AIDS.gov Launches Virtual Office Hours as an Extension of Social Media Labs
Last month, AIDS.gov announced that it will use virtual office technology to provide technical assistance to organizations that combat HIV and AIDS.
The program, which is an expansion of the Social Media Labs that AIDS.gov holds at various conferences, allows representatives from AIDS service organizations and Federal HIV programs to contact social media experts from AIDS.gov during virtual office hours.
The program aims to teach organizations which may not be able to meet with AIDS.gov representatives in person how to use new media tools to reach stakeholders and spread awareness.
“While the AIDS.gov Social Media Labs continue to be wonderful opportunities to meet the HIV community, we recognize that limited conference travel has made it difficult for many in our community to avail themselves of this free, in-person, social media support,” the organization wrote in a blog post announcing the program. “Therefore, as an online extension of the AIDS.gov Social Media Labs, we are launching AIDS.gov Virtual Office Hours.”
Organizations can schedule appointments for a single representative or a whole team to meet with social media advisers from AIDS.gov. Appointments last 30 minutes, and participants are encouraged to prepare questions about social media challenges or uncertainties they face.
Social media is a vital component of any company’s communication strategy, but it’s especially important for organizations that perform awareness and outreach campaigns and solicit donations. Participants in virtual office hours can learn which social media tools work best for their audience, how to measure impact and engagement, and compare their strategies with what other groups have done.
Appointment registration began on Nov. 18, and the first appointment was on Dec. 2. AIDS.gov will host virtual office hours every Tuesday and Thursday from 2-4 p.m. EST. Applicants can register online to receive a confirmation email with a scheduled time and a link to a questionnaire which needs to be filled out before the appointment.
