Purpose:
This policy establishes guidelines for the use of social media. The City of Casa Grande encourages the use of social media to further the goals of the City and to reach a broader audience. Also, to increase the way residents communicate and obtain information online with the City of Casa Grande.
Definition:
“Social Media” is the term commonly given to websites, online tools and other Interactive Communication Technologies when used by businesses or government entities for promotion and sharing information.
“Social Networking” is a tool used to connect people who share the same professional interests and activities through the use of web based services. These social websites can include MySpace, Twitter, and Facebook.
Responsibility:
The Public Information Office will monitor the content on the social media site to ensure adherence to the Social Media Policy for appropriate use, message and branding are consistent with the goals of the City. Violation of these standards may result in the removal of City page from social media outlets. The Public Information Office retains the authority to remove the page or information if deemed inappropriate.
Policy:
Transparency
Your honesty or dishonesty will be quickly noticed in the social media environment. If you are blogging about your work at the City of Casa Grande, use your real name, identify that you work for City of Casa Grande, and be clear about your role. If you contribute to or maintain a personal blog or website that covers the City’s business space, make clear that your opinions are your own and not the City’s.
Respect
Participation in social computing on behalf of City of Casa Grande is not a right but an opportunity, so please treat it seriously and with respect.
We encourage you to express your opinions, but we ask that you do not resort to personal attacks, harassment, cultural insensitivity, or discrimination in the process. Post meaningful, respectful comments—in other words, no spam and no remarks that are off-topic or offensive. Once posted, the City reserves the right to delete submissions that contain vulgar language, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive comments that target or disparage any ethnic, racial, or religious group. Further, the City also reserves the right to delete comments that are: (i) spam or include links to other sites; (ii) clearly off topic; (iii) advocate illegal activity; (iv) promote particular services, products, or political organizations; or (v) infringe on copyrights or trademarks.
Confidentiality
Material posted using social media should not disclose privileged information. Do not post any information that would infringe upon the propriety, privacy, or personal rights of others. Confidences of present and former clients and employees should be safeguarded. Confidential information should not be disclosed unless specific permission has been granted by the parties concerned; or unless it is in the public interest; or unless required to do so by law. Do not reveal City sensitive or proprietary information, and make sure you have permission from our clients and partners before mentioning them by name.
Integrity
Integrity is the key to the ethical treatment of social media, as indeed it is the key to all elements of professionalism. It requires that members are honest and open in their use of social media. Members should have regard for the public interest. They should be accurate when disseminating information. They should never use social media knowingly to mislead clients, employees, employers, colleagues or fellow professionals. All statements must be true and not misleading and all claims must be substantiated and approved. Also, because situations change, make sure references or sources of information are current.
If you make a mistake, admit it. Be upfront and be quick with your correction. If you're posting to a blog, you may choose to modify an earlier post—just make it clear that you have done so. Be the first to respond to your mistakes.
When speaking with someone with an adversarial position, make sure that what you state is factual and is not disparaging. Avoid arguments or confrontations. Nor do you need to respond to every criticism or barb. So be careful and considerate. Once the words are out there, you can not really get them back.
Endorsements
Do not use the City of Casa Grande name to endorse or promote products, opinions, or causes. You may provide a link from your site to a City of Casa Grande web site.
Following these procedures will help ensure we stay on course as a City, and at the same time have ability to engage online with our residents in a new way.
