There is a new social networking website that is increasing in popularity and it’s called Foursquare. For those of you that have not heard about Foursquare it is a website that allows you to tell your friends where you are, by checking into various locations. There are a few practical applications for this network.

1. If you are checking into places it will act as an advertisement for the places that you check into. People in your network will know where you are.
2. Foursquare keeps track of where you go and give you recommendations on other places you might like based on what other members do.
3. When you checking in you earn points. You earn bonus points for trying new places, bringing friends and checking into more than one place in a night. Use the points to unlock badges.

These are all on the Foursquare websites. However, I think that nonprofits and Green Media Toolshed organizations can get creative and take advantage of this system. For example, it’s a great way to advertise for an event. Encourage your members to attend an event and check in on Foursquare. People on Foursquare will see how many people are attending your event (increased publicity) plus your events could start showing up on other peoples To-Do lists. This has the potential to find you new members, because they share interests with your current members.

If you have started using Foursquare please tell us about your experiences in the comments section. Any information or trials, good or bad are welcome!