Personally, social media keeps me connected with those I love, those I do not see or talk to often enough, and those from my past that I want to stay in touch with. Professionally, I have seen the power of social media to effect change and rally support for a cause. As most agencies and programs are recently, the Early Intervention Program in the state of North Carolina has been facing major cutbacks and challenges in the last year. Families, professionals and advocates have joined together to wage a social media war on these issues. We have worked hard to spread the word and raise awareness and support for programs and services that are so beneficial to young children and their families. Facebook, Twitter, Early Intervention Blogs and interactive websites have all helped to bring awareness and understanding to how important these issues really are.
It could be very beneficial to use social media to reach out to families and other professionals to help educate and inspire them in the work of advocating for high quality programs for young children. So many people access and utilize social media outlets to connect, educate themselves and socialize. These forums can be used to provide people who may or may not typically be exposed, with information regarding the need for these high quality programs and services.
I will admit that although I use Facebook, read blogs and have begun this blog myself, my experience with other types of social media is limited. I feel certain there are avenues that I am not aware of. I wonder if my colleagues can help me learn about and access new resources that I can use to help broaden my social media audience?
Let the journey begin 
Heather I find that connecting with social media outside the United States to be very helpful especially when learning about a different culture, and how they view education. It is without question that social media is vital to current advocacy work. There are so many media forum to research and find ideas how to improve our current system.
I know for a fact I dont have time to read the newspaper and I know that having access to the internet allows me to glimpse into Yahoo News and other social media learn about current events and update me on related issues in the news, Although we should make time to read and inquire living in the demanding world we live in, I find it difficult to do so. I hope that any attention regarding poverty and homelessness raises awareness to us all to make a change to benefit someone else besides ourselves.