The Dos and Don’ts of a Military Spouse Facebook Group
Facebook! There is so much you can do on Facebook. From keeping in touch with your friends who moved away to sharing photos of your children so the Grandmas can see from across the country. Another benefit of Facebook is Facebook groups.
There are Facebook groups for everything. From your favorite TV show to your neighborhood. Within these groups you can talk to people you don’t know about topics that are important to you. You can make friends through groups, can connect with others in your community, and learn about something you didn’t know about before.
Within the military spouse world, there are plenty of Facebook groups to join. There are probably at least one or two based around where you are stationed. There are groups for each branch, groups for military spouses that are into different hobbies, and groups connected with military spouse blogs.
I have a Facebook group for my blog. I started the group about 18 months ago, and we are almost at 10,000 members. Having so many people in one group can bring up challenges and situations you don’t have in a much smaller group. Over the last 18 months, I have learned so much about running a Facebook group, connecting with other spouses, and the benefits of having this type of group.
For a group to run smoothly, the Facebook community has to work together so everyone can have a good experience.
These Dos and Don’ts of Facebook groups apply across the board and are just a good way to be on social media.
Do read the rules of the Facebook group
Every Facebook group should have rules listed. You should be able to read through these even before you join. Doing so is important. Knowing where the group stands on certain issues is important.
Don’t break the rules on purpose
If the rules state not to post about your business, don’t post about your business. Rules are there for a reason so make sure you abide by them. In some cases, if you don’t, you could be banned from the group.
Do be understanding of people who don’t know as much as you do
In any group you join, some people will know more than you do, some will know less. Be understanding of those who don’t know as much. Some people are new to military spouse life and don’t quite understand how everything works.
Don’t call anyone names just because they don’t quite understand something the same way
There is no need to call other people names. If someone is making you mad in a Facebook group, walk away and take a break. You don’t have to respond to anyone.
Do know the theme or topic that the group is about
Make sure you are aware of what the group is about. I have been in groups where some strange comment is posted, and drama ensues, all because the person posting the comment didn’t quite understand what the group is about.
Don’t be negative on posts just because you don’t relate to the topic
You won’t relate to every post that is shared. There is no need to answer a post on a topic you hate or don’t care about. There are plenty of other posts you can respond to.
Do tell your friends about groups you love
If you like the Facebook group you are in, let your friends know about it. They will enjoy the group too.
Don’t add people without asking them beforehand
Don’t add people without asking. Even more so if it is a group based on someone selling something. It never hurts to send a quick message to see if the person is interested in the group. Otherwise, your friend will start to see posts from a group they might not even know they have been added to.
Do be respectful in your responses
There is always a good way and a bad way to respond to someone, especially if they are asking for advice. Being respectful in your responses will go a long way in helping someone out or hurting them.
Don’t be rude, just because you can
Some people like to be rude to others just because. Don’t be that person.
Do know that anyone in the group can see what you post
Know that whatever you post will be shared with the people in the group. Double check the settings of the group. If the group you are in is a “Public” group, anyone on your friend’s list can see what you post. If it is a “closed group” only the people in the group can see.
Don’t overshare information about your situation that you would not want to get out into the world
The sad truth is that anyone can screen shot what someone else posts in a group. There is no way to stop this from happening completely. So please be aware when you are posting that this could happen.
Do know about OPSEC and PERSEC
Know what OPSEC and PERSEC is. Things like posting when your spouse is deploying isn’t okay. Know how much is too much for social media.
Military Spouse Facebook groups can help you meet other spouses, find out about where you are PCSing too, and help you through your deployment. When you join one, make sure you are aware of the rules, be kind and respectful to others, and you should have a good experience.