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Photo Credit: Greensboro News & Record

From the Greensboro News & Record,

“GREENSBORO — As constant updates from social networking sites such as Twitter become a routine part of the day, it’s not just kids and cubicle dwellers who are harnessing the power of social media. Local governments and their departments are joining in, so far with mixed results.

“We started the Twitter account about 18 months ago,” said Jim Collins, communications manager for the city of Greensboro. “So far, we’ve been using it for putting up things of citywide import, announcements, trying to get people to participate in public meetings.”

The free Web site Twitter, at twitter.com, allows people to communicate in short bursts of 140 characters, which can include links to other sites. Users “follow” other Twitter feeds to receive information and network with each other to gain “followers” of their own.

Signing up is free at the Twitter home page. All that’s needed is a valid e-mail address. The service can be used from a computer or mobile phone with Web or text capabilities.

Many social media fans say using Twitter to simply post announcements is not taking full advantage of the medium.

Ryan Shell, a Greensboro blogger and marketing communications specialist, said the biggest mistake organizations make with Twitter is forgetting that it’s supposed to be a conversation.

“It’s better if it’s not all one way, just pushing information at people with no give and take, no interaction,” Shell said. “Look at the city of Greensboro on Twitter. They have 1,260 followers. That’s way more than me — more than most people. But they’re only following five people. That’s not a conversation, and it doesn’t interest people.”

Shell’s run for City Council this year was heavy on new media, with video updates to his campaign blog and updates for his more than 600 Facebook friends and more than 750 followers on Twitter.

Shell lost his council bid, but his reputation for online organizing has led some to seek him out for advice on connecting people online. Governments would do well to look at how successful individuals and groups use Twitter rather than trying to adapt Twitter to continue the way their bureaucracy communicates, he said.” Click here to continue reading the article.

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In my hometown of Greensboro, NC, 99 Blocks is a publication that has a focus on all things “downtown.” In this weeks edition they did a short profile story on me and I thought I’d share it with you. Click here to give it a quick read.

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This is in regards to a new initiative I launched today.

“Greensboro, N.C. (March 16, 2009) – Crime.  It doesn’t discriminate and it happens in all parts of the city.  For years, residents of Greensboro have been proactively taking part in community watches and looking out for the area in which they live.  Unfortunately, even the most active watch typically stops once you get to the end of a neighborhood, and a new one might start somewhere down the road leaving a gap in the communication process.  Ryan Shell, a community activist, is launching the Greensboro Community Watch (GCW) in an effort to bridge this gap and to create a channel for critical information to be shared amongst residents.

“I’ve headed up the Southside Community Watch for just over a year now, and have had the opportunity to see how neighbors can successfully work together to reduce criminal activity,” said Shell.  “The one gaping hole that I’ve noticed is that a line of communication between the various watches is virtually nonexistent.  There is a clear opportunity to take our fight against crime one step further, and I believe the Greensboro Community Watch is that answer.”

Initially, Shell is urging neighborhood leaders and current community watch leaders to sign up for the program. To get started, simply visit GreensboroCommunityWatch.com and complete the short registration process.  Once individuals are signed up they will receive a welcome message that further explains how the process works, more importantly, how to report incidents happening in their respective neighborhood.

“I will distribute weekly emails, or as needed, to residents alerting them of trends that are being seen around the city,” said Shell.  “Crime tends to go in waves and if we can get ahead of those waves then a real difference could be made.”

The GCW will also have District Captains that will be very similar to that of typical community watch Block Captains.  Individuals interested in being a District Captain should contact Shell via the GCW Web site.

“This is a great form of community policing,” said Tim Bellamy, Greensboro’s chief of police.  “We can track down criminals all day, but the key to reducing crime is the preventative measures that can be put in place.  The concept of the Greensboro Community Watch will create awareness of what is happening all across the city and bridge gaps between young and old, rich and poor.”

To be clear, the Greensboro Community Watch does not intend to, and will not replace current community watches; it will simply be a resource that connects watches all throughout the city.”

GCW TV Coverage

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