Social Media & the Public Sector Luke Gibbs Mission Creative

Social Media & the Public Sector— Worthwhile Venture? :: Common government/public sector complaints :: What is social media? :: How can it help? :: What if… :: What is Step 1? :: Closing Argument

Social Media & the Public Sector— Common Complaints/Roadblocks :: Impersonal/Unapproachable :: Like what you do, hate the way they THINK you do it; lack of understanding :: Not trustworthy :: Inefficiency; lack of transparency :: Lack of accountability :: Not able to have an impact on actions; powerless

What is social media? Online activity that integrates one or more of the following: :: Technology- the platform [Facebook, Twitter, etc.] :: Social Interaction- the users :: Content [user-generated posts, videos, images, etc.]

What is social media? Online activity that allows users to do one or more of the following: :: Communicate- blogs, microblogs :: Collaborate- wikis, social bookmarking :: Multimedia Sharing- Flickr, YouTube, Slideshare FACEBOOK- merging of social environments

Social Media & the Public Sector— How can it help? :: Impersonal/Unapproachable - Directly related to breakdown in communication - Public sector gives, we take. Period. - Not seen as two-way dialogue - Communication is key to social media integration - Build relationships with the entities we rely on

Social Media & the Public Sector— How can it help? :: Like what you do, hate the way they THINK you do it; lack of understanding :: Not trustworthy - Social media provides venue to apply reason, emotion to actions - Central location for constituents to complain—and central forum for you to defend - Has to start internally; brand promise

Social Media & the Public Sector— How can it help? :: Inefficiency; lack of transparency :: Lack of accountability - OGD or no OGD, a confidence must exist in the services you provide - “We have nothing to hide” - Staying current among your social medias will make you stay current among your organization - ECIA especially—look at opportunities to collaborate with other agencies, services

Social Media & the Public Sector— How can it help? :: Not able to have an impact on actions; powerless - Social interaction—primary tenant of social media - Surveys, feedback, online suggestion box - Again, must be two-way

Social Media & the Public Sector— How can it help? :: Principles of Open Government Directive apply to social media for Public Sector - Transparency - Participation - Collaboration

Social Media & the Public Sector— What if #1—Public Transit Services :: Integration of realtime data stream; updates to schedule, routes, trips, etc. :: Interactive information for caregivers and orgs already working with those you serve :: ‘Connecting people to life’s destinations’ NYC Transit Twitter>

Social Media & the Public Sector— What if #2—Employment & Training :: Stream most recent job opportunities :: Training videos/podcasts :: LinkedIn group; networking :: Blog with info on training, job hunting, personal branding, etc. IA Workforce Devo YouTube>

Social Media & the Public Sector— What if #3—Homeowners/Housing Devo :: Stream house listings :: Image series showcasing work done during housing devo :: Community platform for Q&A :: Continue relationship; blog on taxes, budgeting, etc. :: DIY videos on YouTube

Social Media & the Public Sector— What if #4—Technical Assistance :: Look at all your services! :: BRANDING :: Collaboration :: Blog, community platform :: Engage communities as partners; help them grow :: Interconnectivity Fed Government Facebook>

Social Media & the Public Sector— Orange County Transportation Authority :: Goes beyond basic TA info :: Useful/Entertaining :: Facebook page integrates images, video and events :: Good example of organization going beyond perceptions

Social Media & the Public Sector— What is Step 1? :: Make a decision—Progressing as pioneers versus progressing when it’s easy Step 2 :: The change has to begin at home

Social Media & the Public Sector— What is Step 1? Step 3 :: Consider your brand, mission statement and brand promise Step 4 :: Collaborate with other communities, agencies - All parties have a learning curve :: Research the mandatories [rules/regs/policies re: Section 8, Business Lending, privacy]

Social Media & the Public Sector— What is Step 1? Step 5 :: Start small so you can be consistent :: Be realistic; prepare for negativity Step 6 :: Market yourself!

Social Media & the Public Sector— Closing Argument ECIA provides vital services to those who take advantage at life-changing—and sometimes life-defining—moments. You need to be vibrant, a source of hope. I feel like social media, along with other bolstered marketing efforts, could further familiarize the community in which you exist with your organization. Social media could allow you to cement your relationships and establish ECIA not only as a resource, but as a life-long partner. Use social media to add meaning > understanding > life/human side to what your organization does

Questions? Comments?