Advocacy in a Digital Age: 5 Ways to Promote Advocacy
Technology has the power to connect the masses and empower others to follow. Advocacy is defined as individuals that aim to influence decisions within political, economic, and social institutions by speaking up for others. The freedom social media has had for content creation gives advocacy new meaning for youth. Social media was created to connect with individuals. Steve Jobs was a leader in technological advancements for decades. Empowering individuals to communicate through accessible technology.
Steve Jobs once said, “When you grow up, you tend to get told the world is the way it is and your life is just to live your life inside the world. Try not to bash into the walls too much. Try to have a nice family, have fun, save a little money. That's a very limited life. Life can be much broader once you discover one simple fact: Everything around you that you call life was made up by people that were no smarter than you and you can change it, you can influence it, you can build your own things that other people can use. Once you learn that, you'll never be the same again”
In a digital age, anyone has the power to become an advocate for change. Youth have access to social media at their fingertips and use platforms to share their opinion. Students have used social media to advocate for the environment, social inequality, women's rights, bullying, mental illness, etc. They have not waited for permission to speak. Instead, social media has been used to share stories, speak up, and stand up for what youth believe in. Swedish activist, Greta Thunberg, is an excellent example of youth taking a stance and advocating for something they believe in. Greta went viral after advocating for climate change and has impacted the climate change conversation on a national level. One person can advocate and spread a message to the masses by merely having the courage to speak up for change.
5 ways to promote advocacy
Do your research
Know what you want to advocate and find other resources to support the cause.
Take a stance
Think about why you advocating for said cause. What are you going to promote personally?
Advocate effectively
What platforms do you want use to share your message? What audience are you wanting to reach?
Be open to others opinions
Promote active conversations and encourage others to contribute to the cause!
Get active in local government
Effective change happens, when you get involved! Build local connections and start a conversation.
Being an influencer and advocate on social media is an ongoing conversation. Here is a resource to learn more about using social media for advocacy!
Resources
