Social Media Advisory Counsel Formed in Aftermath of Steubenville Rape Case
On August 11, 2012, the unthinkable in social media happens in my hometown community. Read here for details regarding the Steubenville rape case.As a part of my work as a lawyer, I have given several presentations/talks about social media (both pros and cons for the professional, the business, and the student). We also have drafted several social media policies for various entities. In the aftermath of the Steubenville rape case, my firm was contacted to assist the Social Media Advisory Counsel (SMAC) with obtaining its 501(c)(3) non profit status.Just last week on September 30, 2014, SMAC kicked off with a press conference at the Millsop Community Center in Weirton, WV. View television coverage of the press conference here. (that is me live tweeting about the event on my iPhone).Established in June 2013, the Counsel's mission is to advocate acceptable ways to communicate on different social media platforms and to bring this information to schools, businesses, government agencies, civic groups and associations in our community.You can view their website at http://www.SMACounsel.org for information and safety tips on all leading social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, Twitter and much more. Also included is the "4Way Test" (same test employed by Rotary members) for good communicating on any social media platform.Some important things to remember while using social media include:
- Is it the Truth?
- Is it fair to all involved?
- Will it build goodwill and better friendship?
- Will it be beneficial to all concerned?