Using social media
Recently we've seen an explosion in the use of social media, and Scouting hasn't been immune from this.
Used properly it's a fantastic way of communicating: both internally, getting messages out to parents, young people and Leaders; and externally, showing those who aren't members the fanatastic adventures we're having.
Wrexham District's Twitter account on a smart phone
In previous editions of Hotliner we've encouraged the use of Facebook, which is great as you can set levels of privacy so your content can be seen by exactly who you choose.
Another network that's been increasingly used is Twitter.
I started using Twitter back in 2008 when I was looking at a simple way to update a blog via text message during an Explorer Scout trip to the south of France. This proved amazingly popular with parents who wanted to keep up to date with our adventures.
It's moved on now and most people access it via their smart phones, allowing photos to be uploaded - but anyone with a mobile phone can update Twitter just by sending a text. Such an easy way of communicating with parents!
A lot of people are put off social media as they don't want to join or sign up - but people don't need to join Twitter to view your profile, have a look at twitter.com/clwydscouts if you don't believe me.
Remember though, be careful when you use social media. Don't tweet or post on Facebook as you'd speak face-to-face with someone; it's easy to misinterpret meanings without tone of voice or facial expression.
It's also very important to remember child protection. A good way is to have a personal account and a Scouting account that you keep separate.
It's been a busy weekend as our Chief Scout Bear Grylls dropped in to visit on Saturday. I was down there to provide some last minute help with media cover, and after a crash course in using a video camera ended up filming the visit.
Unfortunately the footage doesn't seem to have made the media, but you can see it on yet another social media site - YouTube
Recently we've seen an explosion in the use of social media, and Scouting hasn't been immune from this.
Used properly it's a fantastic way of communicating: both internally, getting messages out to parents, young people and Leaders; and externally, showing those who aren't members the fanatastic adventures we're having.
Wrexham District's Twitter account on a smart phone
In previous editions of Hotliner we've encouraged the use of Facebook, which is great as you can set levels of privacy so your content can be seen by exactly who you choose.
Another network that's been increasingly used is Twitter.
I started using Twitter back in 2008 when I was looking at a simple way to update a blog via text message during an Explorer Scout trip to the south of France. This proved amazingly popular with parents who wanted to keep up to date with our adventures.
It's moved on now and most people access it via their smart phones, allowing photos to be uploaded - but anyone with a mobile phone can update Twitter just by sending a text. Such an easy way of communicating with parents!
A lot of people are put off social media as they don't want to join or sign up - but people don't need to join Twitter to view your profile, have a look at twitter.com/clwydscouts if you don't believe me.
Remember though, be careful when you use social media. Don't tweet or post on Facebook as you'd speak face-to-face with someone; it's easy to misinterpret meanings without tone of voice or facial expression.
It's also very important to remember child protection. A good way is to have a personal account and a Scouting account that you keep separate.
It's been a busy weekend as our Chief Scout Bear Grylls dropped in to visit on Saturday. I was down there to provide some last minute help with media cover, and after a crash course in using a video camera ended up filming the visit.
Unfortunately the footage doesn't seem to have made the media, but you can see it on yet another social media site - YouTube
Moz on media
Moz is Assistant Area Commissioner for Communications which includes the role of Media Development Manager for Clwyd. On this page he blogs about what we're doing in Clwyd to make sure people know about the adventure, fun and challenge we offer in Scouting.
Follow Moz on Twitter: @wxmmoz
and the Clwyd Media Team: @clwydscoutmedia