Okay, I’ll admit it. I’m not very “tech savvy.” I don’t do laptops, use dual monitors, or know how to sync my phone with my computer without assistance. Heck, I still get my news from a daily newspaper and listen to FM radio. When it comes to social media, I don’t have a Facebook page, never send an Instagram, and I couldn’t even tell you what Snapchat is.

Given my reluctance to fully join the 21st century, my kids thought it was pretty funny when I announced that I was going to open a Twitter account. I did it because of the prodding of a colleague who told me “all the cool executive directors are doing it.” Well then, count me in!

My real motivation was to reach out and connect with a growing number of members who use Twitter as a way to further promote the work and activities of the State Bar.

My first tweet was to wish my friend Dan Fay, also a member of the State Bar’s Board of Governors, a speedy recovery from bypass surgery. Sadly, the next tweet I sent was to mourn his passing. This wasn’t what I had envisioned for this new venture and as I would learn, tweeting would become far more than another avenue for promoting programs, products, and services.

I have used my tweets to be an unapologetic cheerleader for our legal system, the profession, and the great work of countless elected and volunteer leaders, as well as talented colleagues at the State Bar. It has also been an opportunity to connect with the broader community in ways I had not expected.

While social media will never eclipse direct human interaction in value and importance, it is one more way not only to interconnect but also to build community. Tweeting at its best can be a powerful way to share news, celebrate success, promote awareness, tell stories, and enhance relationships. That’s not to say that every tweet fits neatly into this ideal. Far from it. It is often used as another way to shout at each other, using colorful metaphors that would displease your parents.

Tweeting at its best can be a powerful way to share news, celebrate success, promote awareness, tell stories, and enhance relationships.

My mom taught me that if you don’t have something nice to say about someone, say nothing at all. My kids tell me that what you post on social media lives forever. I have taken both these words of wisdom to heart.

I make it a point to follow an eclectic mix of individuals and organizations. No one group or political philosophy has a lock on wisdom or knowledge. Although tweets rarely provide deep thought or analysis, being on Twitter has given me a pulse on the communities in which I live and work.

I’ve been tweeting for about a year and I must admit, I enjoy it far more than I thought I would. Join me on Twitter and we can follow each other. Now, what’s this Snapchat?

You can follow me on Twitter: @LarryJMartinED.