By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – The St. John the Baptist Parish United Way and the LaPlace Lions Club have partnered together to bring a unique social media tool to the parish that will help residents shape the future of the parish as it recovers from Hurricane Isaac.

St. John Parish is now a member of Neighborland.com, on online community that helps residents, civic organizations and government leaders connect.

On Neighborland, residents are free to share ideas for making their community a better place by showing support for local priorities and swapping knowledge about getting things done.

“It gives a new voice to residents regarding what they would like to see in the parish,” said Lions Club President Christine Duhe. “If enough residents agree on the same project or initiative it becomes something we can push at parish meetings or events.”

Some 7,000 St. John homes were flooded during Hurricane Isaac, and a full recovery will likely take some time. Neighborland gives residents easier access to civic conversations about the future of the parish.

“Not everyone can make it to the public meeting,” said Alan Williams, senior community manager for Neighborland. “People are rebuilding their homes, making a living and caring for their families. Neighborland is a way for them to participate on their own time.”

Neighborland was incubated in the Tulane University Social Entrepreneurship Program and was once only available in Orleans Parish. This summer, the network expanded to more than 20 of the largest cities in the U.S. Residents log into the network to express their thoughts and ideas, and other residents can comment, agree and spread those ideas further.

“People are connected to Internet and phones now more than ever, and this gives residents an easy way of sharing and hearing new ideas,” said Lions Club and United Way Board member Buddy Boe. “The site works like a more refined or focused Facebook or Twitter. Residents are getting input from their neighbors on what they want to see.”

Boe said for those residents who don’t have access to computers, the Lions Club and United Way will be present at parish events with large Neighborland billboards where residents can write out ideas and thoughts.

Residents of St. John Parish can sign up for free using an email address or through a Facebook or Twitter account. Visit www. Neighborland.com to learn more about the program.