COMMON SENSE ON: USING SOCIAL MEDIA TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH IOWANS.

WASHINGTON -- The following information was released by Iowa Senator Tom Harkin:

As we all know, there is a lot going on in Washington D.C. and all across Iowa. To keep folks more informed on what I'm doing and to engage with Iowans, I have been using social media much more frequently, while still actively using my traditional modes of communication. I know many of you already follow me on Facebook, but as I have been traveling around the state, I have been asked a lot of questions about how I take advantage of other forms of social media. Below are some questions that I am often asked. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me in any of the ways mentioned below.

Q: What forms of social media do you use? What do you post?

A: I use Facebook (www.facebook.com/tomharkin) and Twitter (twitter.com/SenatorHarkin) almost every day during the work week when the Senate is in session. I also have a YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/user/SenatorHarkin). On my Facebook page, you can see pictures of Iowans who come to visit me in Washington and articles published about my work in Iowa and Washington. On Twitter, I often post links to press releases and other updates, and on my YouTube Channel you can see videos where I answer questions from Iowans, discuss major political events and show speeches that may be of interest to people.

Q: If I do not have a social media account, how can I follow what you are doing?

A: If you have internet access, feel free to visit my website, harkin.senate.gov, where you can find news releases about my work, as well as videos and pictures. I also post my blog here. If for any reason you have a question for me or need any federal assistance, you can contact me directly at harkin.senate.gov/contact.cfm. I reply to all Iowans who contact me with questions and if you are having problems with any federal agency, a member of my staff will contact you to try to assist you.

Q: If I do not have a computer, how can I keep track of your work?

A: All Iowans should feel free to call or drop by any of my five Iowa offices or my D.C. office. If you just want to keep track of my work, you can look for this column in your local paper. Also, feel free to come out to any of my events when I am in Iowa - I love meeting face to face with constituents. If you have a questions or concern, you can mail a letter to any of my offices- and just like email, I get back to all Iowans who write me. Here is the contact information for all of my offices: