General Policy for the Use of Social Media
Purpose
The use of social networks and social media websites for business purposes is increasing. Dunwoody United Methodist Church realizes the benefits of participating in social networks and online communities and we seek to engage our members and prospects in the social web. The purpose of this document is to provide some general guidelines and procedures for employees to follow when using social websites. Specific documents may be provided that outline appropriate use of individual social media platforms.
How Social Media Can Benefit Dunwoody United Methodist Church
Before the existence of social networks, churches could benefit from the goodwill and community standing of their staff, volunteers, members and prospects. Even though the Internet has enabled the scale and scope of online communities to change, churches can still benefit from the positive online presence of our staff. Therefore, we support and encourage your engagement in social networks.
Acceptable Work Related Uses of Social Networks
Some social networks may automatically be blocked by Dunwoody United Methodist Church IT staff, or by software that we use. If you need access to a social network for work-related reasons, please contact IT. Below is a list of acceptable uses of social media sites:
1. Use of public social networks for recruiting purposes.
2. Use of public social networks to monitor public opinion about Dunwoody United Methodist Church, its activities, departments, services or leadership.
3. Use of public social networks to create affinity groups, support marketing goals, or obtain testimonials.
4. Use of public social networks for professional networking purposes.
General Guidelines for Social Network Use
1. Be responsible for what you write. Remember that just because you “can” say something doesn't mean that you should. Written word is more difficult to interpret than verbal interaction. Remember that what you say will be a permanent record. Be careful. Be smart.
2. Be authentic and use full disclosure. If you are discussing something specific to Dunwoody United Methodist Church, it is in your best interest to disclose that you work for the organization.
3. Respect copyrights. Don't post text, images or video created by someone else without proper attribution. If you have questions about copyright law and/or usage of certain media, contact your manager.
4. Do not disclose confidential or proprietary information about yourself, others or the organization. Disclosing confidential information is cause for termination. This includes, but is not limited to, vendor information, addresses, speculative information about staff or volunteers, financial information, etc. Keep your posts to the activities you are supporting. If you are unsure if something is confidential or proprietary, please check with the Church Administrator.
5. Protect confidential and proprietary company information. If you see confidential information posted in a public forum, please notify the Church Administrator immediately.
6. Remember to be productive. Occasional use of personal social networks at work is acceptable, particularly when such use benefits the organization. Use good judgment to ensure that you have plenty of time to complete all of your regular work. Adhering to the editorial calendar will facilitate smart use of social media.
7. When using social media websites on personal time, you are still expected to abide by the following guidelines:
A. Any online public discussion of the organization, its leadership, activities or services should include a disclaimer that you work for Dunwoody United Methodist Church and that your views do not necessarily represent those of your employer.
B. Any blog of which you are an author should post a similar disclaimer as above.
C. You are not required to list the organization in the place of employment section on your Facebook, Twitter, or other social media account.
D. If you choose to list the organization on one of your social media accounts, Dunwoody United Methodist Church reserves the right to request removal or modification of any pictures, videos, text, comments, or other media that the organization believes may reflect poorly on the organization. Such requests must be accommodated as a condition of continued employment.
E. You are expected to remember that everything in social media is a permanent record and will reflect not only on you but on your employer. As such, if you are dissatisfied or have a concern with anything having to do with the organization, its activities or leadership, you should bring it directly to the attention of your manager or other trusted organizational support channel. You should never post negative comments on any social media outlet either during or after employment with Dunwoody United Methodist Church.
7. It is your responsibility as an employee to report any negative information about the organization that you find on any social media sites.
8. It is your responsibility as an employee to report any violations of the organizational social media policy by any employee of the organization.
9. You are solely responsible for the legal implications of any actions you take when participating on social media websites. Dunwoody United Methodist Church will not be held liable for any litigation that results as part of your actions.
10. If you have any questions or concerns about what is or is not appropriate regarding the use of social media, please speak to your manager.
Signed: ______Date: ______
Employee
Signed: ______Date: ______
Dunwoody United Methodist Church
CompanySocialMediaPolicy.doc·Revision 1.0·May 27, 2010