Modern internet technologies provide a wonderful way for union activists to communicate with each other and the world at large. Online services like facebook and twitter can be extremely powerful tools to spread the word about unions and advocate for the issues that affect working families. At Kansas Labor we urge all union members to take the plunge and use these free services. Heres how:
Facebook
Facebook has become the default social networking website, you already likely know dozens if not hundreds of people using it, and they are all wondering why you aren’t. The instructions below will show you how to get started.
Step 1: Register for a Facebook account.
Go to www.facebook.com and you will see a simple form to fill out to get started. If you need more help check out this video tutorial from Expert Village.
Step 2: Fill out your facebook profile.
After you sign up you will be able to tell more about yourself. Take some time and fill in the sections about your employers, educational history etc. You will be prompted to enter more information about yourself. The more information you provide the easier it will be to track down people you know who are also using Facebook. If you need more help check out this video tutorial from Expert Village.
Step 3: Join the Kansas Labor Facebook group by clicking on the facebook icon in the top right corner of the site and you will instantly be connected with many other union activsts. You can add friends and begin to make connections.
Twitter
Twitter is wonderful service that many people in several ways. It was originally designed as a sort of micro-blog in which users answer the question, “What are you doing right now?” in 140 characters or less. Originally it was a interesting way to stay informed about what friends and family are up to. Recently however as more and more people become active users of Twitter, it has taken on a more essential role as a live and immediate way to learn about breaking news and important events. Many activists use the service to cover a live play by play of important meetings or even hearings in the Kansas Legislature. Twitter is a free service and very easy to set up an account and get started. I encourage everyone to give it a shot and join the discussion.
Step 1: Sign up for a Twitter Account
Visit www.twitter.com and click on the big green “Get Started – Join!” button. Then just fill out the required fields and even add a picture or short bio if you wish. There are built in tools to help you connect with friends and family who are already on the service if you wish.
Step 2: Follow Kansas Labor on Twitter
You can follow Kansas Labor on Twitter by clicking on the Twitter Icon in the top right corner of our website, and click on “follow”. You will immediately begin receiving updates called “Tweets” of any breaking news or coverage of events provided by Kansas Labor. You can also see the profiles of other users who are following Kansas Labor, these are likely other Kansas union activists who you can in turn follow their updates if you wish.
Step 3: Tie it all together!
Now that you have a Twitter account and a Facebook acount, you can actually make them work together! Click here and you can “install a facebook app” that will link the two services. Note: this does not actually install a program on your computer, just tells facebook to link to your twitter account. You will have to enter your twitter username and password to link the services.
Thats it! You are now all set to be connected with other union activists using the latest technologies. Bookmark Facebook and Twitter and check in often to stay informed. Communication is power.
