Summer at IFPRI
One of the most important things I learned about having a successful blog is to remain consistent with your updates. So why didn’t I listen to that advice? What happened? Unfortunately, it seems that finals, a service trip to New Orleans, a beach vacation and work got in the way of keeping up a blogging schedule.
Now my summer has calmed down a bit and I can jump right back into my adventure with blogging.
I started as social media intern for the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) about three weeks ago. IFPRI is a non-profit organization supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR). IFPRI seeks, “to provide policy solutions that reduce poverty and end hunger and malnutrition.”
So far I have researched how IFPRI and other development organizations, like The World Bank, are using social media. Studying the best practices for social media, I have learned how IFPRI can improve their strategy over time to lead to more successful use. IFPRI currently has a blog, a Facebook Fan page, a group on LinkedIn, and a YouTube channel. Like many companies, people and organizations, IFPRI jumped into social media without formulating a concrete strategy. My goal for the summer is to map out how IFPRI can use their applications more effectively and efficiently.
I will post what I have learned and may even have some of the IFPRI communications staff guest blog and share their opinions on IFPRI and the transition to the wonderful world of Web 2.0!
Hi Sarah,
I would be interested to know what was the outcome of this research. I am manage the social media side of IWMI and would be like to know what others are doing in this area.
Cheers.
Dominique