First off I would like to start by wishing everybody a Happy New Year. It’s 2012 and I’m sure there is a lot in store for all of us. But, there is one thing we can count on; the way we communicate online is only going to become more and more popular and that is why I have finally decided to join the Twitterverse.

I never realized how convenient and informative Twitter could be. So many of our local and national politicians are on Twitter sharing what they’re working on and supporting. People in the media are on Twitter sharing up-to-the-minute news stories. Even celebrities take time out of their days to tell us what they’re up to. It amazes me how Twitter can bring so many people together and offer each person the information that they want and allow them to filter out the rest.  Whether you’re a sports fan, politics buff, or celebrity gossip follower, Twitter can deliver what’s important to you every second of the day.

Not only does Twitter allow us to fish for the information and stories that are important to us, but it gives us a way to connect with people and learn from our colleagues without leaving our chairs. I am able to contact my friends and colleagues, reach out to other organizations and take part in online conversations through a simple Twitter mention, or using a hash tag.

Hash tags such as #ChildrensMentalHealth or #mhsm (mental health social media) allow me to immediately share a thought, opinion or story with thousands of others on Twitter who are passionate about these topics. Tweet with the #autism hash tag and I can promise you, your Tweet will be seen by thousands of people who will be thrilled to hear what you have to say.

Whether you’re already on Twitter, or are now considering joining, let me introduce you to some of my favourite people to follow:

Dr. Eric Hoskins, the Ontario Minister of Child and Youth Services, @DrEricHoskins

Ontario Ministry of Child and Youth Services, @OntMinChildren

Children’s Mental Health Ontario, @kidsmentalhealth

Ontario Shores, @OntarioShores

Irwin Elman, @OntarioAdvocate

Canadian Mental Health Association, @CMHA_NTL

Kinark Outdoor Centre, @KinOutDoor

Parent’s for Children’s Mental Health, @PCMHontario

Kinark Child and Family Services, @mykinark

Please visit my Twitter page, follow me and check out some of the other amazing people and organizations that I follow. You can find me at http://www.twitter.com/PMooreKinark or by tweeting @PMooreKinark.

I look forward to hearing from you!