If your organization works with youth, this session is for you. Internet and mobile usage is nearly ubiquitous among youth, but do you know HOW they are using these technologies on a day-to-day basis? Do you know what "tbh" means? How can you use this knowledge to better engage youth on the front lines and build better relationships? Imagine being able to save the equivalent of two full-time staff positions by empowering your staff to use social media and SMS broadcasts. In many organizations, social media is often associated with the marketing and communications departments. However, social media is often overlooked as a tool that can be used by frontline workers in social service agencies to engage clients and better achieve organizational goals. School boards, social service agencies, and nonprofit organizations that work with youth have started using social media for marketing and communications, but they are often cautious when it comes to using social media on the front lines for day-to-day engagement.

This session will present a case study of how an organization that serves over 600 youth living in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods was able to successfully implement a social media strategy to better meet program objectives. The results were a higher level of engagement, better communication with youth clients and significant savings in staff time. This session will also provide an overview and understanding of the youth perspective on social media, trends, and mobile usage. Session participants will be given specific strategies to address issues such as: organizational buy-in; staff training; implementation and effective usage of Facebook, Twitter, and SMS broadcasting; integration with organizational goals; and adapting to emerging technologies.

Session Takeaways

1. A youth perspective of Facebook, Twitter, and mobile usage
2. An understanding of youth trends in Internet and mobile usage
3. How to implement a social media strategy for your organization