Using social media to get connected

In today's world social media is part of the integral fabric of the generation.  Social media is a very strong marketing tool.  From parties, classifications and advocacy a forum that contains millions of viewers is the perfect foundation for any shout out.  There are so many different avenues that one can purse when using media as a sounding board for advocacy.  What makes sites like face book for instance so effective is the stream of different people.  Not only are you able to advocate for your particular cause via information, advertising and it appear on all of your friends pages it as well appears on their friends page.  It is a very powerful tool that allows one to reach people and groups all over the world.  

What are some suggestion's that any of you think that may be a productive use of social media?

ADVOCACY MESSAGES 6-09-2013

  Both of the following campaigns used pictures to evoke emotion from the viewer.  I believe both ads are very effective in getting their message out

 

Campaign Name: Bullying Prevention

The Ad Council is leading a national anti-bullying campaign targeting parents to address one of the most important issues facing our children today. The bullying statistics are staggering with 13 million children - 1 in 4 a year - experiencing some form of bullying (as the bully, bullied or both). Currently there is no national effort targeting parents, who unfortunately, are not properly prepared to deal with the complexities of bullying today. Bullying is a concern for parents, but not something they proactively discuss with their children until it directly impacts their child. The goal of the campaign is to help provide a bully-free, safe environment for all students, and to raise awareness about the seriousness of bullying. The campaign will encourage parents to talk to their children about the safe steps they can take to be more than a bystander in a bullying situation.

Sponsor Name: Waitt Institute for Violence Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), The Bully Project, U.S. Department of Education, AOL, Free to Be Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, Facebook

Campaign Name: Fatherhood Involvement

More than 79% of Americans feel "the most significant family or social problem facing America is the physical absence of the father from the home." Research indicates that fatherlessness correlates closely with crime, educational problems and adolescent difficulties. This campaign is designed to help dads understand that their presence is critical to the well-being of their children. With a presence in broadcast, print, outdoor and Internet media, the PSAs urge audiences to call 1-877-4DAD411 or visit www.fatherhood.gov for information about how to become a better father. The campaign recently expanded its focus to specifically address the unique aspects of father absence in the underserved African-American and Hispanic communities.

Sponsor Name: National Responsible Fatherhood Clearinghouse, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Administration for Children and Families, Office of Family Assistance

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My Own Capacity 6/2/2013

There are many issues impacting young children and their families that spark my passion.  One in particular is the rate of poverty that many children live in.  I never realized that poverty was such a wide epidemic affecting so many.  I teach in a middle school in North Philadelphia.  Many of the students come from poverty ridden families.  I have seen first hand the ramifications that can occur when the development cycle is skewed from natural course.  The last couple weeks have furthered my understanding of the barriers and inequities that are currently preventing many children from attending programs.  Effective advocacy and advocates are an essential part of ratifying the policies that continue to allow so many children to live in poverty.  
I chose the specialization of public policy and advocacy because I believe that it is important for everyone to have a voice.  In order to have a voice you have to be informed as to what you are entitled to.  Many times during the day I wonder what many of these students would be like if they had attended an effective pre-school program.  Effective early childhood development is a paramount component in the intracle cycle of overall growth.  I hope to be able to better educate both the family and communities on the rights and accommodations  that every child deserve.  Advocating for the rights of children is imperative because so many children just past by their early years unrepresented. 
I hope to be able to further my knowledge on public policy and in turn use this knowledge to be the most effective advocate.