tell Congress to put human rights at the center of the COVID-19 response

  • Copy/paste to tweet with graphic: The U.S. should set a standard for the rest of the world by putting the protection of human rights — including to health, safety, security — at the center of its response to the pandemic. Take action here: amnestyusa.org/covid19 [Attach graphic]

If you or your organization need support during this time, please reach out to our team at info@fenton.com. We are working from our homes during this time of social distancing, but we’re online and ready to tackle your communications challenges together. 

Be well, and spread facts – not germs.