One of the most interesting events for me in 2009 occurred on a Saturday in November. I attended a four hour seminar on using social media by nonprofits. The presenters facilitated learning about how nonprofits can use outfits such as Twitter and Facebook to better get their message out.
But more importantly in my view, the seminar covered (as have several articles/books I have read since then) the need for organizations of all types to build what someone (not sure who) called the 'conversational' ability to communicate with its stakeholders.
This type of communication is 'two way'. Recipients of a 'message' should be encouraged to 'react' and 'comment' or 'respond' to a message. I think a key word (lingo) is 'collaboration'.
The seminar 'turned me on' to using social media even more than I have done in the past....since then I have lobbied 'hard' (some might say to the point of 'being a nuisance' ) for two groups to start using social media far more than in the past.
My efforts, while certainly not futile, have met with numerous objections.. but then my recollection is that is often what happens when one is advocating 'change'. Resistance to change is natural and human.
Readers of this blog are encouraged to respond especially to this post.
Thank you
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When you get lots of comments that support what you are doing, it feels good. One doesn't feel so alone, however, you alone are acting and others are observing. When you get no comments I think it means that people did not have a reaction. Not necessarily good, not necessarily bad. Depends on your goal. If your'e trying to achieve action (or reaction) you're S.O.L. But it you get objections now you're doing something!!! Especially when working for change. Keep on Dave, keep on. I'd love to hear more from you on how the social media can do this. I'm trying to use it to make changes in Sask for women's health and rights but mostly the people who respond/react are too ill to act. How do I reach the people who are healthy enough to do something? Happy New Year Dave!
ReplyDeleteVery interesting comments from you Dave and from your friend Darlene. Jim and I also at times feel a bit 'alone' out there with our Human Rights Radio show on CJTR. We don't get commentaries or even response when we ran a contest for the first one calling in "will receive an AI tee shirt" Some days we wonder who is listening. And then suddenly out in public I hear positive feedback occassionally from people about the show. I am not sure that people understand we want their feedback. I believe that most people who listen to or read blogs, commentaries, talk radio etc. are more interested in receiving info rather than sharing it. Often times we are already "speaking to the converted." Personally, I usually respond when I disagree or have another point of view with something posted than when I agree.
ReplyDeleteThis comment is to Darlene, Get yourself connected with women's groups out there who have similar concerns and other connections. It helps to create a web of organizations and individuals who understand what you are trying to do or are open to listening and responding in a positive manner.
Mona Hill
THank you Darlene and Mona.. I'll see if I get other comments here or on facebook
ReplyDeleteThanks Mona....good suggestion. Women's Groups are few and fair between in Sask these days, but there are some.
ReplyDelete