12 Ways to Use Urbandale Patch in 2012

If one of your goals for 2012 is to make your life easier, we've got 12 ways that Urbandale Patch can help you do that. 

1. Share the news. Help us get the word out about important Urbandale events or things you think your neighbors and friends might be interested in. Patch is the best place for you to get local news, whether it's tracking a rash of thefts in town, to when the newest recreational trail opens, to fun events in Urbandale over the weekend. If you see something you think others should read, just click the Facebook "recommend" button above an article or blog to share it with your Facebook friends.

2. Comment. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather hear a choir sing than a soloist. The same is true about Patch. I do my best to make articles and interesting and lively, but let's face it, the more voices the better. If you disagree, or have important information or questions, add them in the comment section. I'll try to answer questions or follow up on important angles or news you suggest. 

3. Get your news on Patch. Wondering why your child's school event or soccer tournament doesn't get covered? It might simply be that we didn't know about it. Email Urbandale Patch editor at anne.kay@patch.com to let us know what you want us to write about. 

4. Share your photos.  Of course, Patch writers and photographers can't be everywhere, or cover as much as we would like, but it's easy to upload your photos of interesting Urbandale events. Just click on Gallery at the top of the home page. It takes you to our Neighborhood Gallery where you can easily upload photos and videos.  Share your favorite trick-or-treater snapshot, your kid's first homerun, or your favorite pet photo. 

5. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Want to know the back story on the latest Patch news? Want an advance preview of tomorrow's top story? Or just want to know what others in Urbandale are talking about? Like our Urbandale Facebook page. Follow @UrbandalePatch on twitter for quick bulletins throughout the day. 

6. Get the iPhone or Droid app. Your smartphone is an awesome tool for getting the info on what's going on in your community. Click here to get the Patch app for free on iTunes. Not only can you read news on it, but post photos and videos as well. For information about the Droid app, click here.

7. Contribute to Urbandale Patch Eyes & Ears. Reach a larger audience by sharing your news, announements and photos on Urbandale Patch Eyes & Ears, hosted on the popular microblogging site, Tumblr. This page makes it super easy for you to take part in sharing the stories happening right in your neighborhood and makes you a citizen journalist in your own town.

8. Shoot videos. The next time you're loading that great video of those JayWalker girls' fantastic kicking on YouTube, put it on our community photo gallery, as well. If you also give us a heads up via email that you're uploading a video, we can feature it prominently on the homepage.

9. Add to the events calendar. Have an event you want to make the community aware of? Don't be shy. Post it in our events calendar for all to see. Just click on the box that says Add an Event and start typing.  It's free!

10. Post a classified ad. Is your company looking to hire a new employee? Do you have something your hoping to sell? Post an ad in Urbandale Patch's classifieds and increase your chances of getting a response. Just like our events calendar, classified listings are free!

11. Share your joy. Did the stork come to your home? Are you engaged? Want to celebrate your parents' 50th anniversary? Our announcements section is the place to do it. Click on the link above or find it under the News tab at the top of the page.

12. Find a volunteer or volunteer. Volunteering brings joy and why not find volunteers or volunteer right here in Urbandale. Our Volunteer section helps you connect.