Goals.  The MySpace page was built to help us meet a number of
programmatic goals. We were able to use a lot of the "features" of
MySpace, such as the blog, announcements, comments, and friends section
to our advantage.  

*        To announce upcoming events or agency news. Any announcements
we post will be visible on our "friends" personal homepage and on OBT's
profile using the "Bulletin Board" and "Blog" features.  Announcements
will increase attendance and program awareness among allies. 

*        To educate current and past students on issues they may be
facing.  Using the blog, the OBT profile will make posts reminding
students of principles learned at OBT.  An example could be, "What to do
about that annoying co-worker." This will keep students linked in and on
track. 

*        To facilitate social networking among past and present
trainees.  On every profile is a place to list current and past
employment.  Trainees can search through OBT's list of friends to find
other OBT alumni who may be able to help them advance their career.

*        To compliment OBT's alumni program by facilitating easy access
to OBT after trainees graduate. Students will be able to look at their
colleagues and teachers profiles and send them messages using My Space's
messaging service.

*        To enhance agency marketing materials and proposals. Using the
comments section, "friends" can write testimonies about their
experiences with OBT that can be used in agency materials.

*        To give new recruits a way to explore OBT from a distance.
Current and past students may send OBT's MySpace page to new, interested
recruits.  Although a new website could also fill this void, "MySpace"
is a more youth-oriented and accessible approach to exposing youth to
OBT online. Note: It is possible but unlikely that new recruits would
find OBT online without being recommended by another student.

To see specifically how we used the various features to our advantage,
check out our MySpace page at: http://profile.myspace.com/obtjobs.  In
the next email I will address how we got students and staff on board and
some of the protocols we put into place.

But first, a question for the group:  Aside from what is listed here,
how else can you envision using MySpace to advance your organization's
goals?  

 

 

______________________________

Emily May

Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow

783 4th Avenue

Brooklyn, NY 11232

718-369-0303

emay at obtjobs.org

www.obtjobs.org

 

<mailto:emay at obtjobs.org> 

  

 

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