Social media is one of the fastest ways to elevate PN-3 priorities during a gubernatorial race, especially when connected with broader advocacy efforts. Used intentionally, it can increase visibility, mobilize supporters, and reinforce that families with young children are paying attention and engaging in the conversation.
Why Digital Engagement Matters
Campaigns monitor what people are talking about. A steady stream of credible, values-driven content helps signal that early childhood issues are relevant statewide — not niche or secondary.
Digital engagement works best when it reinforces real-world activity: town halls, roundtables, meetings, earned media, and coalition moments.
Set Clear Goals Before Posting
Start with a simple question: what are we trying to move? Your goal might be to:
- Raise awareness of PN-3 priorities
- Drive turnout to an event
- Elevate community voices
- Reinforce consistent coalition messaging
- Demonstrate visible community support from your organization and grassroot advocates for specific policy solutions
Clear goals lead to clearer content!
Mobilize Supporters with Simple, Concrete Actions
Digital engagement is strongest when supporters know exactly what to do. Make participation easy. Provide ready-to-use language, graphics, and hashtags so supporters don’t have to start from scratch.
- Share a short story about why supporting infants and toddlers matters
- Post before or after attending a town hall
- Tag all of the candidates when asking a question publicly
- Invite others to learn more or stay engaged
Build a Simple Digital Toolkit
Share materials ahead of key moments so partners can plan their posts. A basic toolkit can increase consistency and participation. You could include:
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- Three to five key messages in plain language
- To explore NCIT’s messaging guidance around key PN-3 issues, check out our Guidance for Engaging With Candidates toolkit here.
- Sample posts (short and adaptable)
- Branded or issue-aligned graphics
- Suggested hashtags or tagging guidance
- Upcoming engagement opportunities (e.g., when is it most effective to post?)
In the appendix, you can find sample social media post language for guidance.
Amplify Strategically
Consistent messaging across networks can help reinforce priorities and expand reach. Ensure you are fully leveraging your newsletters and partner communications forums to amplify relevant social media posts. Encourage partners and supporters to:
- Share and repost coalition content
- Add local context or personal perspective
- Tag relevant stakeholders when appropriate
- Link digital posts to real-world actions
Connect Digital Work to Your Broader Plan
Social media should reinforce other tactics. Integrating digital strategies with other tactics helps create a cohesive approach. Use social media to:
- Promote events and participation opportunities
- Recap key moments or candidate responses
- Share earned media placements
- Highlight community stories
- Signal next steps
Track Engagement and Learn
Monitoring digital engagement can help organizations understand what resonates and identify opportunities to strengthen outreach. Consider tracking participation, reach, and feedback to inform future efforts.
Track and Adjust
Monitor what gets engagement and what doesn’t. Track:
- Reach and shares
- Comments or questions raised
- Supporter participation
- Campaign responses, if any
Use that information to refine future posts.
Keep it Issues-Focused
Center posts on policies, community experiences, and shared values. Avoid language that could be interpreted as supporting or opposing a candidate.
