Social media for councillors

CommunicationEngagementCollaboration

Diane SimsKirklees Council

A very brief introduction to the Internet…

Lots and lots and

lots of computers

across the world.

Web addresses are

front doors to help

people find stuff.

Content providers

and an audience.Graphic: Visualising the Internet [BBC News]

The first version of the web…

Broadcast,

one-way content.

Promotional.

Reaching many

people, but

getting no reply.

Over time, the web has evolved…

It has become a place for conversations…

The second version of the web is social…

Open conversations

and collaboration.

Everyone can be

a content provider.

Not just one-to-one,

but one-to-many or

many-to-one or

many-to-many.Graphic: Creating Connections [VAK]

The social web is about sharing

Photos by: InAweofGod’sCreation, Kevin Grocki

We can each be

our own front door.

Information can

flow around easily.

Fewer barriers,

more opportunities.

Graphic: Social Media Mess [Tom Cunniff]

Feeling all at sea?

The good news is,

you already know

what’s relevant

for you and your

community – that’s

the important bit.

Everyone gets something different from using social media…

Our approach…

1. It’s about the outcomes, not the technology.We want our councillors, staff and partners to think about how social

media can help us to achieve specific outcomes, work together better,

improve public services and contribute to the aims of Kirklees Council.

2. We use a very broad definition of social media.

3. Our guidelines are available online……so everyone can find out what we’re doing.

http://socialmedia.kirklees.gov.uk

We’ve adopted the Young Foundation’s social media framework.

Listen…Find out what people are talking about – and where. Are there already some online spaces where you can connect with residents? Is there local content that you can link to, share or re-use?

Newsome Ward sharing = twitter accounts, text messages, calendars, blogs, videos, photos…

Participate…Join the conversation.

There are lots of different ways to join in:

Comment on local news

Share useful links

Create your own blog

Respond to questions and comments

Encourage others to share

You decide how much you want to share, but it’s definitely ok to be a human being. Honest.

Transform…Be open to finding new ways of doing things.

“I am interested in the community reporting workshop how can I get involved?”

Here’s Christine interviewing the Leader of the Council 6 weeks later:

New spaces are emerging where people can debate, collaborate and share. Be part of it.

diane.sims@kirklees.gov.uksocial.media@kirklees.gov.uk

http://socialmedia.kirklees.gov.uk

Remember - it's the way you use it that makes it social.