This week’s blog post on PLN’s, Inclusion, and Community Engagement is a very interesting topic. For this blog prompt, I will primarily focus on the health care sector for the first section and the push for inclusion and community engagement in the past few years. The healthcare sector for a long time understands the importance of inclusion not only for positive patient outcomes, but also for health care systems as a whole. For example, Healthcare systems are keenly aware that diversity among staff, senior leaders, and the board are important to improving patient medical outcomes and reducing health disparities (Grant, n.d.). With that being said, health care has been a hot topic surrounding instances of not providing staff and patients the ability to express diversity and inclusion. Of course, as time progresses, there are incremental changes in the right direction. Similarly, the evolution of inclusion states that the move from integration to inclusion is the attempt to meaningfully include all individuals in the sector. This is an ongoing shift that can clearly be seen in the health care field.

Additionally, the use of PLN’s and their ability to connect and enhance professional development has shown to create a more inclusive environment. In any environment, Markiel Simpson expressed that social media has enabled us to network/meet with people that otherwise would not have had. As a result of this, this can promote inclusion, and equity between health care professionals and patients. To expand, these online platforms and tools play a major role in providing environments that allow for discussion and sharing of ideas. For the most part these interactions serve to improve inclusion, whether it be created by an organization or employees themselves.

How does social media use in public discourse potentially challenge advocacy communications?

Public discourse has been prominent in social media platforms for quite some time now. I believe that social media social media platforms can act as a roadblock to advocacy communications. In the past, social media platforms such as Youtube, Twitter, and Facebook to name few, have censored information and haven’t allowed for public discourse. It could also challenge advocacy communications by distorting the underlying message that is intended for the audience. As we know, it’s very easy to manipulate information online and how its distributed. With that being said, there are many challenges that face advocacy communications that could alter the deliberate message.

How diverse is your existing PLN?

As of a few years ago, my PLN had not been diverse. This primarily has to with the lack of connections and interactions I was experiencing. For reference, my PLN as of now consists of a multitude of individuals ranging from students, professors, colleagues from work, and much more. I can firmly say prior to university and working out in the field, my PLN was rather small and didn’t consist of a variety of people that have all very different experiences. This also has to do with not being active on social media and reaching out to make connections. The social platforms have always existed, but not until recent I have been utilizing them to their full extent.

In your PLN, are you learning from a variety of voices?

Definitely, as mentioned above, I have expanded my PLN to consist of individuals with a variety of values, belief’s, experiences, and ideas. It’s very interesting to view my current PLN and understand the different type of individuals that exist and that I’m connected to. The majority of the voices I learn from is from Linkedin and Twitter, and a large portion of those individuals are previous managers and colleagues from work. I am also connected with lots of professors throughout my years in University, and other students as well. With that being said, every person that I am connected with online can provide a different perspective on any topic which is very fascinating.

How does social media engage in advocacy communications?

I believe that social media plays a huge and distinct role in advocacy communication. In today’s society, social media tends to be the foundational structure for advocacy of any kind. Social media is continually changing as well as the people who use it, and because of that it’s important to fully grasp the certain type of advocacy being done. As stated by Markiel Simpson, making allies and other people to amplify your messaging within your niche is really important. This is a really important point because social media is constantly invoking change. It’s as simple as a hashtag or picture that can change the perspective of an individual. Another important point to discuss the ever-evolving aspect of social media. Meaning that individual’s perspectives and ideas will constantly change with time.

How can you use a diverse PLN to broaden views of inclusion in a professional community?

I could use a diverse PLN to expand my views of inclusion by understanding other people’s perspectives on the topic. I feel that everyone in the professional community has different experiences in regard to inclusion, and that helps broaden views in every individual connected to your PLN. For example, while working on co-op, everyone in the workplace would heavily advocate for inclusion and equality between everyone in the company. This was always an underlying theme within the company, and this created a welcoming environment.

In your professional setting of choice, do you think inclusion is actively embraced?

Yes, I would definitely say inclusion is embraced in all aspects. I do also believe within the past few years, inclusion has had a major push not only in the professional setting, but within all sectors. At work, there are current programs, events, meetings, and most importantly action on ensuring inclusion is actively pursed.

What is the learning outcome of your evolving PLN and how are you ensuring your continued exposure to diversity and inclusion?

My learning outcome would be to always learn new perspective and ideas as more people begin to join my PLN. This is also how I will ensure constant exposure to diversity and inclusion. I feel that immersing yourself in the progression of professional and personal development will inevitably include inclusion. This would also include people learning from me and my experiences also.

How has your thinking about inclusion and PLN evolved after reviewing the videos and readings?

I have learned quite a bit about inclusion, especially from the videos of class interviews, and the history of inclusion. Both have provided me a good foundation of the history and the current landscape of inclusion and PLN’s. I can confidently say that I have become more sympathetic and want to be more progressive in listening and understanding everyone’s experiences and ideas.

References

Grant, A. (n.d.) Diversity and Inclusion in Healthcare Advancement: Changing Behaviors and Outcomes. https://www.ahp.org/docs/default-source/resource-center/alg-ahp-diversity-and-inclusion-whitepaper.pdf

Moore, S. (2021). EDCI 338 – 20 Minutes Moore. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeSV0rUl1bA

Moore, S. (2018). The Evolution of Inclusion: The past and future of education. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PQgXBhPh5Zo&feature=youtu.be

Simpson, M. (2021). EDCI – 338 Markiel Simpson. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsoDHGaXNNs