How tweet it is

Twitter, the online social networking service, continues to grow worldwide at an incredible rate. If you’re not on Twitter yet, you may want to join after you read this issue. My great assistant, Shannon, along with a co-worker, Marielle, enticed me back in 2010 to give it a try, and I’m so glad they did. Slowly but surely I have learned the value of Twitter. Besides the efficient way it helps me eliminate useless Web surfing, Twitter allows businesses, brands, and developers to figure out what their target customer is looking for and how to tap into new niche markets. Users can follow their mentors, idols and their hobbies. Business updates, fashion tips, Hollywood gossip and breaking news are at any Twitter user’s fingertipsall within seconds. Check out these Twitter stats from Digital Marketing:

• Twitter launch date: March 21, 2006
• Total number of Twitter users: 500 million 
• Total number of tweets sent: 170 billion 
• Monthly active Twitter users: 200 million 
• Average number of followers per Twitter user: 208
• Average number of tweets sent per day: 400 million
• Average number of Tweets per Twitter user: 307 
• Most followed celebrity on Twitter: Justin Bieber with 36.4 million followers

Twitter is trending in Baton Rouge, too, with more Red Stick-specific social commentary happening in 140 characters or less on the popular online platform. 225 looked at the local Twitter-verse and chose 25 Baton Rougeans who are making a lot of noise, a big difference or tons of connections on Twitter. These are folks you’ll want to follow to stay plugged in to what’s happening and what others are saying about our city. Read contributing writer Emily Herrington’s cover story here. Click here for a 225 Twitter directory so you can follow our staff and contributors for insights into their interests and the work of making this magazine.

The school year has come to an end, and summer is in full swing. That means the majority of children are out of school. While some of them will be fortunate to attend camps, go on family vacations or even travel abroad, we have many children in our community who have no such opportunities and plenty of time on their hands. That can mean trouble.

Recently, I heard a speaker say that our greatest threat to the U.S. is not North Korea or Iran or anywhere outside our borders. The threat is our young people in this country who are disengaged and have no guidance. I believe his comments are on point. More than at any other time in recent history, many of our country’s young people have lost hope for the future. Recent statistics on juvenile crime, teen suicide, drug use and dropout rates underscore our children’s fears and lack of direction. I believe that all children do better when they have caring adults who are committed to them.

We are fortunate to have many great programs around the Capital Region like Big Buddy and The Boys and Girls Clubthat focus on at-risk children, but we need to do more. Fixing our community and this country requires our timenot just tax dollars. Many of the problems that plague our nation can be solved at the local level through the efforts of volunteers. We have too many young people who are losing hope and wondering if there is a future for them. Everyone needs a mentor, and there comes a time in all our lives when we are ready to be a counselor to someone or an intentional positive influence on others.

This issue isn’t just about following people on Twitter. It’s about learning from positive role models. In this month’s pages you’ll notice a running theme about mentorship and influence in all walks of life. This month, I want to challenge you to invest at least one hour each week to help a young person. It will change your life. It will make a difference in the future of our city!

Last month we featured mothers who work hard to balance career and family, to always be there for their children, and this month, we haven’t forgotten about the guys. In honor of Father’s Day on June 16, 225 spoke to five local dads to hear how they connect with their children, what they think about some modern misconceptions of fatherhood and to learn some rock-solid advice they received from their fathers growing up. To meet these dynamic dads, turn to page 31. We plan to make this a regular feature each June, so if you know of an incredible father in our community, introduce us to him by emailing [email protected].

Join us June 26 for this month’s Hot Off the Press party at The Pelican House. You’ll be the first to get a copy of the much-anticipated Best of 225 issue. Come join us for live music and lots of fun!