social media
• The word ‘social’ is there for a reason. For social media to be successful, you have to engage with people, get back to them when they comment, etc. Using it to broadcast should be the exception not the rule and it only works if you have already established yourself as an active part of whatever community you are appealing to. • The tone and language you use in a Tweet or Facebook post is important. • How will your social media work be integrated with other forms of communications, such as Branch and Division websites and hard copy publications, etc? I am not trying to discourage people from using social media as part of their work at the NTEU. Nor am I saying more Branches and Divisions need to rush out and use social media or that those who do use it must do so in a uniform way under the control of the National Office. What I would say to those who feel they should be doing something in this area, is think about how you want to use it and whether you have the time and skills necessary to do so. If there is an active Facebook or Twitter feed already being run by your Division, consider linking into that rather than setting up your own. MARCH 2012 www.nteu.org.au
And I would encourage as many members as possible to follow the NTEU Nation Office on Facebook and Twitter.
future plans The NTEU National Office plans to develop a strategy and protocol around the use of social media in the coming months. In the meantime, please contact me if you wish to discuss any issues your Branch and Division may have about social media or if you are thinking of undertaking activities in this area. A Andrew Nette, email anette@nteu.org.au All NTEU Social media links c www.nteu.org.au/myunion/social_networks NTEU National Office Facebook c https://www.facebook.com/pages/ National-Tertiary-Education-Union/274079142634253 NTEU National Office Twitter c https://twitter.com/#!/NTEUNational NTEU National Office Flickr c http://www.flickr.com/photos/nteu NTEU National Office YouTube c http://www.youtube.com/user/nteu Image: © Shanna-Banana-O-Rama
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