The role of a teacher has changed massively with the introduction of digital media and the rise in social platforms. You are probably already aware of how important it is to inspire, lead and guide your students towards the best they can be – but do you know how to use your online platforms to support your students’ development and ensure they have the tools they need to succeed?  

It’s not just important for students to learn how to use digital tools in school – they will need to be able to apply them beyond classroom walls, too, especially as they move towards higher education or into employment.  Teachers play an important role in helping students apply their skills beyond the classroom. 

Promote Advocacy in the Classroom

How do you effectively teach mindful advocacy in the classroom? Take some time to introduce the concept of advocacy and allow your students to debate a cause. 

This is an opportunity to gauge how students feel about themselves and start a meaningful dialogue about how they see their role in the world and their capacity to solve problems. 

• How do your students define changemaking? 
• Do they feel like a changemaker? Why or why not? 

Your students may lack confidence or a sense of self-worth about the impact they have the potential to make. Once they realize their power to take charge, that agency should stay with them. 

What’s Your Story?

Keep your mission in your message by sharing stories that connect to your cause. Think carefully about the cause you want to advocate for. 

• What issue is your cause aiming to solve? 
• How will it solve it?  
• What help or resources will you need to implement this cause? 
• And how different is your cause to others in your community or school? 

A clear mission statement helps your audience understand your purpose, sets your organization apart, attracts potential sponsors, and guides everything from communicating with your community to hosting events.

Create A Compelling Message 

Don’t be afraid to put on your educator hat and explain or give context to your online audience. Effectively communicating your cause is critical. It deepens your connection with your sponsors, improves overall collaboration, and drives donations. 

Your message needs to be understood before it’s supported. An excellent way to start is by following influential advocates on Twitter for inspiration.

Using Social Media As A Tool for Advocacy

In addition to connecting with friends and family, social media allows you to create connections and relationships centered around a cause you support and care about. Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness. 

You can easily find like-minded individuals through forums, Facebook groups, and Twitter hashtags, to name a few and start a healthy conversation with them. You can even connect with people from overseas to create an even wider network of advocates. 

Advocacy is not an easy thing – especially when you’re online. Think carefully about the best way to use social media for your cause and how you can reach new and broader audiences.

Approach Businesses In Your Community

Do you need further support and influence? Approach a local business or organization and ask if they can support your mission.

Successful advocacy and fundraising both rely on developing and maintaining lasting and ongoing partnerships and relationships with sponsors. As long as they understand your cause and why it’s worth supporting, they can aid you and even help you gain connections to relevant institutions that can promote your advocacy and provide additional funding.

Get Your Family and Friends Involved

Like-minded people in your social circle may be interested in forming or joining a group that supports your cause. You can talk to them and keep them informed of the activities and campaigns where they can help out. 

You can also discuss your advocacies with friends and family members so that they can understand it better. The more people who know about and support your cause, the more it’s going to grow and be able to further its mission.

Knowing the right digital tools and how to use them can make learning and teaching more efficient, organized, and fun. Learn digital tools to launch your advocacy work with Kitso, today!