As we all continue to adapt to staying in touch with family and friends through fewer and smaller in-person gatherings, being able to get together online is more important than ever. Those of us who already use social media may be using it more, and in different ways, while others are just beginning to embrace it.
Social media, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and many more, are available as “platforms,” the word used to describe the specific technologies and programs that allow communications between different users in one virtual location. Bay Seniors has an active Facebook page we invite you to visit and participate in: www.facebook.com/bayseniors.
Zoom, a video meeting and conferencing service, formerly used mainly for business meetings, is now being used for book club meetings, worship services, birthday parties, and much more. Bay Seniors is working toward using Zoom for various member services, starting with a weekly “drop-in coffee hour” for members to enjoy virtual time together. If you’re interested in more information, email centre@bayseniors.ca.
While most Bay Seniors members are online, receiving our newsletter, members’ update and other communications from us by email, a smaller number use social media regularly. In our recent member survey, and through other information from members, we have learned that many of you would be interested in learning more about social media, and specifically:
- Which platforms to join, based on who you want to stay in touch with and how you want to stay in touch;
- How to protect your privacy and safety on social media;
- How to get the most out of social media.
In the next few months, Bay Seniors will be offering help to members interested in learning more about using social media. Support and education will be provided by our volunteer tech team, which will include tech-savvy Bay Seniors members and Students for Seniors, a terrific group of high school students who are kicking off our Using Social Media program with two easy-to-use documents for members thinking about joining Facebook or using Zoom.
Thanks to Angus Whyte of Students for Seniors for the Facebook introduction, and to Megan Ellis, a student volunteer, for the Zoom introduction. More handouts and videos are coming soon.
