GUIDELINES FOR SOCIAL MEDIA

You need to keep in mind that you are not on vacation you are on a mission trip. We understand that every aspect of our lives now some people feel need to be put on Social Media, rather it is a trip, an evening out whatever the occasion there is a dire need in our society to post about it. So I want to give you some guidance for this mission trip, again I said mission trip not vacation so we have a totally different purpose and that purpose can affect how we use Social Media.So Social Media access is going to be limited on the trip. In fact there may very well be places you will not have service at all. Now whether or not you are allowed to have your phone at all for the trip is up to your Group Leader. However we do have the following rules concerning social media.

1. GIVE YOURSELF BOUNDARIES

When we enter another community, we need to realize that we are not tourists. By going in on day one and taking pictures you are giving the Puerto Ricans the feeling that they are objects to see not humans who want a relationship with you. You need to build a relationship with them first then they will be more than happy to have pictures with you. We have to respect the dignity and privacy of the people we encounter so we need to ask permission before we take a picture of someone.


2. RESPECT VINE AND BRANCHES

There are times we may go to an orphanage or other areas where photos are not allowed, make sure you always ask first and then respect the decision. Some of the kids in orphanages and such some of their family members don't know where they are at on purpose so we can be photographing them.


3. BE PRESENT

Be fully present with those around you, and be aware of the Holy Spirit's movement. You will learn more, engage more deeply, and bless the people you visit more fully if you set aside the urge to document your experience for an online audience.


4. HONOR CERTAIN SPACES

Don't post or photograph during any worship service, it can be disruptive and considered rude and even sacrilegious. Our staff will discreetly photograph the service and I will video if someone from your group speaks. If you go into someone's home wait until the end of the visit before you take pictures and then only if it feels right to ask for a photo. Don't worry so much about photo's just be present with those in the house.


5. AVOID THE SAVIOR SYNDROME

Do your photos imply that you are saving the people of Puerto Rico? Does it pain you as the hero and them as the helpless or worse lazy people? Be sensitive! WARNING nothing will bring Lance's wrath faster than someone disrespecting the Puerto Rican people, the people who have welcomed you into their country.


6. TELL THE WHOLE STORY

Are your pictures highlighting the beautiful and redemptive things God is doing in a community, or only the heavy and painful brokenness,


7. DO UNTO OTHERS

Before taking pictures ask yourself how you would feel if your roles were reversed. How would you feel if people drove down the road photographing you, or your kids without your permission and posting them online.


Now these rules are to make sure that both the people you go and serve and your group has a meaningful and impactful trip. By no means are we saying that you should not share your experiences when you get back just remember to be sensitive in the way you do it.