Although Facebook has yet to grow into the same kind of phenomenon in Canada as it has in the United States, students at Concordia University are quickly following the footsteps of their peers down south, and hopping onto the bandwagon.
The Website linking college students together from all over the world is used for more than just reconnecting with long-lost friends, but as a powerful marketing tool for Hillel on campus.
By using the messaging service Facebook provides, Hillel executives at Concordia University are able to spread the word about events that might otherwise fall through the cracks of the weekly e-mails. “It’s a great tool,” said Daniel Blumer, co-President of Concordia Hillel’s Loyola Campus. “We use it to remind people and spread the word about some events we have going on, because I know people just sometimes skim our e-mails, or worse, just delete them.”
That service is not the only instrument that Facebook provides Hillel organizers. The events feature enables executives to post an event, and not only invite students, some of whom might not be reachable otherwise, but as well, they are able to see those who are attending and those who cannot. Additionally, the feature enables students to discuss the event with their peers, and allows other students to invite their friends who might not have been sent an invitation by Hillel.
“Basically, we create an event, and then we can invite who we want, and whenever they log into Facebook, they’re reminded of the event,” said Blumer, explaining “we hope those who RSVP actually do attend, but sadly, we’ve had the few who appease us online, and don’t show up in person, however, we know that attendance has increased due to the website, and our ability to spread the word.”