La Leche League is a single-focus organization. When Leaders use social media to support families, we are wearing our Leader hats. We take care to protect the image of La Leche League and to present and represent only what reflects La Leche League philosophy. We know to avoid controversial topics such as abortion, birth control, immunization, and circumcision, which are not only mixing causes but may make parents feel unwelcome. Because the Internet is a public forum, other topics that are beyond our scope and mission may come up without careful moderation.
Given that online support has become so significant, LLL Alliance has recently developed a set of guidelines for Facebook discussion groups. These can be found on the LLL Alliance website.
https://lllalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/facebook-Group-Guidelines-4.2022.pdf
During an in-person meeting, Leaders are able to redirect the discussion, which is more difficult in a Facebook group. In order to make it easier and create less of a burden for Leaders who moderate these groups, we are suggesting that all posts be approved. Posting clear guidelines on what topics the group can address is also helpful, as is having a Leader reply first. This way, one can catch the posts that go against LLLI policy or the WHO Code and either reply privately to the individual, or a Leader-moderator can make a brief statement, citing group guidelines on this topic and then shutting down comments.
Facebook pages and other social media are less of a concern because we don’t see helping discussions happening on these. Many Groups and Areas choose to have Facebook pages only because they don’t have the Leader bandwidth to moderate an active Facebook discussion group. Consider referring parents to the public LLLI Breastfeeding Support group for online help and perhaps join it yourself to see what a well-run group looks like (and how much time and work the many moderators and administrators put into it). https://www.facebook.com/groups/LLLI.Breastfeeding.Support/about/
Why are we doing this? As a Direct Connect Entity (DCE) connecting to LLLI with an agreement (contract), we are responsible for making sure that LLL policy is followed. We also want to make this endeavor easier for Leaders. Let us know if you have any questions or need any guidance in navigating these guidelines.
Given that online support has become so significant, LLL Alliance has recently developed a set of guidelines for Facebook discussion groups. These can be found on the LLL Alliance website.
https://lllalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/facebook-Group-Guidelines-4.2022.pdf
During an in-person meeting, Leaders are able to redirect the discussion, which is more difficult in a Facebook group. In order to make it easier and create less of a burden for Leaders who moderate these groups, we are suggesting that all posts be approved. Posting clear guidelines on what topics the group can address is also helpful, as is having a Leader reply first. This way, one can catch the posts that go against LLLI policy or the WHO Code and either reply privately to the individual, or a Leader-moderator can make a brief statement, citing group guidelines on this topic and then shutting down comments.
Facebook pages and other social media are less of a concern because we don’t see helping discussions happening on these. Many Groups and Areas choose to have Facebook pages only because they don’t have the Leader bandwidth to moderate an active Facebook discussion group. Consider referring parents to the public LLLI Breastfeeding Support group for online help and perhaps join it yourself to see what a well-run group looks like (and how much time and work the many moderators and administrators put into it). https://www.facebook.com/groups/LLLI.Breastfeeding.Support/about/
Why are we doing this? As a Direct Connect Entity (DCE) connecting to LLLI with an agreement (contract), we are responsible for making sure that LLL policy is followed. We also want to make this endeavor easier for Leaders. Let us know if you have any questions or need any guidance in navigating these guidelines.
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