From the St.Catharines Standard – November 17, 2012 – DON FRASER – Standard Staff
Community activism has been an early and eager companion of social media.
Twitter, Facebook and other interactive networks have allowed instant communication for change-minded people.
They have also opened up new ways for groups and businesses to partner with non-profit organizations.
With that in mind, Social Media Club Niagara is holding a panel discussion on Nov. 22 titled Social Media, Social Good.
The event at Chateau des Charmes winery in Niagara-on-the-Lake includes four people making a difference through social media.
“You hear lots about the bad side of social media,” said Robin McPherson, a founding member of the social media club. “This is an attempt to show it does have a lot of amazing bits to it.”
Many using the technology are also immersed in socially conscious works, said McPherson, also part of Niagara’s arnoldi:mcpherson social strategy design consultants.
“It does seem to be something that’s been really embraced by that community,” she said.
Among the speakers is Michele Bosc, Chateau des Charmes’ marketing director. Her winery partners with Meal Exchange, a national, youth-driven charity that tackles local hunger issues. Every sale of its Generation Seven wine generates 50 cents for Meal Exchange.
Last December, the winery had a Twitter party to promote Generation Seven for gift-giving. It also doubled its donation for that month to $1 a bottle.
The winery is doing the same this year, and plans to host another Twitter party.
After a year, the initiative has already raised $30,000.
“We have used social media quite extensively to promote the product,” said Bosc. “It’s been about using Twitter, Facebook and reaching out to the blogging community.”
Former Standard reporter Tiffany Mayer is another social media user featured in next week’s discussion.
Mayer is known locally for web initiatives called Eating Niagara and The Garden of Eating — Niagara, both vigorously promoted by social media.
Eating Niagara features regular pieces about regional food and farming issues.
Garden of Eating encourages homeowners with fruit trees to share excess bounty with the needy.
“Twitter and Facebook make the world a smaller place,” said Mayer, who now works as corporate communications assistant for the City of St. Catharines. “With them, I’m able to connect with people I’d never have been able to.
“And these are people that have taken up the cause as a result.”
Janice and Robin are two of the founding members of