Brainstorming the Plan
Because of time constraints I chose to implement a social medial campaign. This was an advocacy strategy that would fit into my busy lifestyle. In order to accomplish this task I would have to convince or persuade my audience that their is a need to get involved. What I realized throughout my campaign is that I put myself at a disadvantage by not gathering a network to support the advocacy. I wrote about it in my journal:
"Week 5, Date: November 12, 2017
Week 5’s topic and discussion board has made me realize what a disadvantage I put my advocacy plan in by confining the plan to my social media. This week we spoke about communities of practice: a group of people with the same interest getting together to solve the same problem. My advocacy plan, a social media campaign, had the potential to reach thousands of people. What I have realized this week is that my “community” on social media does not have the same interests in solving the problem of poverty. As a whole, they may be concerned about poverty and how it impacts early childhood education; but it is not a priority that they are willing to commit to right now. This week has showed me that establishing a network of people you can depend on, bounce ideas off of, or share positive energy with is a huge part of successful advocacy. That’s not to say that individuals cannot be successful; it simply means the possibilities of success are amplified when more than one person is involved."
"Week 5, Date: November 12, 2017
Week 5’s topic and discussion board has made me realize what a disadvantage I put my advocacy plan in by confining the plan to my social media. This week we spoke about communities of practice: a group of people with the same interest getting together to solve the same problem. My advocacy plan, a social media campaign, had the potential to reach thousands of people. What I have realized this week is that my “community” on social media does not have the same interests in solving the problem of poverty. As a whole, they may be concerned about poverty and how it impacts early childhood education; but it is not a priority that they are willing to commit to right now. This week has showed me that establishing a network of people you can depend on, bounce ideas off of, or share positive energy with is a huge part of successful advocacy. That’s not to say that individuals cannot be successful; it simply means the possibilities of success are amplified when more than one person is involved."
Action Plan
The initial plan was to implement a social media campaign to bring awareness to the childhood poverty issue. This campaign would encourage donations, or volunteer efforts to assist AZCEND with feeding the youth in Arizona.
Reaching OutOn October 30, 2017, I contacted AZCEND and EDUCARE through their contact information on their websites. I was looking for additional information and guidance as to what their needs were and if my advocacy plan would be beneficial to them. These two organizations were chosen because they directly benefit my community, as well as early childhood education. Additionally, each site had a donation option on their website which would fit nicely into my social media campaign.
ResponseUnfortunately, I did not hear back from either organization. I did still include their organizations in my advocacy campaign, but continued to seek other options as well. This lead me to an interview with Allison Mullady who works with Urban Strategies as a Director of Family & Child Academy-Early Head Start.
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Modification/Flexibility
Because I did not hear back from either organization, I reached out to my former Director, Allison Mullady, who is now a Director of an Early Head Start Program to see if her program had a donation link, or any needs that I could incorporate into my advocacy plan. Allison informed that they do not have an donation platform on their website, but they did have a need for birth to two year old clothing. Based on that information, I incorporated those needs into my plan (see post below).
Social Media Campaign
Facebook Initial Post
My social media campaign began on November 3, 2017 (see the post above). I was excited to see what the response would be. I have several friends with young children, as well as several friends in early childhood education. The response was disappointing.
Response
Only TWO people had an "emotional" response to the post; and only ONE person actually commented.
Let's Try it Again!
Thinking the initial post was too long and maybe lost the audience, I shortened the post in hopes for a better response. The second post was as follows:
Response
The response was disappointing.
After this point in my advocacy life got complicated in my house. I reflected on it in my journal: "The social media campaign had very little response. I believe that although people may see poverty’s impacts on early childhood as an issue, unless it is directly affecting them, it may not be a priority. Sadly, I can relate to this. During my advocacy campaign my fifteen year old’s good friend since second grade committed suicide. The impact of this event has drawn my focus away from advocacy and has directed all my attention on my son. The struggle has been difficult. Our lives have changed. But, I think this is what happens everyday to people who have good intentions and want to get involved. I think that personal life distracts. It might not be purposeful, but the reality of my advocacy campaign was it dropped way down on my priority list as I reacted to my son’s needs. This may not be a reality in every situation, but I do believe there is validity to it." |
Interview: Allison Mullady
With Failure Comes an Opportunity to LEARN!But, from failures we learn. The audience I chose to present information to was not community of practice who had the same ideals as I; nor did the wish to solve the same issues as I. Next time, my advocacy plan will take a different approach. I will definitely choose more wisely.
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