Many of us use Facebook or email to stay connected, but another platform worth considering is LinkedIn. While other social media platforms are more focused on friends and family, LinkedIn is designed for professional connections, volunteering, and advocacy.

Here are some ways using LinkedIn benefit surviving spouses:

• Stay connected with MOAA and others. A simple profile lets you follow MOAA updates, connect with other surviving spouses, and stay up to date with military-related organizations. Staying connected matters, especially as a surviving spouse. Our community thrives on shared experiences, reliable information, and mutual support.
  
  
• Share your story and advocacy. If you’re involved in legislation, volunteering, or raising awareness about surviving spouse issues, LinkedIn provides a way to reach policymakers, leaders, and allies who might not see posts elsewhere.
  
  
• Show your ongoing contributions. Many of us continue to teach, mentor, volunteer, or advocate well beyond our careers. LinkedIn helps highlight those efforts.

You don’t need to be tech-savvy to use LinkedIn. Even a basic profile with your name, military connection, and a short sentence about your interests is enough to get started. You don’t have to post regularly unless you want to.

[RELATED: MOAA on LinkedIn] 

Bottom line: If you are still active in volunteering, advocacy, or professional work, a LinkedIn account can be a valuable tool. If you prefer to stay private, that’s fine, too, but know that LinkedIn is there if you’d like to amplify your voice and expand your connections.