The document discusses Twitter, including its history and features. It provides examples of how organizations, local infrastructure organizations, and individuals can use Twitter. Key points include: - Twitter allows users to share short messages or "tweets" of up to 140 characters and interact with other users. - Many non-profits, local groups, and infrastructure organizations are using Twitter to share information, raise awareness, and engage their supporters. - For individuals and organizations, Twitter can be useful for networking, getting news and information, and conversing with others in their field. However, it requires an ongoing commitment to see benefits.

1. Fresh Thinking 30 th November 2009 Paul Webster NAVCA – ICT Support and Development

3. “ Online applications, platforms and media which aim to facilitate interaction, collaboration and the sharing of content” www.universalmccann.com structured way, communication is free and lateral: anyone can talk to anyone else. The web is creating a culture of working with people not for them. Work is most satisfying and creative when it’s work with people rather than for them.” Charles Leadbetter, March 2009 “ In the world of the web the main principle is that you can freely communicate with anyone you need to regardless of title or hierarchy. Even if decisions are made in a hierarchical or

4. Old media - Web 1.0 . . . . . static websites with no interaction, text heavy content. Information was just fed TO viewers (Others – if you dare!)

5. New media - Web 2.0 . . . . is interactive websites, open comments allowed, conversations and social networking WITH viewers encouraged

6. . Photo: flickr.com/photos/briansolis/

7. Steve Louie fajalr ?

9. Visit

14. Link to TwitScoop

15. Events AS they happen not AFTER they have happened

16. But if you have to go away … … there is always Twitter in a Newspaper! The Twitter Tim.es

17. Twitter Lists … … organise followers by topic, region, type of person etc.

20. Visit Halton Voluntary Action

22. Visit Telford & Wrekin CVS

24. Visit Merton Voluntary Service Council

33. Finding your Way! Photo: flickr.com/photos/worldwidewandering

36. Why would you use it? Access to a GLOBAL audience enabling many voices F R E E!!! (in most cases) Your ideas and messages can be shared & spread very quickly Can take on a creative life of its own Very high profile – the latest ‘buzz’ Portrays the human voice of your organization You want share ideas in progress and let others join in and help It may be messy – so be prepared to deal with this You are already clear in your aims, but open to contributions

37. Why wouldn’t you use it? Tracking sites can be time consuming – so have a clear plan Needs fast internet connection (ADSL / Fibre) – rural issues Can be intimidating if not used to using the internet / technology Fickle – constantly changing ‘current fashionable product’ Not there to be controlled – groups may take your message and rebroadcast it, so it is important to listen to the social networks Be prepared for your organisation to change how it works Looser control on organisation message and authorization - won’t work if your message is written in stone, not electricity Invest time in staff learning new skills and the time to make it an organizational habit

38. Thanks The Regional ICT Champions: Website - www.ictchampions.org.uk Newsfeed - http://bit.ly/ictchampnews My news and thoughts about technology in the sector: on my Tumblr page http://watfordgap.tumblr.com/ on Twitter @watfordgap or email [email_address]