Jen's Year of Big Changes
The journalism geek of the house has changed jobs! At the end of October, Jen switched from journalism and teaching to becoming the social media trainer at the AARP. Yes, THE AARP. Jen joined the social media communications team and is officially called a "Manager of Social Communications and Strategy." In simpler terms, Jen is tasked with helping train the organization from the board members down to the state volunteers on how to best use social media to advance the organization's focus on helping its members.
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Jen is already learning a lot about caregiving, senior hunger and many other challenges that older Americans face across this country. She will post from time to time on the organization's blog and is helping AARP's 53 offices launch new websites.
Jen had some really incredible moments this year. She led a session during the SXSW Interactive conference. She ran a webinar for Poynter on teaching social media. She even got to speak at a conference in Chicago with a bunch of her blog friends. Jen ran in TWO half marathons and also got Cam to start running with her. She also continued to help grow the Born Just Right community and help Jordan raise money for Camp No Limits. The whole family is honored to be a part of the limb-difference camp. (She ran in honor of the camp during the Chicago Rock n' Roll Half Marathon.)
Jen's new job gives her a chance to telework from home and travel. She happened to be in Washington, DC when Hurricane Sandy hit the East Coast. That gave her a chance to become a Red Cross digital volunteer and help manage information and identify need for the organization. She's looking forward to many new adventures thanks to the new job. |