06-24-14 Press Release - Supplemental Social Media Practices

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1 � o- r i South Bend Common Council Supplemental Social Media Practices and Guidelines Policy # 03-2014 Effective Immediately: 2014 To: The South Bend Common Council From: Council Member Tim Scott, Information and Technology Committee Chairperson Background: On January 16, 2013, Policy # 01-2013 was issued governing "Interim Policies and Procedures Addressing City-Owned Technologies". Those two (2)pages of policies and procedures remain in effect today. On February 1, 2013, Policy # 02-2013 was issued governing "Interim Policies and Procedures Addressing Council Facebook Standards". Those five (5)pages of policies and procedures remain in effect today. Policy # 03-2014 addressing "Supplemental Social Media Practices and Guidelines" is aimed at providing additional guidance to members of the South Bend Common Council, which are in addition to the current policies and procedures referenced above, which are on file in the Office of the City Clerk. Social Media: The many forms of social media are ever-changing. Social media content is fleeting because updates compete for attention in personal social media news streams. As a result, Council social media sites need to be clear, precise and be compliant with industry best practices, especially when posting updates. It was recently noted that: 'Social media is a two-edged sword, and once you press the 'send' or post' button, there is no going back...", "Social Media: Perils and Payoffs for Public Officials,Albuquerque Bar Quarterly Journal,December 9,2013. We will continue to develop policies and procedures which reflect "best practices" as we work with the City Administration in formalizing city-wide social media policies, which will govern all elected officials and city employees. These guidelines are provided in a format used by many Fortune 500 companies to address this rapidly changing media. These guidelines should guide your participation both personally, as well as when you are acting in your official elected capacity as an elected public official. Always be smart, use sound judgment and common sense. We will continue to update and improve these guidelines, so that they continually reflect "best practices". City-wide training through online learning portals are being pursued so that ongoing updates can be offered as social media continues to evolve. Our expectations, as well as the public's, is to always strive for excellence,especially since your posts become permanent. Recommended Practices and Guidelines: 1. Take responsibility — Know and follow City and Council policies when you decide to participate in conversation about Council or city content. Always take responsibility for the conversation(s) you start. Always respect your audience.