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Shared conversations are possible within small interest groups or up to hundreds of people at once.  \nBased mainly around a mobile app, and requiring a phone number to hold an account, WhatsApp is closer to text messaging than to email in terms of engagement. Typically, 90% of recipients will view a message, and they will do so much more quickly than they would with an email.  \nWhatsApp has the potential to be a powerful tool for organising, helping trade unionists to connect, spread their message and organise members and supporters.  \nBut at the same time, engaging on the platform holds a number of significant risks for trade unions, which will need considerable thought in mitigation.  \nThis guide includes some best practice tips and suggestions for making the most of WhatsApp.  \nContents  \nIntroduction .................................................................................................................................................... 2  \nChoosing the right format for your purpose ..................................................................................... 3  \nSome examples ............................................................................................................................................. 5  \nBefore setting up on WhatsApp ............................................................................................................. 7  \nCreating a positive culture and engagement .................................................................................... 9  \nApproaching risks ....................................................................................................................................... 11  \nCommunication style ................................................................................................................................ 15  \nChoosing the right format for your purpose  \nThere are three main ways of using WhatsApp to connect with members and supporters in your network:  \nWhatsApp group  \nA shared space where members can communicate in real-time. Like a group of friends sitting in the same room-everyone can see and hear everything that is being said and anyone can speak (on default setting – though moderators can disable open replies fora group) .  \nWhatsApp community  \nThis allows you to bring related groups under one umbrella. Community admins can send important updates to all the groups in the community at the same time.  \nWhatsApp broadcast  \nThis allows you to send a message to multiple contacts at once. The message sent by you will appear as an individual message in the recipients chat and they can individually reply to you.  \nHow to choose  \nWhen deciding which type to use, consider the following:  \n• What is the purpose?  \n• What type of communication is needed: one-to-many or peer-to-peer?  \n• How many people will I need to add?  \n• Who will be able to join?  \nThis table outlines some of the key differences between the three formats.  \n\n|  | Group | Community | Broadcast |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Purpose | Engagement and dialogue with a group who have a shared identity or interest. | Multiple related groups as part of a wider organisation or campaign, with direct announcements. | Updates and announcements to a list of individuals. |\n| Type of\u003Cbr>comms | Peer-to-peer dialogue between all group members.\u003Cbr>Anyone in the group can send messages (if moderation settings allow) .\u003Cbr>Polls and surveys. | Hybrid of one-to-many and peer-to-peer.\u003Cbr>Admins can send announcements to the whol","cbCaioX36SUsZ2ww","https://ap.wps.com/l/cbCaioX36SUsZ2ww","pdf",318838,16,"English","# Introduction\n# Choosing the right format for your purpose\n## Some examples\n# Before setting up on WhatsApp\n# Creating a positive culture and engagement\n# Approaching risks\n# Communication style","[{\"question\":\"What are the three main ways to use WhatsApp for union organising?\",\"answer\":\"WhatsApp group, WhatsApp community, and WhatsApp broadcast. Each supports different communication patterns such as peer-to-peer dialogue, hybrid announcements, or one-to-many updates.\"},{\"question\":\"How do WhatsApp broadcast messages work for replies?\",\"answer\":\"Recipients receive the message as an individual chat and can reply to the broadcast list owner. Members cannot reply to each other through the list.\"},{\"question\":\"Why should trade unions consider risks when engaging on WhatsApp?\",\"answer\":\"The guide notes significant risks when unions operate on the platform, requiring careful thought and mitigation to protect communications and engagement.\"}]","Using WhatsApp for union organising and communications - A TUC Digital Lab guide | PDF",1792700287]