Red Cross Chapter holds video contest to promote social media site launch

[SayItSocial]

WILMINGTON, NC, October 18, 2009 – The Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross is proud to announce a video contest to promote their new social media based volunteer recruitment initiative. The Cape Fear Chapter is asking residents of New Hanover, Brunswick, Duplin, Columbus, and Pender counties to create an original video promoting the need for American Red Cross disaster volunteers.

Rules for the contest can be found on the Cape Fear Chapter’s : Facebook Fan Page. Video entries can be submitted through October 30, 2009 to [e-mail]. Fans will be able to vote for the winner November 4 - 10. The winning video will be featured in conjunction with the launch of the chapter’s new social media website www.ARCCapeFearConnect.com on November 11.

“The American Red Cross knows the power of social media. It has furthered our causes across the country and the globe. When we need to get disaster information out, sources like Twitter and Facebook allow us to spread the word quickly,” said Vicki Labelle, executive director for the Cape Fear Chapter.

The Chapter’s new micro-site www.ARCCapeFearConnect.com will link together multiple social media sites the chapter uses to communicate and interact with the public, such as YouTube Twitter, Facebook, and Flickr. This site is designed to be a highly interactive and engaging interface with valuable information on what to do before, during, and after a disaster. It will also serve as a recruiting tool for new disaster volunteers and feature information about chapter activities and events.

The American Red Cross - Cape Fear Chapter looks forward to using its new website as a tool to broaden its connection with the community it serves. Users will be able to use interactive features of the site to get real time information on programs, services, events and volunteer opportunities and interact directly with the chapter’s staff and volunteers in a social media forum.

For more information on the Cape Fear Chapter’s video contest and social media site launch, visit www.facebook.com/ARCCapeFear.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a >charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.