My identity within professional communications is beginning to be developed around politics. Throughout my undergrad program I had several political internship experiences that informed and shaped my professional goals. Working as an intern in a state legislative office opened my eyes to role and impact communications has on our political system. In its simplest form democratic government is a system of communication that arrives at decision making. The voters communicate their concerns at the ballot box to politicians who champion those concerns. They communicate those concerns into policy which is then interpreted and implemented by intuitions.
My next internship was in a Federal Senator's communications office where my attention was directed at the dialogue between citizens and their elected representatives. This communication is the foundation of democracy and taking part in the conversation has driven my professional interests.
Currently, I am a legislative aide for a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. Now as a professional I get to actively take part in the citizen- official dialogue. This takes place in speeches, social media, press releases and much more.
Compelling Quote:
"Professional communication is professional when it influences and confronts either the unfettered power of capitalism, the regulatory power of the state, or both" (Faber, 121)
I find this quote so compelling because it drives at the heart of professional identity. A professional communicator balances the needs of the private sector and government for the benefit of the people. The House is considered to be the "lower chamber" of the legislature and thus is suppose to be closer to the people. My everyday professional duties deal with this communication. Conveying the concerns of private citizens to government institutions helps shape the discussion around the issues our communities face. Conversely, it enables civic leaders to inform and organize the people to catalyze change.
Professional Title:
Constituent Communicator Extraordinaire
This title is responsible for hearing and conveying the issues that people face to higher powers. It is also responsible for shaping the discourse surrounding the issues for the day. It is both a leader and an advocate who balances feedback from both sides of the equation to find policy that is impactful while making space for humanity.
Special Issues:
Topic: Organizational Social Media Usage
Article: "How Large Information Technology Companies Use Twitter: Arrangement of Corporate Accounts and Characteristics Tweets"
This article is not explicitly political however, social media is the new frontier of political discourse and an understanding of how organizations communicate within those systems still holds relevant value. This article depicts how organizations use a variety of accounts to facilitate online community in a variety of genres. Much like how the President has a campaign account, a White House Account, and an office account. A politicians online presence is an essential aspect of their image and ability to join in political and constituent discourses. Organizational accounts are a personification that exist in online spaces and can provide dynamic personalized communication that encourages participation by all users. We have seen President's that govern by Tweet and Senators debate in the comment section. The future of market place of ideas is online and understanding how best to facilitate community and engagement online is essential.
Topic: Technical Communication in the Translation of Native Dialects
Article: "(Re)Framing Multilingual Technical Communication with Indigenous Language Interpreters and Translators"
Our world is becoming increasingly interconnected and as our society's globalize a new ethic and awareness is needed. Translating should be a balance of language were space is made for all. Languages reflect their communities historical context and traditions. The language associated with the dominant economic or technological systems should not extinguish the value of native languages. Professional communication is not just broadcasting information. It is taking into account the context of the audience to fit the message best to their needs. Massachusetts has a diversity of languages and cultures that political communicator needs to be aware of. Part of advocating for a constituency is being able to listen to them and understand their concerns. Communication is a back and forth that requires the professional to balance needs and utilize nuance. There needs to space for everyone at the table of government.