Getting the word out to your youth is challenging these days, yet there are so many resources that you can use to do it. Youth are very big into social networking sites, and instant messaging. Social networking does have its dangers, but in some way, we can also be called to provide "good, Christlike" content to these often discouraging forums.

Instant Messaging
I do recommend setting yourself up with a "free" AOL instant messaging account, and sharing that screen name with your youth. Most youth these days do have AIM accounts, but there is a great tool out there for connecting to multiple Instant Messaging services at once. This way if you have youth that are on AIM, Yahoo, or some other service, you only have to use one program to connect to all. It is called Trillian, and can be downloaded for free at www.ceruleanstudios.com.

By the way, if anyone wants to add my SN (screen name) to their list, it is StJamesYouthGrp (from AIM).

E-mail Communication
The best tool I have found for e-mail communication is an inexpensive resource called Constant Contact. You can e-mail out newsletters, communications, invites, etc from their site to all of your youth with a few easy clicks. Some of the benefits are as follows:

• Great "pre-designed" templates for you to choose from. Just enter your message and send.
• Tracking of who is reading your e-mails, and who is not.
• Cost effective solution ($15 per month)
• Step-by-step Email Wizard
• Easy send scheduling
• and more...

You can also sign-up for a free 60 day trial account.

Click here to learn more Constant Contact

Click here for a FREE 60 day trial Trial