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This update focuses on ASHA's use of Social Media.
Current ASHA Social Media Initiatives
Fundamentally, social media is another way to help members connect and engage with our robust community of colleagues who have an interest in communications sciences and disorders. Many ASHA members are already using social media, so it seemed natural and appropriate to go where our members are. Social media changes rapidly, and new opportunities abound...currently, ASHA is involved in the following social media arenas:
Podcasts
Podcasts are a broadcast originally designed to be listened to on an iPod or other personal audio device, though most people listen to podcasts on their computers. ASHA has a podcast series featuring interviews with people making news in the CSD professions. (Check out the latest Podcast featuring researcher Mary Pat Moeller, PhD, and a parent who discuss why consistency of hearing aid use is so important.)
Facebook
Facebook is a social networking site that allows people to connect with each other and perform a variety of social functions such as sharing photos, posting notes or blogs, joining groups, showing support for causes, as well as thousands of other applications. ASHA has a Facebook page that anyone can become a "fan" of (fan basically means group member). Visit the ASHA Page on Facebook to connect to other people interested in the fields of speech pathology and audiology.
Twitter
Twitter is a "microblogging" service that allows family, friends, and colleagues to stay connected through short messages sent via the Internet or cell phone. ASHA uses Twitter to highlight information on the Web site and as a way for members to connect with each other and the Association.
Flickr
Flickr is an online photo-sharing site that allows members to upload images and share with friends, family and the general public. ASHA uses Flickr as a way for members to share photos with ASHA and other ASHA members.
YouTube Channel
YouTube is a video-sharing website that allows anyone to upload, share and view video clips. ASHA uses YouTube to showcase videos featuring ASHA members, programs and products.
Linkedin
Linkedin is a business-oriented social networking site that allows people to cultivate a network of professional contacts. ASHA's LinkedIn group is limited to members.
Forums/E-mail Lists/Member Directory
In addition to newer social media initiatives, ASHA continues to leverage proven community technologies to foster the exchange of ideas with our members. We host several e-mail lists, an active online discussion forum, and provide a searchable member directory.
Future Social Media Initiatives
As I hope members are aware, in this challenging economy ASHA is carefully managing spending and only applying association resources to the highest and most immediate priorities. We also realize that social media is not just a fad and we need to prepare for new uses of social media that benefit members. As a result, we are planning for possible new social media initiatives when the time is right. These initiatives may include:
Conducting a Member Survey about Social Media
We hope to find out how members are using social media in your personal and professional lives, and how would you'd like to see ASHA use it to enhance the value of membership.
A More Interactive ASHA Leader
ASHA is looking to develop a more interactive format for the ASHA Leader Online. Such a format might include videos and photos, links and discussions.
An ASHA Blog
This will probably be the type of Blog that both members and staff would contribute to. It would give members a chance to showcase their professional writing, research and experiences.
Increase use of Social Media at Convention
We are exploring using social networking applications to communicate with members who attend the 2009 Convention, as well as allow members who are unable to attend to benefit from Convention content.
Social media is growing and changing every day…ASHA's strategy is to appreciate the trends and focus on approaches that have the most potential benefit for members and the highest return on investment of association resources.
National Office Staff Updates
The following individuals are new to the ASHA staff since May 2009:
- Martin Marinoff, Budget & Pension Analyst
- Kellie Rowden-Racette, Print & Online Writer/Editor
- Jill Straniero, Board of Directors Manager
The following staff has changed positions within ASHA:
- Megan Woods – Accreditation Systems Coordinator (formerly Certification Case Manager)
The following individuals have left ASHA to pursue other opportunities:
- Sharon Moss – Director, Scientific Programs & Research Development
- Ghazala Osman – Professional Development Program Coordinator
Recent ASHA and ASHA National Office Awards
- Award of Excellence for Listen to Your Buds in ASAE & The Center for Association Leadership's 2009 Associations Advance America Awards.
- EXCEL award from the Society of National Association Publications (SNAP) for the ASHA News Network podcasts.
- Alliance for Workplace Excellence Awards: EcoLeadership Award, Workplace Excellence Seal of Approval, and Health & Wellness Trailblazer Award.
The Next Executive Director Update
Economic Impact on the Professions of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
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