Over the course of my policy issues class, I have come to appreciate all that goes into forming a policy issues and providing information that will soundly support why an issue should become policy. I have also learned the various funding sources that are behind some of the research for groundbreaking policy. However I have found that it is important to have a platform to discuss policy issues to learn the trending thoughts of others in the early childhood field.
After looking at several social media websites to communicate, I feel the best two websites to best communicate my policy issue would be Linkedin and Twitter.
I selected Linkedin as one avenue to communicate my issue because of the large professional network. Members of the website can connect with other professionals. They can follow companies to learn about initiatives the company is participating. Also on this website, groups or forums can be formed to discuss specific topics relevant to career fields such as early childhood education. I think a benefit of this website is the opportunity for open discussion about a variety of topics. However I think a challenge maybe getting enough exposure and the conversation reaching those persons that can continue to push it forward.
Then I selected Twitter as the other social media website because of the large variety of agencies and persons that participate. On the website its states "Twitter helps you create and share ideas and information instantly, without barriers." Because of the opportunity to share information instantly and the fact of many politicians, advocacy agencies, and other stakeholders being able to access and receive information makes this website a good choice. I think a benefit of using this website is the large number of key participants like those in the federal, state, local political arena as well as advocacy organization such as the National Association for the Education for Young Children. A challenge is my policy issue getting lost in the many topics that trend on the Twitter website. I would definitely need other individuals interested in the topic to keep the conversation going and generate more interest.
