It’s great to see that people are already touting #518Day on social media (here and here) — and other media!

#518Day is a way for arts groups, venues, makers, and their fans and friends to celebrate the vibrant arts communities of the 518 area code on May 18 (5/18). Most people will take to social media — Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and more — to send messages of support and to promote their own art, activities, and events.

You can see the latest tweets here.

Check out the Facebook event page here.

Part of my thinking behind #518Day is my belief in the democratic possibilities of social media for positive change. Most social media is free to sign up, though using it does require time and the ability to answer this question: What do I post?

#518Day gives everyone an answer, and an excuse to post something, and the chance to have their message amplified as people “like” and “retweet” and “regram” their posts. For example, I plan on retweeting to my Twitter followers and liking on Facebook and Instagram as many of the #518Day posts I come across. With the Tang’s social media accounts, I plan on promoting our current exhibitions and upcoming events.

In many social media allows for an organic way for the 518 region to identify itself because it is decentralized and open to all. Who knows, maybe we’ll get at least 518 tweets and posts!

I’ve heard from people who are getting ready, planning their Tweet, Instagram and Facebook strategies.

I’ve put some links to how to schedule Facebook posts on a Facebook Page, and tweets using TweetDeck here. https://michaeljanairo.com/join-the-celebration-of-518day/

Another tool that can be useful to schedule social media is Hootsuite. I use a free Hootsuite account both personally and where I work at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery. Here’s a quick start guide: https://help.hootsuite.com/hc/en-us/articles/204598140-Quick-start-guide

What are you doing to prepare for #518Day?