LOVE

Social media has given the average userthe ability to quickly and efficiently createand exchange user-generated content. Sitessuch as Twitter and Facebook have facilitatedsubstantial and pervasive changes to communicationbetween organizations, communitiesand individuals.Of course, the interactive nature of socialmedia has not been lost on the Junior Leagueof New Orleans. As many members may havenoticed, the Junior League of New Orleans hasa Facebook page and a Twitter account. EvenBloomin’ Deals has its own Facebook page andTwitter account.To manage its social media presence, theLeague has a Social Media Committee headedON THE WEBby Jessie Haynes. Haynes and her committee, along with theWebsite Committee headed by Ashley Bond, work to enhancethe online presence of the League in the community and tomaintain connections with both League members and the community.Haynes sees social media as a way to not only communicatewith League members but also a way to interact and connectwith League members so they are aware of what is going onin the League and can provide feedback about League events.The Junior Leagueof New OrleansFind us on FacebookJunior League of New OrleansTwitter:@JuniorLeagueNOBloomin’ DealsFind us on FacebookBloomin Deals Thrift ShopTwitter@JL_BloominDealsSocial media allows members to share Leagueactivities through their own social media so theLeague can quickly, efficiently and effectivelyadvance its programs and initiatives.Social media has also provided the League witha way to engage the business community. Jessiegives an example of the Buy, Save & Serve Card.“Because of our online presence,” she notes,“a merchant contacted the League and asked tobe one of the vendors included in the program.”In addition to advancing its initiatives, theLeague’s social media efforts also provideLeague members with education about socialmedia and how to effectively use it. Jessie feelsthat, with the large amount of working membersand members who own or run businesses,this will help to empower League members to use social mediato enhance their business lives.Ashley Bond notes that the League’s online work will not end atFacebook and Twitter. Her committee is developing a new, moreinteractive, League website that should launch sometime in early2012. Along with the new website, Jessie and the Social MediaCommittee are working on creating a JLNO blog to discuss Leagueevents and programs. www.jlno.org 17