A Whole New Advocacy World

By Lisa Sieren

I remember when there were no computers. Vaguely, but I remember. We had a big typewriter that probably weighed more than I did at the time. One day, the big typewriter was replaced by a monitor that also weighed more than I did. Our first computer took up half the kitchen table. Our first games were on the real floppy discs, the ones that really flopped.

Today there is a lot of conversation around new methods of communication, methods that we could not have even dreamed of before computers and the Internet. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, texting, blogs—we are creating a whole new language. With these new methods of communication have come new methods and opportunities for advocating for what we believe in.

Anyone who happened to be around the last election season may have noticed that the candidates found new ways to gain supporters. Voter campaigns occurred via email, texting and Facebook. More importantly than candidates gaining supporters, though, is the fact that voters found new ways to voice their support for their candidates and their issues. The majority of my friends and family used their Facebook or e-mail account to push their candidate’s message (and of course, not all of them agreed on the candidates). I was forwarded YouTube videos on candidate speeches and debates illustrating why someone I know was voting for a particular candidate.

Advocacy is no longer just petitions and buttons. While yard signs are probably going to stick around for future elections, the point is that we have many more opportunities to advocate than ever before. If you believe in the importance of early childhood education, you can write a blog about a lecture on brain research showing the importance of early education. You can become a supporter of an early childhood group on your Facebook page, and donate your status in support of an early childhood bill. And top it off with the tried-and-true method of a bumper sticker.

Whatever your issue or belief, technology has given us the ability to advocate and spread our message much farther. And to think, all of this can be done with one little device fits in the palm of your hand.

Want to get started in this whole new advocacy world? United Way of Central Iowa will soon be launching our first-ever LIVE UNITED video contest. Stay tuned to hear how you can show us how you LIVE UNITED in central Iowa.