socialnetworking

//Connect and collaborate//
 * Social networking**

Social networking is about linking individuals or organizations together around similar interests, through the use of internet-based tools. Most social networking sites involve creating a user profile, inviting contacts and "friends" to your network, creating short updates, blog posts, having discussions and sharing resources. Groups can be created in established social networking sites, such as Facebook, Linked-In. You can also create a subject or group-specific network using Ning. Access to an enlarged network of people makes this a valuable advocacy and communication strategy for your activities. It is also a great way to enable colleagues who work in different offices and in different time zones to easily share knowledge and experiences.
 * What it is**


 * When to use**

- to communicate, collaborate and network - to post and share content - to build and connect to a network, community of practice - to establish professional connections - to find expertise or talent - to discuss issues - to create awareness - to engage people


 * How it is applied**

How to go about building a social network depends heavily on which on-line tool you use. This toolkit focuses on LinkedIn and Ning and describes how you can use these two networks: Similar considerations are also applicable to other platforms. For instance, UNDP created a social network called Teamworks. UN agencies and organizations can use the platform on a trial basis and with yearly subscriptions.

Linkedin is a large, professionally-oriented social network with over 70 million members that is aimed at helping people establish professional connections with others. The main functions of LinkedIn are: 1) Answer/ask questions in professional online groups 2) Make recommendations and introductions of contacts 3) Provide information on your organization
 * Linkedin ([|www.linkedin.com])**

__Few steps for using it__ - Create your profile - Publish a link to your profile in all your communications - Participate in group discussions. Take a look at the Group Directory to find existing groups, or create one of your own based on a topic, activity or event, and use it for sharing good practices amongst members - Ask and answer questions of your network - Enrich your profile and home page with extra functionalities (presentations, blogposts, videos, etc.).
 * Ning ([|www.ning.com])**

Ning is an on-line service that allows users to create their own social networks or on-line communities of practice. It allows you also to participate in other networks. On-line communities provide a more “focused environment” in which to network, validate and build on existing knowledge and good practices. Many on-line communities have been set up for professional or interest groups, where members can network with one another in a more private space. They often have full social networking functionality such as profiling, message posting, discussion forums and on-line chat. __Few steps for using it__ Once you register, it does not take a lot of time and technical expertise to set up an on-line network. Once you have a name and you select a URL, you will be automatically guided through four screens. You have to indicate whether you want the network private or public, you have to describe the network and add a tag-line, you assign keywords and you choose among a spectrum of functionalities that you want to integrate in your community (photos, videos, blog, forum, ... ). You can also choose a visual theme and customize this according to the graphical identity of your project, activity, event or theme. Finally you can decide on what information you want from users.

- Consider joining an existing successful network before creating a new one through either Ning or Linkedin. - Consider joining on-line communities such as [|www.km4dev.org] and [] - Content needs to be relevant and up-to-date. Track how much time this involves and dedicate adequate resources. Updating on a weekly basis is a must. - Track the people who participate and measure the activity in your network with different social metrics (not only site visits) - Use external networks that are relevant for your work.
 * What to consider**

OHCHR has an official page on Facebook, which illustrates how social networks can be used to advocate and raise awareness on human rights issues: []
 * OHCHR Applications**
 * Where to learn more**

115 social networking and collaborative spaces http://c4lpt.co.uk/Directory/Tools/social.html

Comparison of FREE social networks: Twitter, Facebook, Ning and Elgg http://c4lpt.co.uk/handbook/comparison.html

Social tools to facilitate learning http://tinyurl.com/334ubjl