Rules for Engagement

Policy wikis and databases provide examples of how public and private entities are maximizing social media for their own aims.

BY: Tina Trenkner | February 8, 2010

As more and more state and local agencies use social media as a tool to share news and updates, many Web managers suggest having a plan as to how to use social media and who can use it on behalf of the agency. A helpful resource for agencies considering creating their own social media policies is the Web 2.0 Governance Policies and Best Practices wiki, managed by the Social Media Subcouncil. Web managers at all levels of government (and those not involved with government) are invited to submit their agency's social media guidelines. The wiki currently hosts links to general and policy-specific guidelines on behalf of the armed forces, federal agencies, states, cities and a number of private groups' policies as well. If governments are more curious about how the private sector treats social media, another list to consider is the policy database on the Web site Social Media Governance by Chris Bordreaux. He compiled social media policies from not just governments but also from non-profits, media outlets and private firms. Reading through how different entities approach social media may help state and local agencies create a plan for maximizing the use of social media in their operations. (Thumbnail photo: mikecpeck on Flickr)

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