This class will take place in person at the School of Government from 9am - 4pm.

If you are a local government professional who is actively managing social media accounts on behalf of your local government, this program is for you. As a government organization, how do you establish and grow your social media presence with an eye toward efficiency and effectiveness? How can you use Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms to inform and engage your community? How does the First Amendment apply to government-operated social media accounts and when does it prevent you from deleting comments or blocking users? When can government employees be disciplined for their speech on social media? What’s the line between an “official” account and a “personal” account on social media?

Over the course of one day, instruction will focus on social media law and the fundamentals of content creation. You will learn about social media platforms frequently used by governmental organizations, along with new platforms and features to consider. Discussions will focus on planning content, establishing a voice, using metrics to track your progress, and ensuring legal compliance related to content moderation, staff usage, and records retention. 

Bring your devices (laptops, tablets, phones, etc.) for this interactive exploration of the tools and trends that can guide your use of social media for social good!

*This is a combined course formerly known as “Social Media Strategies for Government Professionals” and “Social Media Strategies II.”

Meet Your Instructors

This course is taught by Kristi A. Nickodem, Robert W. Bradshaw Jr. Distinguished Term Assistant Professor of Public Law and Government, UNC School of Government, and Julie Beasley, Assistant Professor of Public Administration and Government, UNC School of Government.