Facebook Policy

Purpose

This document describes the appropriate use of any Facebook asset set up for the purpose of supporting the Dunwoody United Methodist Church members, visitors and prospects. It also provides common-sense guidelines for staff who are on Facebook for their personal use. By accessing or posting to official organization- created and maintained Facebook accounts or by mentioning the organization on your personal Facebook account, you agree to abide by the guidelines established below.

Guidelines for Use of Dunwoody United Methodist Church’s Facebook Assets

1. 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.

2. Be responsible for what you write. Remember that just because you “can” say something doesn't mean 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.

3. Do not engage in discussions about other organizations’ activities unless they are in partnership with Dunwoody United Methodist Church, legal issues in which Dunwoody United Methodist Church is involved, or government or political issues related to the community or Dunwoody United Methodist Church, or the Methodist Church without prior approval from your manager.

4. Respect copyrights. Don't post text, images, audio 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.

5. Facebook is not a substitute for inter-organization communications. Important information should be transmitted within normal organization communication channels, not on Facebook. If you are dissatisfied with something or someone at Dunwoody United Methodist Church or any other aspect of the organization’s activities or partners, you should never use any social media channel as an outlet. Take the concern directly to the manager. Do not write or post about it.

6. Facebook is not a substitute for member or prospect customer service. While you may be able to answer general questions or concerns via Facebook, no sensitive information should ever be discussed on Facebook. Please refer member or visitor concerns to the appropriate clergy. The best communication strategy includes both Facebook and in person.

7. Search regularly for mentions of Dunwoody United Methodist Church, departments, groups, and general industry terms. If you find groups that users have formed to discuss the organization, its leadership, or services, please bring them to the attention of your manager or IT so they can monitor and create a communication plan.

8. Relay important issues to the proper channels as soon as possible. Issues may include requests for financial or spiritual assistance, complaints, opportunities to serve, requests to volunteer, etc. Social media is about serving, engaging and communicating. Please respond in a timely fashion.

9. If you have questions about how to respond to a specific post or group, discuss the issue with your

Dunwoody United Methodist ChurchOrganizationalFacebook-1.doc · Revision 1.5 · April 3, 2018 manager prior to posting.

10. Use good judgment when posting photos and videos from organizational events. Notify any employees who are in posted photos or appear in videos (if they are plainly visible) so that they may approve the posting of those photos or videos. You must receive permission from the person or persons visible in the photo or video. Never post any photos or videos that include a minor without the express written consent of their parents and Dunwoody United Methodist Church.

11. Always adopt a positive attitude when responding to comments on the organization’s pages or applications, or comments about the organization in general.

12. It’s good practice to have a colleague review the page after you have published to ensure that it is displaying correctly.

13. When using your personal Facebook account at any time, either while employed with Dunwoody United Methodist Church or after employment, be clear that you are not an official spokesperson for the organization and that your views do not necessarily reflect those of the organization.

Signed: ______Date: ______Employee

Signed: ______Date: ______Dunwoody United Methodist Church

Dunwoody United Methodist ChurchOrganizationalFacebook-1.doc · Revision 1.5 · April 3, 2018