Just over a week ago, I launched an action group to promote awareness about the squirrels of the Western Cape, particularly those in Newlands, the suburb in which I grew up. A particular issue that SAN highlights is the fact that squirrels suffer a high mortality rate on our roads. The action group was called SAN (Squirrel Association of Newlands). I created SAN’s profile on MySpace.

Within one week of it being on MySpace, I had over 200 profile views and 40 members, which, in my books, is terrific. A number of suggestions for how SAN could further their cause came from keen members and included:

•    A benefit gig
•    Making tunnels underneath roads for safe passage
•    A ‘squirrel watch’ along Newlands Ave
•    Squirrel Association of Tokai – another squirrel haven

I also received a vest and logo design, created by another MySpace SAN member.

Without social networking sites like MySpace, I would never have been able to get such exposure for SAN within one week. It is most likely that I would have had to resort to either the old-fashioned (and generally ignored) method of leafleting or the costly method of having to have to create my own website.

Having an independent website would have been problematic insofar as I would have still had the problem of generating traffic to the website, it would be more difficult to keep up-to-date and I would have struggled to create a sense of interactivity. Having it based within a social networking framework is much more familiar (and therefore encouraging) to members. It is also an ideal way for me to gauge initial interest without having to make too much of a commitment, in terms of time and money.

Whilst still in its fledgling stages, I am very heartened by the response that SAN has received. Only time will tell if it’s a novelty that will wear off. That said, I guess it’s up to me to keep members stimulated and encouraged to do their bit for the squirrels of Newlands.