Ning or Facebook? We Are Media Module 5
I get calls and emails almost every day from folks who want to know: "How do I start a Facebook group?" My response, invariably, is: "WHY do you want a Facebook group?"
That's the topic we're covering this week in We Are Media: Social Networks (and Widgets) for Community Building, Taking Action, and/or Fundraising. Why are social networks important to our causes? Under what conditions? And what kinds of investments do you need to make to get the most out of them?
I'm particularly interested in the discussion this week because it's an area NTEN has failed to make the most of. We've got a Facebook Group. It's growing organically. We post our events there, and sometimes we message the group members. But we're not really giving that group as much as it deserves; we're not really helping them be a community.
So, NTEN community, spill! What's in your secret social networking sauce? You can share your thoughts by commenting below, or on the wiki. Either way, you'll be rewarded with a handsome prize!
I suggest building a community in Facebook and in Ning and in few other places if you have time.
It is similar to having a local group in Boston, another in SF, and a few more in less interesting cities. :)
Then in each location (network) recruit a volunteer or even part-time employee to be the local group coordinator. These coordinators are then responsible for making sure that all communications from HQ get posted on their group sites. They also filter local conversations and post back to headquarters (the main site).