Social – Meet and interact with others in a friendly way
Media – Shared Communications
Dynamics – Driving or energizing force involved in social change
By Sharon Hill
I am the volunteer webmaster for our neighborhood association of around 600 homes. I receive all kinds of suggestions about improving the website including some that involve social networking.
Neighborhood associations are very similar to social networking. You create a group of individuals with similar goals and interests who want to be kept up-to-date on relevant events. Mostly it is in a friendly way. We have a 4th of July parade, egg hunts, holiday tree lighting and other events that are face-to-face interactions.
We share communications in our neighborhood through our printed newsletter, printed directory, our website and email blasts. Neighbors can sign up for the email list. We also have neighborhood meetings at the local school and post signs in the neighborhood for upcoming events.
We have changed the dynamics in our neighborhood through volunteerism. Recently a Seniors Group has been formed to honor and assist seniors in our neighborhood. We have a Pet program to help in finding lost pets and in finding homes for pets. Teens can earn service hours and credits.
I can see the next steps will be Twitter and blogging. Twitter will be a great addition for short updates and reminders for our neighborhood regarding events, dues and the like.
Blogging will be more challenging. Not everything is suitable and not everyone is a good writer. We will have to watch for those who just want to rant in the neighborhood blog. It will also be a great way to involve more people in the neighborhood and give them a voice. I am looking forward to the challenge.
@social_dynamics
Tags: blogging neighborhood associations, facebook neighborhood associations, social dynamics, social media dynamics, social networking dynamics, social networking neighborhood associations
