Community Building

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Present a statement concerning poverty or racism and its effects at a municipal, county, or state public hearing.
Write a “letter to the editor” (local, state, or national) concerning poverty or racism and its effects.
Present a radio or TV editorial informing the public of poverty or racism and its effects.
Set up a social media platform informing the public of poverty or racism. Give the social media platform and name, and be creative.
Your statement should shed “light” rather than” heat” on the issue and should be shared with the class (share the published version if it is published). In conjunction with this activity, a short paper (2 pages) will be due that analyzes the effect of your “speak out” on you and the impact it had, or you think it would have, on the public. Your analysis should demonstrate some knowledge of the medium (public hearing, newspaper, radio, etc. ) you selected to carry out your statement. For example, you should know how many papers are published and where the paper circulates when writing a letter. Who listens to the radio or television station you chose to air your views? How important is the public hearing to the policymakers who schedule it?

 

Sample Solution

Social Media Platform: “Empower Up” (Instagram)

Target Audience: Young adults (18-35 years old)

Reasoning: Social media is a powerful tool for reaching a large and diverse audience, particularly young adults who are highly engaged online. Instagram allows for a visually appealing and interactive format to present information.

Content:

  • Informative Posts:
    • Statistics and infographics highlighting the prevalence of poverty and racism in the community and nation.
    • Educational pieces explaining the cyclical nature of poverty and the systemic roots of racism.
    • Posts showcasing success stories of individuals and communities overcoming poverty and discrimination.
  • Interactive Content:
    • Polls and quizzes to gauge audience awareness of poverty and racism.
    • Q&A sessions with experts on social justice issues.
    • User-generated content encouraging personal stories and experiences with poverty or racism.
  • Actionable Steps:
    • Information on local organizations working to address poverty and racism.
    • Volunteer opportunities and ways to get involved in advocacy efforts.
    • Resources for individuals or families struggling with poverty.

Tone:

  • Factual and informative: Providing accurate and reliable data to shed light on the issues.
  • Empowering and hopeful: Highlighting positive change and solutions, motivating users to get involved.
  • Respectful and inclusive: Creating a safe space for open dialogue and diverse perspectives.

Measurable Impact:

  • Increase in followers and engagement on posts (likes, comments, shares).
  • Growth in website traffic for partner organizations listed on the platform.
  • Rise in volunteer sign-ups or donations to relevant causes.
  • Increased usage of hashtags related to poverty and racism, indicating wider conversation.

Short Paper Analysis:

This “speak out” aims to utilize the reach and engagement of social media to raise awareness about poverty and racism, particularly among young adults. Social media allows for a cost-effective and interactive way to disseminate information, spark discussions, and inspire action.

Strengths of Social Media:

  • Accessibility: Reaches a large and diverse audience, bypassing geographical limitations.
  • Engagement: Allows for two-way communication, encouraging user participation and feedback.
  • Visual Appeal: Utilizes images, infographics, and videos to capture attention and make information more digestible.
  • Actionable Content: Provides resources and opportunities for users to get involved in solutions.

Challenges of Social Media:

  • Oversimplification of Complex Issues: Limited character counts or short video formats might require complex issues to be presented in a simplified way.
  • Confirmation Bias: Algorithms can create echo chambers where users are primarily exposed to information that confirms their existing beliefs.
  • Misinformation and Trolling: Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for misinformation and negativity, requiring careful content curation and moderation.

Overall Impact:

While a single social media platform cannot solve complex issues like poverty and racism, it can be a valuable tool for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and mobilizing people to take action. By providing reliable information, promoting positive change, and creating a space for open discussion, “Empower Up” aims to empower young adults to become informed and engaged citizens working towards a more just and equitable society.

Evaluation:

The success of this platform will be measured by tracking follower growth, post engagement, and website traffic to partner organizations. Positive media coverage and user-generated content promoting the platform would also indicate a wider impact. Long-term, the goal is to see an increase in volunteerism and advocacy efforts related to poverty and racism within the target audience.

 

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