My first Twitter

Well I have signed up to Twitter and after a few technical hitches- so I am unable to show the first page I pulled up I have had to settle with the second. But here is the link -
http://glaadblog.org/2010/05/27/house-votes-to-repeal-dont-ask-dont-tell/

I am following someone on Technology and the charity and 2 on twitter it self. Have not added it to my mobile - as it is a work one that would drive me nuts and I get enough calls let alone consistent up dates on what people are doing.

Have added Twitter link to blog page

Community Action Process Video

Community Action Process from Abid Jan on Vimeo.
And wait for it I have also found on video (that I have embedded that makes 2)-
the Community Action Process has a video. It has all the basics that Lynda has mentioned in class re getting the community involved. It is a useful tool I find for planning not just individually but also as a group, especially within the community, it is quick it is colourful and makes the points simply.

Is Twitter the new Butterfly wings flapping? And why is it so hard to download stuff- oh thats right work computer limitations

The use of Twitter for me had been one of a -OMG who cares if you are drinking coffee, but after I read this transcript I have begun to be converted.The potential twitter has and how quickly and powerfully it can affect outcomes is something that needs to be greatly admired.

I have to sat that I long ago converted to the text messaging crazy. It possible costs more cause often there is texting back and forth conversation that would have been quicker, but it is also a great way to catch people up without having a conversation- especially when in a hurry or too busy to talk. And definitely the last year and half , my means of any form of conversation on weekends when I am tugged in the library all day Sat and Sun doing uni work.
So is my next step twitter, going to have a look at that as an option.
Check out the transcript from  the Drum ABC radio program link below-
http://search.abc.net.au/search/click.cgi?url=http://www.abc.net.au/unleashed/stories/s2406365.htm&rank=30&collection=abcall

The price that I pay for having a work lap top is the lack of free down in picking and choosing what to download, though I had sorted my download issue of a DVD I developed on my last graffiti art project, and that I could easily download the podcasting software. But access was denied - so will see, well beg and plead with IT next week if there is any possible ways around this issue. It is certainly a level of frustration that makes the contemplation of the advantages of having work equipment available and use.

But it can come at a price- not one that I necessarily disagree with. But is does add extra time to my job, like now when I am discovering all these ways to use the new technology and want to try it out through uni in my assignment, and then expand how this can then be transported in to my work with young people. Channels can take time- and I am impatient at times.

Young People involved in community action at Princeton Uni

Princeton University Community Action Teaser from Student Volunteers Council on Vimeo.
My first video embedded into a post
The video shows the extent to which young people can and do become involved with their community. It is this commitment that my project is seeking to develop here.

Videos downloads, I have learnt how to do this

Yah to me I have learnt how to do this, if any one is interested this website has the cannot get it wrong learning way to 'embed' the video into your blogs. Once I got the hang of it I have managed to get others as well- even utube- that I have attempted a few times and had resigned my self to not being able to achieve without heading off to my fellow class mate for help. But persistence and this sute as practice I have now mastered it.


Check it out http://vimeo.com/
I love it and must say it has sent me on the next mission of podcasting search.

Technology Junkie- well that is what they accuse me of

So in the old days we used the type writer and the greatest invention at that time was liquid paper to type over mistakes rather than starting again.
Even though I am not sure that they even make them (typewriters) - I not sure about trashing all the previous ways of doing things either.

History has a lot to teach us and even though this week saw the new IPad on sale in Aussie, it is also good to remember what has got us here and how important all those skills we learnt along the way.
Why am I heading down this train of thought you ask- well in community development we need to remember that we will be working with a variety of people and some of them like the way they do things. Yesterday I was having a conversation with colleagues re an issue that had arisen re donations and payments for services in the community sectors. Whilst at times we (community organisations) may be antiquated sometimes we are the new generation and the kid with all the toys. The preference has become for electronic banking and collection of donations- safer in reduced risks of missing cash, increased risk of individual and computer error.

But who are the people who give to the organisations? Yes there are those who have money and often will donate one off large sums, but the on going bread and butter is small and  consistent donations. Many are elderly and don't have the banking systems set up- they like the cash transaction.
So as I have become the techno junkie I have been accused of recently by a few - I feel it is also important to consider those we work with and have patience and encouragement, but equally remember that what they know got us where we are and sometimes work done on a type writer may be better than that done on a laptop.

From the newly converted techno junkie

Links to Technology tip sheet from conference I attended last week

Hi all, the learnings around the technology for me are working over time this week
Oh my god, I figured it out on my own, how to get the link for the tip sheet that I put on the discussion board to have it added to my blog- yah me. Check it out. It has some great information in it on how to use technology in the community sector.
http://blackboard.elearning.uq.edu.au/@@/6D15952F80D66B6A42C92AC1E6A1E14F/courses/1/SWSP7123S_6020STx/db/_883234_1/embedded/using%20technology%20in%20community%20field.pdf

Also on this is the holy grail I am hoping for the community organisations who have to have fairly tight restrictions re computer usage- so many of us are unable to access some of the websites like utube through work computers. However there is a website for non profit utube. I sent an email to my IT department yesterday- and they are like me are excited if this has adequate restrictions on it but will allow us to access appropriate videos, and upload footage.
This will allow many doors to open for us as workers especially with things like I mentioned with using Utube to advertise AGM's, community action meetings, information evenings.

I know I am putting a lot into this hope of the security of the non profit web page, but is an issue that all the community services need to face- either completely open access- in this risk obsessed world- that is too great to take chances with in this day and age.