By Evan Burrell, a member of the Rotary Club of Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia

Did you know Baby Boomers are the fastest growing demographic on Facebook?

This doesn’t surprise me at all! I think there’s this myth that anyone over 50 is technically inept, but I’m not buying it. Perhaps some “seniors” might not be as technically savvy as the younger generation. But I don’t think all of them are clueless when it comes to new technology or social media.

Facebook and other social networks have enabled Boomers to get in touch with long-lost friends and relatives, as well as see pictures of their grandchildren. If they can use social media for a few family happy snaps, it’s not that far a stretch to get your older members over their initial fear or discomfort with social media, and to start thinking about using the tools in an even more beneficial way for your club.

Quick and painless
Social media provides a powerful and accessible tool for highlighting causes and acting on issues, and for this reason it’s perfect for reaching potential members.

You can use social media to organize events, communicate with the public, and showcase your achievements as a club. You can quickly and painlessly make a wider audience aware of the good work your club is doing. Take Facebook for instance. Your page can advertise and coordinate club activities and fundraisers, and create awareness for Rotary’s number one cause, eradicating polio.

Being able to adapt to new technologies is not just a nice skill to have. It is absolutely vital to sharing Rotary’s story and reaching out to people who might make great members.

Social networks encourage discovery. People can pursue just about any interest be it types of books, music, recipes, or even their favorite causes, easier than ever. If your Facebook page reflects what your club members are interested in, you may attract people who share these same interests. Have a lot of golf enthusiasts? Organize a golfing event, promote it on your Facebook page, and see how many golfers you attract. Or maybe wine is your thing. How about a great wine tasting fundraiser?

Connecting with the world
Social networks introduce people to new things and ideas. They make it possible to reach across incredible distances. Suddenly, it’s possible to connect and share thoughts with someone on the other side of the world!

Managing an online presence is essential. Clubs must be able to interact effectively online, if they are to keep up with all the other competing interests out there. Being able to adapt to new technologies is not just a nice skill to have. It is absolutely vital to sharing Rotary’s story and reaching out to people who might make great members, but who otherwise would never know your club exists.

So stop worrying, and learn to love your social media channels.

• Discover tips for getting your event noticed on social media
• Join a discussion on membership best practices
  

About the author: Evan Burrell is a member of the Rotary Club of Turramurra, New South Wales, Australia, and a former member of Rotaract. He has been involved with Rotary since he was 18. He currently manages social media for Rotary Down Under, the Rotary regional magazine of Australia. Follow Evan on Facebook.