Why You Need to Use Social
Media as an Advocacy Tool
Social media is an important tool in your
advocacy toolbox and a method you
can use to educate media. Members of
Congress, and state policymakers about
the critical need for CTE—especially as
America faces tight budgets and a stagnating
economy. A majority of politicians
are using blogs, Twitter, YouTube and
Facebook to communicate with the public,
facebook and Twitter provide politicians
an opportunity to introduce bills
and publicize visits, while YouTube gives
policymakers a chance to share video of
speeches and make announcements. For
example. Newt Gingrich announced his
2012 run for president on Twitter and
YouTube. In addition. President Obama
and members of his administration, including
Education Secretary Arne
Duncan, use social media regularly.
Want to educate Secretary Duncan
about your CTE program? Send him a
tweet about how your program graduates
students, lowers dropout rates, or provides
adults with certificates. You can also post
your story on the U.S. Department of
Education's Facebook page.
Members of the media also employ
social media tools to share information
with their readers and to find sources
for future stories. A national survey of
reporters and editors revealed how
they use social media. For instance:
• 89 percent use blogs for story research
• 65 percent turn to social media sites
like Facebook and Linkedin
• 52 percent use Twitter
Businesses that rely on CTE are using
all of the above-mentioned tools to connect
with their customers and their future
workforce. For instance, CEV Multimedia,
a producer of multimedia educational
materials, shares CTE news and success
stories on Facebook and Twitter and posts
video lesson previews on YouTube.