The Weber Shandwick financial services industry practice hosts a terrific blog - http://www.financialstatementsblog.com/ - and this week posted about how U.S. government agencies are adopting social media. More and more resources are becoming available to government agencies to understand risks, how to mitigate them and best practices in social media use among government. Here as a sample of some really interesting resources:
Facebook and Government - Earlier this month, Facebook launched a new page to provide information about how governments can best use Facebook. The page contains links to resources and agencies already on Facebook.
New Media Across Government - Found on the U.S. government’s YouTube channel, this video highlights social media efforts at The White House and other federal government agencies.
Secure Use of Social Media - This document by The Federal Chief Information Officers Council provides guidelines for social media use by federal agencies in a manner that minimizes risks.
Apps.gov - The White House recently announced via its blog this new online source meant to help agencies “harness the power of today’s technology.” Social media applications, as well as how to request approval for agency use, are available on the site.
Webcontent.gov - Provides background on various forms of social media as well as additional resources for government agencies.
Twitter Takes Wings - In addition to providing a basic overview of Twitter, this story from Government Computer News makes the case for government participation in online areas where people are gathering. In addition, it discusses alternative services for project management or internal communications.
GovTwit - This online directory is a one-stop resource for all parts of the U.S. government on Twitter.
GovLoop - GovLoop is a social networking site specific to the government community. According to the site, it connects more than 14,500 federal, state, local, academics and good contractors.
We think these are really clever ways to connect with stakeholders and help make government more transparent and communicative.
Had a funny experience the other day when I was told that someone in IT showed up at a meeting with The Good Book of Badvocacy and was touting it as a must read! We at Weber Shandwick could not be more pleased and proud. Really love those Good Book advocates.

Wanted to direct you to a great article written by Weber Shandwick’s own Colin Byrne, CEO UK and Europe. It appeared last week and includes practical tips for minimizing reputation damage that comes from a company’s badvocates. Colin also cites real-world examples of the kinds of damage companies have experienced when they haven’t kept “the window to sabotage” shut tightly. Enjoy the article.
We were very proud today when our own advocate, Weber Shandwick’s Chairman Jack Leslie, was appointed by President Obama to be Chairman of the African Development Foundation’s (USADF) Board of Directors. For those of us who know Jack and see him at the office every day or visiting other offices around the world with his contagious smile and deep smarts, Jack’s knowledge, commitment, and passion for Africa and the underpriviledged cannot be missed.
As a true blue advocate for African development, Jack has been heavily involved in the work of USADF and been on several missions to the sub-Sahara. As Jack was quoted as saying, “I have long believed USADF has a unique role to play in Africa to see that the most under-served, most marginalized communities in Africa gain a greater voice in the development process. What I value most about USADF’s approach is that it not only provides aid where it is most needed, it also helps communities find creative solutions to address their social and economic problems. By doing so, it fosters sustainable development to generate jobs, higher incomes, and improved social conditions.”
We at Weber Shandwick take tremendous pride in Jack’s advocacy and sincerely congratulate him for setting such a fine example of citizenship. He is making a difference.
Tags: Advocacy, African development, Chairman, Jack Leslie, President Obama, USADF, Weber Shandwick
Brand fans or brand advocates are not uncommon. According to research by Anderson Analytics and covered in emarketer from May 2009, over one out of two social network users (52%) are now fans of a company or brand. Also nearly an equal amount (46% ) said something positive about a brand or company on a social networking Web site. People are looking to not only connect with people but with brands and companies as well, especially the ones they support and advocate for. Let’s not forget that brand advocacy is one way for people to communicate who they are and what matters to them.
Tags: Advocacy, brand advocacy