|
Page 9 of 150
<br />the new band shelter.” Employees who have been approved to use social media sites on behalf of the
<br />city should seek assistance from the city administrator on this topic.
<br /> Notify the city administrator if they will be using their personal technology (cell phones, home
<br />computer, cameras, etc.) for city business. Employees should be aware that data transmitted or stored
<br />may be subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
<br />
<br />Section 1.06 Personal Communications and Use of Social Media
<br />It is important for city employees to remember that the personal communications of employees may
<br />reflect on the city, especially if employees are commenting on city business or commenting on issues
<br />that implicate their city employment. As city representatives, employees share in the responsibility of
<br />earning and preserving the public’s trust in the city. An employee’s own personal communications,
<br />such as on social media, can have a significant impact on the public’s belief that all city staff will carry
<br />out city functions faithfully and impartially and without regard to factors such as race, sex/gender,
<br />religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, or other protected categories. Non-personal
<br />communications (performed within one’s job duties) to members of the public must be professional at
<br />all times. The following guidelines apply to personal communications, including various forms such
<br />as social media (Facebook, Twitter, blogs, YouTube, etc.), letters to the editor of newspapers, and
<br />personal endorsements:
<br />
<br /> Do not share any private or confidential information you have access to as a result of your city
<br />position.
<br /> Any personal communications made on a matter of public concern must not disrupt the
<br />efficiency of the city’s operation, including by negatively affecting morale. Put another way, such
<br />public comments must not undermine any city department’s ability to effectively serve the public.
<br />Disruptive personal communications can include liking or republishing (sharing/retweeting) a social
<br />media post of another individual or entity. The City can act on the personal communication that violates
<br />this policy without waiting for the actual disruption.
<br /> Remember what you write or post cannot easily be undone. It may also be spread to larger
<br />audience than you intended. Use common sense when using email or social media sites. It is a good
<br />idea to refrain from sending or posting information or photos you would not want your boss or other
<br />employees to read, or you would be embarrassed to see in the newspaper. Keep in mind harassment,
<br />bullying, threats of violence, discrimination, or retaliation concerning a co-worker or between co-
<br />workers that would not be permissible in the workplace is not permissible online, even if it is done
<br />after hours, from home and on home computers.
<br /> The City of expects its employees to be fair, courteous, and respectful to supervisors, co-
<br />workers, citizens, customers, and other persons associated with the city. Avoid using statements,
<br />photographs, video or audio that reasonably may be viewed as malicious, obscene, threatening or
<br />intimidating, disparaging, or might constitute harassment or bullying. Examples of such conduct might
<br />include offensive posts meant to intentionally harm someone’s reputation or posts that could contribute
<br />to a hostile work environment on the basis of sex, race, national origin, age, color, creed, religion,
<br />disability, marital status, familial status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender
<br />expression, status with regard to public assistance or membership or activity in a local human rights
<br />commission.
<br /> If you publish something related to city business and there is liable to be confusion whether
<br />you are speaking on behalf of the city, it would be best to identify yourself and use a disclaimer such
<br />as, “These are my own opinions and do not represent those of the city of Orono.”
<br /> City resources, working time, or official city positions cannot be used for personal profit or
<br />business interests, or to participate in personal political activity. Some examples: a building inspector
<br />could not use the city’s logo, email, or working time to promote his/her side business as a plumber; a
<br />68
|