Participants in a workshop at the 2012 RI Convention. Social media is a valuable tool for sharing Rotary’s story.

As the staff person who does much of the social media for Rotary InternationaI, I listened with interest to Rotary leaders at the International Institute in Bangkok as they discussed the power of the Internet and social media in sharing Rotary’s story.

I understand why some people hesitate to use social media and why it can seem intimidating. Like many of you, I didn’t grow up with a smart phone in my hand twittering my every thought. I’m old enough to remember a time before cable TV and having to actually get up off the couch to change the channel.

So why as a writer and editor did I get involved with websites in the late 1990s and social media five years ago? RI President Kalyan Banerjee got it right when he said at the International Institute: We should use social media to reach people because that’s where people are. As 20 years of communications experience has taught me, going to where people can hear you is one of the first steps in communication.

Facebook alone has 800 million people, and it’s still growing. Some of those people want to hear how Rotarians work together to make a difference. Communication mediums may change, but the message hasn’t. People want to discover ways to make their world a better place.

So post online about your club or district’s projects — Rotary’s new Project Showcase makes it easy. Share your Rotary story, here on Rotary Voices or on your club or district’s website or blog. It’s not just for your club. It’s for all the people seeking what Rotary has to offer.