Recently, I published a note about 12 different questions I was asked about my use of Notes from an Aspiring Humanitarian as it relates to combining Social Work and social media. I then asked you to think of your own responses to those questions as they relate to you. I hope you’ll share them with me after you’ve given them some thought.
In the coming days I’ll attempt to respond to those questions through a series I’m calling “Inside N.A.H.” This is the third post of that series.
Question 3: How has using technology and social media as tools impacted your work?
One of the most impactful ways that using technology and social media as tools have impacted my work is that those outlets have increased my ability to speak up and speak out about topics that are important to me personally and professionally. Because of this, I’ve been able to connect with other people who share those interests, or have other information that I could benefit from and form positive reciprocal relationships.
In this way, I have had the opportunity to share some things about myself, and have also had opportunities to listen to, and learn from other people as well from around the country, or even around the world.
Very soon I’ll be expanding my list of 13 Compelling Social Work Blogs and will also begin highlighting other great blogs I think you should read from people from other disciplines or areas of interest.
I’ve written a bit about my use of technology and social media before, so I also recommend you check out this interview:
Also, check out this post for my yearly address:
Having an online presence has also been helpful with connecting me with leads on clients for consulting opportunities, and opportunities for me to use myself to exercise my vocation of working to build more respectful and inclusive communities. Stay tuned as I’ll have more details to share about this point.
So How has using technology and social media as tools impacted your work?
Because using technology and social media does have an impact on our work, and in our lives in one way or another,
From Aspiring Humanitarian, Relando Thompkins, MSW
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G’day Relando,
As a Social worker of almost 20 years and aged 60 years, I’ve embraced Social Media. It’s a tool that’s enabled me to communicate and network; locally, nationally and globally through blogging, tweeting, youtube, instagram,email and googlegroups.
It has facilitated a level of engagement with “the social work world” that didn’t previously exist: certainly not when I commenced Practice back in 1994. I can now join Twitter forums in Britain; write my own + contribute to international SW blogs(like yours) connect with and follow Social Work associations across the world; research contemporary social and SW issues and so on.
Working in rural area in Western Australia; skype is available for consultations with clients who cannot physically be present due to distance and availability + with other Social Workers.
My sense is that as Social workers we haven’t yet realised the potential of Social Media for our work.
Hello to you too Lanie! I’m so glad to hear that you’ve embraced Social Media. it really can be a connecting resource. I know it has been for me.
One of the important things I thought you highlighted in your comment was the fact that you can form connections with people from around the world!
I share your feelings that Social Workers haven’t yet collectively realized the potential that social media can have on our work, but I’m so glad I’ve started blogging, and I’m glad that you’ve found this blog. Feel free to share any social media outlets you might have, and I will add them to my list of resources.
Thanks again,