Online social networking can be an easy way (especially for those with limited mobility but access to a computer or mobile device) to keep in touch with other injured workers or to find out what’s happening with people or topics that matter to you.
Injured worker groups sometimes ask for brief overviews of commonly used programs, so we’ve put together a few selected links to some of the basics, starting with Twitter. In coming weeks we’ll cover Facebook, websites or blogs that are free and easy to maintain, graphics, planning guides (which social media tools are best is best for your group?). We’re also working on a social media toolkit to help you engage easily and quickly. Of course, there are many other good resources for getting you started. For example, check with your local library – many offer free hands-on courses or can point you to other accessible courses nearby.
There’s a great online community of injured workers who are actively using social media to support one another and to organize together to help build a just workers’ compensation system. If you’d like to join an online group of injured workers, the links below will give you the information you need on how to create an account on Twitter, and get started in the world of social media.
( credit: Picture the Homeless (PTH), 2011)
Privacy matters
While social media makes sharing information and photos easier, protecting your privacy online is important. For safety’s sake, don’t share everything about yourself (e.g. date or place of birth, email etc.) in your account “profile”; stay up to date with the privacy setting available on any program you use [see more in Social Media – How to use it safely ]
So let’s start with Twitter, and be sure to check back next time for Facebook!
Twitter is a quick and easy way to keep people informed about something you think will be of interest. Once you’ve signed up for a free account, tweet (type) your news in a message of 140 characters – even include a photo, video or link to an article or webpage. Or “follow” another twitter user to see their updates on your own page.
Remember that once you’ve signed up for a free account you can make it “private” or “protected” while you try it out, then later change the settings to let the public or selected viewers only see it.
Take a look at the links below, and happy Tweeting!
- Goodwill Commmunity Foundation International. “Twitter 101”
Video and step-by-step tutorial on how to set up an account, safely fill in your profile, find who to follow, how to tweet and retweet, set it up on a mobile device - TechBoomers. “Twitter Tutorials”
Plain language illustrated guide to getting started and handy features - TechSoup Canada. “Social Media 101: Using Twitter for Your Nonprofit”
Tips to get the most out of Twitter for your organization
A few examples of how activists use Twitter
(please note the list does not necessarily mean endorsement of content):
- @RSIDay (Ontario injured worker activist’s feed)
- @ONIWG (keep up with the latest about and by the Ontario Network of Injured Workers Groups)
- @PeelIWG (Peel Injured Workers Group)
Also, the #injuredworkers hashtag is used pretty often and effectively.
- @OCAPToronto (the Ontario Coalition Against Poverty)
- @nooneisillegal (migrant justice movement)
- @350 (environmental activism to meet the challenge of climate crisis)
Are there social media platforms or topics that you’d like to learn more about? Contact David at newberryd@lao.on.ca with your ideas.