Social media is a powerful tool that can help us raise awareness and influence decision-makers about the importance of preserving Chautauqua Lake as a freshwater lake. We want to protect wetlands, but not at the expense of losing our lake and its ecological, economic, and recreational value. Our lake is home to many species of fish, birds, and plants, as well as tourism, and enjoyment for thousands of people. We need to stand together and make our voices heard before it is too late.
Join us in our campaign and spread the word: #KeepTheLakeaLake!
Tips for Twitter and Instagram
Twitter:
You will need a user account on Twitter (X). Twitter (X) is a social media platform where you can post short messages, called tweets, and follow other users who are interested in the same topics. Here are some basic steps on how to create a user account on Twitter (X):
- Go to the Twitter (X) website (https://www.twitter.com) and/or download the Twitter (X) app on your smartphone or tablet.
- Click on the sign-up button and enter your name, email address, and password. You can also sign up with your phone number instead of an email address.
- Choose a username (also known as a handle) that reflects your identity or interests. Your username will start with an @ symbol and can have up to 15 characters. For example, if you are a resident of Chautauqua Lake, you could choose @CHQResident or @CLResident.
- Add a profile picture, a short bio, and a header image that represent you and your passion for Chautauqua Lake. You can also link your website or blog if you have one.
- Find and follow other users who are involved in the campaign to save Chautauqua Lake. You can search for keywords, hashtags, or names related to the issue, such as #KeepTheLakeaLake, or @chautauqua_lake and @jek2227. You can also browse the suggestions that Twitter (X) provides based on your interests and location.
- Start tweeting! You can write your own tweets, reply to other users’ tweets, retweet them, or like them. You can also add photos, videos, gifs, polls, or links to your tweets. Remember to use relevant hashtags and mention other users with their handles to increase your visibility and engagement.
Instagram:
- Create an account on Instagram if you don’t have one already. You can use your email, phone number, or Facebook account to sign up. Choose a username and a profile picture that reflect your passion for the lake.
- Share photos and videos of the lake, its wildlife, its beauty, and its importance for the community. You can use the camera or gallery features on the app to capture and edit your images. You can also add filters, stickers, captions, and locations to your posts.
- Use hashtags such as #KeepTheLakeaLake, #NoWetlandDesignation, #ProtectOurLake, or #StandWithChautauqua to reach a wider audience and connect with other supporters. You can also search for these hashtags and follow the accounts that use them.
- Follow and tag the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation @nysdec or the Governor of New York @govkathyhochul in your posts to let them know your opinion and urge them to reconsider their proposal. You can also send them direct messages or comment on their posts.
- Engage with other users by commenting, liking, sharing, and reposting their content. Be respectful, informative, and persuasive in your posts, and avoid spamming, trolling, or harassing others.
Examples of Tweets:
Example Instagram Post:
Share content from CLP Facebook page or website and tag social media accounts of
- Governor Kathy Hochul on FB, @GovKathyHochul on X (Twitter), kathyhochulny on Instagram
- Official NYS DEC social media: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation on FB, @NYSDEC on X (Twitter)
- NYS DEC Commissioner: @SeanMaharUnreal on X (Twitter)
- NYS DEC Region 9 Director: Julie Barrett O’Neill on Linked-In, Julie Barrett-O’Neill, @JulieBONeil on X (Twitter)
- Tag or email Buffalo and Erie media
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- Erie News Now: Erie News Now on FB, @ErieNewsNow on X (Twitter)
- Buffalo Channel 4: WIVB.com News 4 WIVB Buffalo on FB or Email [email protected]
- Buffalo Channel 2: WGRZ.com WGRZ – Channel 2, Buffalo on FB, email [email protected]
- Buffalo Channel 7: WKBW.com 7 News WKBW on FB, email [email protected]
Or, You can always use traditional media
- Write letter-to-the-editor to Local Newspapers: Tips for writing
- Editor: John D’Agostino [email protected]
- Managing Editor: John Whittaker [email protected]
- Region Editor: Eric Tichy [email protected]