by Jamie Christianson, Communications Associate

In this day and age where “liking” something is as easy as clicking a button, carving out a name for yourself on social media is key in staying above the fray. With a growing network of friends and organizations I follow on Facebook and Twitter (and Tumblr, and Pinterest, and Instagram, and…) my news feed often feels like background chatter at a dinner party – and it’s getting louder! Some individuals have the ability to make an impact in their clever 140-character statements, while others have the tendency to lose me and my interest. Often I find myself avoiding the “loud talkers” – ones who post for the sake of posting – while forging a personal connection with those who put a face on their social media identity. More specifically, the ones who take down their walls, bringing transparency, discovery and engaging dialogue into the news they make public.

Tabs on tabs on tabs.

At Hammer, we strive to keep things timely and relevant through the stories we broadcast, the pictures we share, and the behind-the-scenes updates we post. Sharing exciting, real-time news with our social friends reminds me of coming home from school and telling my parents I got an “A” on a test. We’ve been bursting at the seams to tell you about some of our major accomplishments in this 90th milestone year of ours, like in May when we were honored with Eden Prairie’s Human Rights Award or when we were named to the Star Tribune’s Top 100 Workplaces for the fourth year running. We feel we’re living up to Alvina Hammer’s spirit and hope you feel a sense of pride in this organization that does such meaningful work.

“Hello, this is the social media office of Hammer Residences, can I help you?”

By providing those we serve, volunteers, donors and other supporters an interactive platform for their voices to be heard, our hope is to make our audience feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves – a member of the “Hammer Family.” Social media is a two-way street, kind of like the way Hammer has operated for the past ninety years. We’re here because of you and because we collectively engage, listen and respond to one another to help individuals with developmental disabilities live life to the fullest.

If you haven’t already, I encourage you to join our social movement by following us on our channels. You’ll be surprised to see how many diverse ingredients sustain Hammer’s 90-year formula – and your voice can help us get better. Got a story idea? Add yourself to our mix by dropping me a line at jamie@hammer.org.