social media in government and politics

Social Media In Government and Politics

William A. BurtonProfessional Systems, Inc.

November 7, 2009

Agenda

Government 2.0

Key Uses and Applications for Government 2.0

Political Applications for Social Media

Q & R

Government 2.0?

Government 2.0 is neologism for attempts to apply the social networking and integration advantages of Web 2.0 to the practice of government.

Practical Applications for Social Media

Connecting with Community and Constituents

Mobilization of Municipalities

Emergency Notification / Public Safety

RFP Distribution / Employment Search

Connect with Important Demographics

Within its first few weeks, Billings' personal Facebook page gathered more than 500 fans, Watterson said. Friday evening it was up to 1,241.

- Kahrin DeinesThe Billings Gazette

"I decided to become friends with the city because I've lived here the majority of my life," wrote

Brooklyn Porter, 14, in a Facebook message. "Also, because I think it's great, not too big and

not too small!“

Mobilization of Municipalities

Problem: Smaller Municipalities have limited budgets and resources

Most Municipalities have Common Issues and Challenges

Individually Cannot Compete with Powerful Lobbyist

Collectively creates a powerful force at State and Federal Level

Stay updated with policy issues that impact

Emergency Notification / Public Safety

Community alert of impeding security or safety concerns

Get Feedback From Community on Criminal or Safety Concerns

Provides for Alternative and Flexible Communication for crime prevention and reporting.

DC Used Social Media to Get 530 Criminals to Surrender

RFP Distribution and Job Search

LinkedIn

50 Million Professionals Use Linkedin

Targeted Search for Desired Skills and Resources

Research

Expanded Distribution

Improved Quality of Respondents

Targeted Audience

Increased Competitive Bidding = Better Pricing

Social Media In Politics

Questions & Answers