Drawing on her personal path from indifferent citizen to passionate campaigner, Victoria Bonney implores us to examine the ways citizens and elected officials alike are using social media to change democracy - for the better. From the swift engagement of hashtags to the transparency of tweeting policy-at-play in unfolding situations, social media is changing the way we see our representatives - and the way they see us. After volunteering for Howard Dean’s 2004 presidential campaign, Victoria Bonney was inspired to be a voice for causes and political candidates that she believed in. During her 12-year career, she has served as a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood, the New Hampshire Democratic Party, the Massachusetts Speaker of the House, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services during implementation of the Affordable Care Act. With expertise in digital storytelling and online engagement, Victoria currently serves as Communications Director for Maine’s First District Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. She is a 2006 graduate of Endicott College. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx