A Social Milestone

A little over a year ago, I published a letter outlining my goals as the incoming AIGA president. I brought up the need for connectivity, stemming from a desire to create a new connective structure within AIGA to foster discussion and share ideas. I also addressed inclusivity, with the intent of breaking down the barriers that separate design specialties, so we can use our collective talents more effectively. My last objective came in direct response to AIGA members' unanimous and enthusiastic endorsement, that AIGA support the profession's aspirations for relevance, leadership and opportunity. The first action of AIGA's mandate for 2014 promised that AIGA would "provide ample opportunities for members to engage in social networking activities, to provide content and make connections."

So, while everyone on our 65 chapter boards and the national staff is working toward fulfilling those objectives daily, today marks one "tweet-worthy" milestone in our efforts. We now have 100,000 followers of @AIGAdesign on Twitter, which has become an invaluable tool for connecting designers in a global, multidisciplinary design discussion. In addition, AIGA chapters and student groups have created more than 100 social media feeds for sharing timely information about conferences, events, competitions and other professional resources, as well as providing humor, friendship, commentary and countless sources for creative inspiration. Together, this connectivity has provided stronger, more immediate access to designers and the businesses and individuals who are just as passionate about the role design plays in our lives. And those virtual connections are strengthened even more when we finally meet at events and conferences across the country.

Since 140 characters are not nearly enough to express our appreciation, this is a thank-you to all the incredible members, chapters, groups, friends and followers that believe in our mission and are participating in a truly stimulating, steadfast conversation. And welcome to all of our new Twitter friends!

Yours,
@debbiemillman 

P.S. Help us keep up the momentum! Get connected with AIGA's national Twitter feeds for design news (@AIGAdesign), membership (@AIGA) and conferences (@AIGAconference). Find your local chapter's social media feeds or get involved with a local student group.

AIGA Twitter illustration by Debbie Millman.