Social Media in the Disability Community

Connecting Communities CoalitionGeneral Membership Meeting

November 15, 2012

Communication today

62% of adults worldwide now use social media. 22% of time online is spent on sites like Facebook and Twitter.

61% use LinkedIn as their primary professional networking site. (There are 2 million companies on LinkedIn.)

Social network users surpassed the number of email users in July 2009: 820 million social network users compared to 800 million email users.

25% of Google search returns are user-generated content.

1 million new accounts are added to Twitter every day.

What Does This Mean for You?

Social media is a valuable tool for:

◦ Sharing content that will help you become a respected advocate.

◦ Connecting with your community.

◦ Engaging with employers.

Goals?

The Big 4

Advocacy

Social Media Goals:

◦ SHARE content to raise awareness of your message.

◦ CONNECT with other advocates.

◦ ESTABLISH yourself as a leader in the field.

Advocacy Search for

organizations that support your cause and “Like” their pages.

Participate in online discussions, or share content like photos, videos, or links.

Interact with decision makers – city commissioners, legislators, etc.

Advocacy Search for other

advocates (including organizations) that are talking about your cause.

@ = a person. (Ex: @kyliefoster)

# = a subject. If you search for #disability, you will be directed to a list of tweets that include that hashtag, which presumably have something to do with the subject of disability.

Advocacy Write about notable

subjects surrounding your cause.

Example: If you are particularly passionate about the subject of inclusion, you might write blog posts about steps to build an inclusive community, or ways to outreach to communities of color.

AdvocacyCAITLIN WOOD Blogger at Where’s Lulu?

“I started Where's Lulu because I saw/see a dearth of blogs relating to disability culture and activism. I didn't see my voice represented in media and still don't. I was motivated to find an avenue to express my opinions, share information and hopefully build community.”

Advocacy Connect professionally

with organizations who do work surrounding your cause.

Share your content (blog posts, etc.) with a professional network.

Reach out to professionals who are looking for community involvement opportunities – especially effective if your group needs a volunteer with a particular skill set.

Community Connections

Goals:

◦ FIND organizations in your area that are working on projects of interest to you.

◦ BUILD a network of individuals to collaborate with.

◦ LEARN about upcoming projects or groups in your area that could translate into open positions to apply for.

Community Connections

“Like” the Facebookpages of organizations or groups you are interested in collaborating with.

Post valuable links to events, blog posts, videos, etc.

Community Connections

Search for local movers and shakers and follow their accounts.

Tweet useful links to important information or events in your area.

Use hashtags and usernames where possible!

Community Connections

Write about notable subjects surrounding your immediate area.

Find other prominent blogs to collaborate with. Share content with other bloggers!

Use your blog as a vehicle for getting community support or input.

Community Connections

Join a LinkedIn group for professionals in your community. Many will be involved in outside projects or groups.

Search for prominent organizations doing good things in your community.

Job Seeking

Goals:

◦ FIND open positions that fit your skill set and professional goals.

◦ BUILD a network of professionals in the industry you work in.

◦ CONNECT with employers online.

◦ DISPLAY your skills in a searchable format.

Job Seeking “Like” the Facebook pages of

companies or organizations you are interested in working with.

Share their content when you find it interesting and relevant to you.

Interact with them: “Like” their posts, answer their questions. Become part of their community – and gain knowledge about their company!

Job Seeking Follow the accounts of

companies or organizations you want to work for.

Respond to their tweets, Re-Tweet (RT) your favorites.

Find current employees of the company and interact with them online.

(Exercise caution when using this tactic. Interacting with current employees can be a great tool, just keep it professional and not too frequent.)

Job Seeking Write about notable

subjects surrounding your industry. Share on your other sites!

Find other prominent blogs to collaborate with. Share content with other bloggers.

Use your blog as a vehicle for displaying your knowledge about your industry.

Job Seeking Join a LinkedIn group

for professionals in your industry.

Follow companies you’d like to work for.

Create a resume that is searchable – meaning employers can find you based on your skill set.

Share content that will help you establish yourself as an industry expert.

Accessing technology

FreeGeek - Free Geek’s mission is to recycle technology and provide access to computers, the internet, education and job skills in exchange for community service. (503) 232.9350

Independent Living Resources – use their community computer lab.

Multnomah Co. Libraries – Most library locations have an accessible computer as well as standard desktops for community members to use.

Portland State University ATC Computer Lab –open on a drop-in basis.

Additional links to check out

GimpGirl blog. www.gimpgirl.com

Where’s Lulu? blog. www.whereslulu.com

Disability Scoop. www.disabilityscoop.com

Questions?