How to hack it? Storify is a free and easy-to-use tool that aggregates several social media platforms into a single live blog stream, creating a dynamic and engaging way to tell members’ stories as they happen in real time. The Radio Television Digital News Association recently used Storify to tell the harrowing tales of journalists reporting on Hurricane Harvey.

Why does it work? The stream of posts became a way to highlight RTDNA members doing the grueling and challenging work of covering a category three hurricane. In many ways, the collection of stories gave members motivation. “We are providing moral support,” says RTDNA’s incoming executive director, Dan Shelley. “The Storify became a way to keep our members engaged throughout the storm.”

What’s the bonus? Storify can also create engagement around live association events. Most recently, RTDNA used it to aggregate posts by attendees at its annual meeting in Anaheim, California. The stream collected tweets, YouTube videos, and Instagram pictures into a single thread that created a real-time picture of the conference as it unfolded.

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