Social Media Advocacy

Your presence on social media can be a powerful tool for educating, organizing, and lobbying to Mend the Gaps. Millions of people use sites like Facebook and Twitter every day to track news, updates on the Hill, and for advocacy purposes.

Facebook: 1.28  billion daily active users, approximately 164 million US-based users
Twitter: 316 million monthly users, approximately 57 million US-based users

We at NETWORK mainly use our Facebook account for longer posts and Twitter for quick updates, YouTube for videos and Flickr to share images. Facebook and Twitter can be good places to share your beliefs about policy, advocate for policies that mend the gaps, and engage with other NETWORK members.

With so many people following conversations on social media, there are many opportunities to have your message heard. Even members of Congress listen to what their constituents say on social media!

Social Media Basics

Navigating social media as a beginner can be overwhelming. Consider using video tutorials as you set up your social media accounts and begin sharing. Here are links to long and short Facebook tutorials and long and short Twitter tutorials.

Getting your message across

Think about what makes you stand out

  • Your unique individual or organizational perspective is unique and important – use that to your advantage!
  • Add something different to the conversation by telling a story or lifting up voices that aren’t usually heard

Include images in social media postings

  • Pictures and graphics draw people to your posts and quickly engage your audience
  • Consider sharing quotes in the form of graphics to highlight important text

Add emotional appeal

  • People are more likely to interact with and share posts that make them feel something or touch them on a personal level

Keep track of major events and what people are talking about

  • Share news stories that reinforce your message and values
  • If there’s a hashtag for a particular event, issue, or campaign, use it! (Check NETWORK’s accounts to see what hashtags we’re using, like #ProtectOurCare, or #MendtheGaps)
  • More people may be active on social media during major events (the State of the Union, for example), take the opportunity to get involved in the conversation

Engage with individuals and organizations who you want to hear your message

  • If you are particularly concerned about the vote of particular members of Congress, tweet at them by using their handle (ex: @SpeakerRyan) or tag them in your Facebook posts
  • Consider tagging or tweeting @ organizations that share your message or may have followers who you can engage with your work
  • Reply to or share/retweet interesting tweets or posts

Engage with NETWORK

NETWORK keeps a very active social media presence on multiple platforms. Consider following us on social media to share content that resonates with you and to get ideas on how to get involved in the conversation.

Facebook

Twitter