Social Media Community

Who We Are

The Social Media Community of Practice (CoP) launched in June 2012 to unite more than 200 Federal social media managers in a community dedicated to identifying and solving shared challenges. The group works with agencies across government, the Federal Web Managers Council, the White House, and with others outside of government to promote the effective and responsible use of social data for improving citizen services and cutting costs.

What We Do

We identify opportunities and challenges to improve government use of social data, and collectively address them for the shared benefit of all agencies. We support the creation of online communities that provide opportunities for citizens to collaborate, participate, and engage with their government.

• Best practices: We curate best practices for innovative, effective, and responsible use and governance of social media across the government.
• Training: We research, organize, and host live and on-demand social media training for all agencies in federal, state, and local government.
• Shared tools: We actively test and evaluate emerging social tools and strategies for government and negotiate federal-compatible terms of service for federal agencies.

Our community of practice asks questions, shares knowledge and experience, and helps government effectively implement emerging technologies. Through dynamic engagement, listening, and analysis, we provide citizens with better service and access to information.

We host a suite of programs to perform these functions, including in-person SocialGov Summits, regular blog posts, weekly online office hours, collaborative online and offline working groups, and an active listserv.

Our community includes many seasoned social media practitioners who are happy to share their expertise and lessons learned. To consult with our social media subject matter experts, or request one of our members on our speakers bureau to speak at your event, please contact Justin Herman, lead coordinator of the Social Media Community of Practice.

Who Can Join

If you work in social media for a U.S. government agency and you're interested in helping with these activities, join us. CoP membership is limited to U.S. government employees and contractors with a government email address.

How To Join

Please contact Justin Herman with “Subscribe to #SocialGov” in the subject line of your email to subscribe to our listserv. Include in the message body your name and job title.

See other related government communities.

Content Lead: Justin Herman
Page Reviewed/Updated: December 27, 2012