Dan McDowell is a junior at the University of Massachusetts-Boston, studying Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. He’s currently the Speaker of the Student Senate in the Undergraduate Student Government, contributes to the SGA Collaborative, and moderates the #SGAChat on Twitter. He took a break from his busy schedule to talk with us about using social media to engage his campus with student government.
How useful have web tools like blogging or Twitter been in achieving your goals, both in Student Government and personally?
Our student government is just starting to dip into the realm of social media and working to build a stronger presence. We launched a new website at the very beginning of this year that includes a blog and a transparency tracker for legislative votes, as well as a variety of pages to aid those seeking out what we do, or trying to find out how to utilize our services or join up. Personally, I have utilized my Twitter to participate in a variety of discussions—from local politics to student government and student affairs. I use my Facebook page to announce events across campus and try and get students involved. I also utilize LinkedIn as a professional resource, and have a personal blog, One Part Student.
Any tips that you’d like to share with other student leaders who are starting to use social media?
I would certainly urge anyone who is just starting to use social media to make it a habit. The more habitual and predictable posting becomes, the greater a resource you will become for people. That regularity will keep people coming back, because they have a time table to know when to seek out new content. Don’t try and be somebody you’re not. Social media is an opportunity to make your unique mark, and also lets you build up your identity and provide a potential employer, or any other reviewer, more information that will likely help you move ahead in a selection process.
When it comes to using the web to drive action and activism, do you have any role models?
I certainly see Angus Johnston as a role model for such action, as well as student organizers across the country who have utilized resources like e-mail lists, Facebook, and Twitter to organize, pass along news, move discussions forward, and so much more. I also have to say that the United State Student Association staff is pretty web savvy, and have given me all sorts of great new updates. Social media has allowed for a more rapid spread of information and calls to action, all of which I find incredibly advantageous.
Can you tell us about your experiences with SGA Collaborative and #SGAChat?
I have loved my work with the SGA Collaborative and #SGAchat. I have loved discussing student government issues, and have been able to apply a lot of ideas or look into various programs thanks to the discussion that goes on, and the various blog posts and responses that go up. I have learned that it takes quite a lot of effort to maintain a collaborative community. The amount that has to go into trying to recruit, keep fresh topics going, and keep discussion going outside the “official” window is tough. Not to mention scheduling it at a time that most people can get onto Twitter! For me, the chats are almost like a round table at a student government conference- but without the concern of a registration cost, travel, or anything else that might arise.
Coordinating #SGAchat has been a lot different for me than my local work here at UMass. I rarely am in charge of topics of discussion here on campus. My role is to remain as neutral as possible and make sure rules are followed and proceedings are fair. In fact, I have only been able to register my opinion in-meeting twice in the last two years because of the rules governing my position. #SGAchat, however, challenges me to come up with new ideas, think outside the box, and let conversation flow freely- rather than forcing it to conform to a narrow topic within the confines of a motion in front of the Senate.
