Social Media for Government

© Copyright Laurie Boettcher 2011

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social media forgovernme

ntUsing Social Media: Policy Development, Implementation and Record Retention

Issues



Outline1. Government 2.0

2. Benefits of Gov 2.0

3. Government challenges

4. City of Eau Claire efforts

5. Q & A



The concept of Gov 2.0 is loosely defined as the use of New Media methods and technologies such as:• Blogging (government blogs)• Rogue micro sites (recovery.gov,

business.gov, ready.gov)• Social media profiles (Facebook, YouTube,

LinkedIn)• Social bookmarking (Digg, Delicious, Reddit)• Micro-blogging (Twitter)• Community involvement (Citizens Briefing

Book, Community.Business.gov)





• Communication tool to reach the widest audience.

• Delivers the message directly to followers without them having to search a web site or other sources.

• Immediacy of getting the information directly in the hands of residents.

• Reach a younger demographic. • Cost is staff time, not financial.• Avoid the middle man (media) in getting

message out.

Benefits of Gov 2.0



Government 2.0 is taking a step back to see how we can integrate social media into traditional communication activities to reach a new, wider demographic withminimal cost impacts.

In Essence





There are countless situations government agencies have to adhere to that the private sector does not. A few of these issues may include:• Regulating social networks may cause

freedom of speech concerns.• Should government-posted content on a

third-party Web site be considered public record?

Government Challenges



• If advertisements show up on a government SM Page, does it imply the state, city, or county is endorsing the advertised product?

• Handling Public Records Issues for Social Media

• Third Party Content.• Content Ownership/Control.• Defamation/Other Torts.• Litigation Impact.

Government Challenges

(cont)



City of Eau Claire Efforts• IT planning and strategies• City Administrator advocating for efforts• Social Media Team organized• Social media policy created• Created social media presences• Departmental trainings• Staff-wide social media training• Ongoing efforts



City of Eau Claire EffortsDepartments wanting to participate in social media efforts:• Approval from department head• Submit request to SM Committee• Complete worksheet• Review worksheet with SM Committee• Sign privacy policy and receive training

materials• Engage in social media efforts• Maintenance meetings• Intermediate and advance trainings



City of Eau Claire EffortsDepartments• Administration: Manager’s Blog,

YouTube, Facebook Page, Manager Page, Twitter

• Hobbs: Facebook• Transit: Facebook, Twitter• Public Works: Blog, Twitter• Streets: Blog, Twitter• Police Department: Blog, Twitter• Parks and Rec: Facebook, Twitter• Fairfax Pool: Facebook



Questions?

Social Media for Government

Education