I recently joined Twitter.  I decided to take the plunge after encouragement from my college adviser.  She suggested that it might be a good way to learn more about various non-profits working in the industry in which I’d like to be employed post-graduation.  Unwilling to risk unemployment due to not utilizing all available resources, I used my high school AIM screen-name and started following a few friends and the few organizations I already knew.  At first, I had no idea what to say.  No one cares about my random thoughts as much as they care about what CNN or even Snooki has to say.  I started slow and found it a very useful resource.
Using Twitter as one more networking tool can be useful in keeping up to date on the constantly changing news stories and internet trends.   Although many of my peers find Twitter just too deep into the social networking world, I have found it more useful, entertaining and enlightening than Facebook has ever been.
It was through Twitter that I first learned that SWSG won the well-deserved communications award from the Mass Nonprofit Network.  Twitter introduced me to Peggy Orenstein’s thought-provoking blog with posts about various gender issues relating to children.  I have found numerous tweeters focusing on female athletes and Title IX, sociologists relating the newest ideas about gender equality, and many delicious recipes.  I had been having trouble finding news about the Women’s World Cup but when following the right people on Twitter, it’s no problem.  When used correctly, Twitter can be a wealth of information.   Media focusing of women’s issues isn’t as visible or accessible as I’d like, but Twitter is so customizeable I can keep up to date on issues that matter to me. I’ve learned of new organizations doing work similar to SWSG or others offering different solutions to similar problems.   Take the lead from SWSG and consider Twitter.  You don’t even have to tweet! Just follow news sources, organizations and individuals who you find interesting and inspiration will come.