How I learned to stop worrying and love social media

By Evan Burrell

Did you know Baby Boomers are the
fastest growing demographic on Face-
book?

This doesn’t surprise me at all! I think
there’s this myth that anyone over 50
is technically inept, but I’m not buy-
ing it. Perhaps some “seniors” might
not be as technically savvy as the
younger generation. But I don’t think
all of them are clueless when it comes
to new technology or social media.

Facebook and other social networks
have enabled Boomers to get in
touch with long-lost friends and rel-
atives, as well as see pictures of their
grandchildren. If they can use social
media for a few family happy snaps,
it’s not that far a stretch to get your
older members over their initial fear
or discomfort with social media, and
to start thinking about using the tools
in an even more beneficial way for
your club.

Quick and painless
Social media provides a powerful
and accessible tool for highlighting
causes and acting on issues, and
for this reason it’s perfect for reach-
ing potential members.

You can use social media to organize
events, communicate with the public,
and showcase your achievements as
a club. You can quickly and painlessly
make a wider audience aware of the
good work your club is doing. Take
Facebook for instance. Your page can
advertise and coordinate club activities
and fundraisers, and create awareness
for Rotary’s number one cause, eradi-
cating polio.

Being able to adapt to new tech-
nologies is not just a nice skill to
have. It is absolutely vital to shar-
ing Rotary’s story and reaching
out to people who might make
great members.

Social networks encourage discovery.
People can pursue just about any int-
erest be it types of books, music, re-
cipes, or even their favorite causes,
easier than ever. If your Facebook
page reflects what your club members
are interested in, you may attract
people who share these same inte-
rests. Have a lot of golf enthusiasts?
Organize a golfing event, promote it
on your Facebook page, and see how
many golfers you attract. Or maybe
wine is your thing. How about a
great wine tasting fundraiser?

Connecting with the world
Social networks introduce people to
new things and ideas. They make it
possible to reach across incredible
distances. Suddenly, it’s possible to
connect and share thoughts with
someone on the other side of the
world!

Managing an online presence is es-
sential. Clubs must be able to inter-
act effectively online, if they are to
keep up with all the other competing
interests out there. Being able to
adapt to new technologies is not
just a nice skill to have. It is abso-
lutely vital to sharing Rotary’s story
and reaching out to people who
might make great members, but
who otherwise would never know
your club exists.

So stop worrying, and learn to
love your social media channels.

• Discover tips for getting your
  event noticed on social media
• Join a discussion on member-
  ship best practices

About the author: Evan Burrell
is a member of the Rotary Club of Turramurra,
New South Wales, Australia, and a former
member of Rotaract. He has been involved
with Rotary since he was 18. He currently
manages social media for Rotary Down Under,
the Rotary regional magazine of Australia.
Follow Evan on Facebook.