Introducing the SLT WhatsApp community

If you’re already using WhatsApp, you may have noticed that some SLT-related chats have been incorporated into a wider South London Theatre WhatsApp community.

What’s that? – Think of it like a theatre noticeboard – but on your smartphone!

Why do we need another communications platform? – Well, we’ve noticed that social media is no longer the singular SLT town square it once was, with people’s channels of choice becoming highly fragmented. At the same time however, many are seeking a more direct and immediate way to obtain and exchange some of the latest information beyond the website and newsletter. And indeed some still lament the loss of the old online message board from the pre-social media days!

What’s in the WhatsApp community?

• A main community page listing all SLT-related groups.
• Important announcements from SLT (e.g., Backstage Roles).
• Specific groups for different areas of interest (like Bar and Box Office volunteers, etc.).

How will it work?

You may already be a member through being present in one of the chat groups which have been incorporated into the community, but if not, then it’s as simple as following the link in the member bulletin on a smartphone or WhatsApp enabled device. The community is still in its early stages, and will doubtless continue to evolve, so bear with us while we get everything set up and find our feet. Not every topic will have a dedicated group as yet. As a community member, you can make suggestions for new chat groups or announcement channels within the community, or to add existing chat groups to the community, so get in there and let’s see how we go!

Why isn’t there a link here?

This post is to set out all the detail, but it is a public page, and the community is exclusively for members. We provided a link in the recent member only bulletin. If you can’t find that, get in touch with us on comms@southlondontheatre.co.uk.

I don’t have a smartphone, can I still join?

The SLT WhatsApp Community is only available to those with WhatsApp on a smartphone. (Which we know is many of you these days) Unfortunately, WhatsApp does not allow access without a mobile device.

Does it replace any of the SLT info channels I am using at the moment?

We will never stop sending our twice monthly email newsletter and posting all our latest news stories (and links to newsletters) on our website news page. We will continue to do our best to ensure that key announcements pertinent to social media channels go out there too, but do bear in mind that for members, the website, the newsletter and now the WhatsApp communities are the best place to stay connected with SLT.

Are there any rules?

The same rules apply as with our Facebook group:

1. Be kind and courteous

We’re all in this together to create a welcoming environment. Let’s treat everyone with respect. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.

2. No hate speech or bullying

Make sure everyone feels safe. Bullying of any kind isn’t allowed, and degrading comments about things such as race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity will not be tolerated. Play nicely!

3. Be an SLT advocate

Remember that new members and volunteers may be reading, so make sure that you present a positive perception of how we operate. Don’t complain on a group if you can speak to someone directly instead.

4. Respect the work people put in

We’re all at SLT for the love of it. We’re not pro’s, paid to take the rough with the smooth. If you have something to say about someone’s contribution and it can’t be positive, make it constructive.

5. Avoid spam

SLT likes to support other creative organisations, so we allow links to shows outside, but try to put in more than you take out of this group. Excessive and irrelevant links will aren’t allowed.

In short, let’s keep things friendly, lively, succinct, targeted and relevant. Otherwise, it’s the same as any WhatsApp group you’re already a part of. We hope this new instant message community proves useful!