GSMChat Recap: Coronavirus & SocialGov: Effectively Communicating a Pandemic
As soon as the coronavirus swept across the U.S., the socialgov community switched to crisis communication mode. How do you effectively communicate a pandemic? During the March 19, 2020, Government Social Media Chat we took a look at important questions government social media professionals should consider.
We appreciate everyone in the #SocialGov community who has been working tirelessly on #Coronavirus messaging for your communities. Your position is vital during unprecedented times like these, and we are here to support you in any way we can. #GSMChat #COVIDー19
— Government Social Media (@GovernmentSM) March 19, 2020
Many in the #SocialGov community were already feeling the effects of crisis communicating but were able to participate in any way they could, even briefly.
Hello, everyone. Sorry I can’t join you for #GSMChat.
— Warren Kagarise (@wkagarise) March 19, 2020
But I want to share some of our #COVID19 resources:
🔗https://t.co/vwN9Fodh5d
🔗https://t.co/xyJc3n62zO
And of course, we’re posting updates to @KCPubHealth and @KingCountyWA.
Hang in there — and please wash your hands. 🧼 https://t.co/3cGoCbq0yw
We first wanted to cover one major shift: how to transition from being in an office or out in the field to having to work from home, with your many new coworkers.
Some in the #SocialGov community are now working from home due to #Coronavirus. How could working from home affect you & what steps can you take to make the transition easier? #GSMChat #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/rvStt3T7VE
— Government Social Media (@GovernmentSM) March 19, 2020
One of the biggest roadblocks was finding a new way to juggle internal communications.
A1: This is already affecting us! The biggest issue is coordinating with others spread all over the city and accessing resources and networks that aren't remote-work friendly. #gsmchat
— Shane (@savanapridi) March 19, 2020
And, how to keep up productivity in this new environment.
A1. Thirdly: my supervisor asks for a morning check-in and end of day check out where I outline my goals and accomplishments for the day. At first, I didn't like this practice, but I've actually found it to be helpful for my productivity. #GSMChat
— Keith Davenport (@keithmdavenport) March 19, 2020
Government Social Media Councilmember Jess Brown chimed in with helpful tips on how to establish a new routine in the new normal.
A1:
— Jessie Brown ☮️ ⚓ 💙 (@jbrownsocial) March 19, 2020
* Stay in touch with your coworkers.
* Have dedicated, comfy spots dedicated to work.
* Keep to your regular routine, including sleep!
* Set clear expectations with your kids.
* Super good headphones for when the kids don't listen.
* stockpile caffeine#gsmchat
Staying in your lane, especially during a pandemic, can be difficult. How is the socialgov community handling this?
A1. Thirdly: my supervisor asks for a morning check-in and end of day check out where I outline my goals and accomplishments for the day. At first, I didn't like this practice, but I've actually found it to be helpful for my productivity. #GSMChat
— Keith Davenport (@keithmdavenport) March 19, 2020
Many echoed that communication between departments & jurisdictions is key to get the crucial info out to their communities. Also, repetition, repetition, repetition.
A2: It looks like sharing and reiterating the most urgent messages of our public health partners on our own pages. We’re hearing repetition helps.
— Mikayla Moskov (@mikaylamoskov) March 19, 2020
(It also means REGULARLY connecting with my #SocialGov counterparts closer to #COVID19 to see what they see/need/want.) #GSMChat
A2: It's a two-way lane. I share info about what steps my agency is taking in response to local guidance to our JIS; I take local guidance and adapt it for our audiences. #gsmchat https://t.co/h5IWYSac5v
— Bronlea 🐈🐓🐐🐎🐕 (@bronleamishler) March 19, 2020
A2: We can act as a curator, bringing together important information from various official sources (CDC, Health District, State Gov., etc.). Our social presence is more robust than many local organizations. We are their amplifier. #gsmchat
— Shane (@savanapridi) March 19, 2020
This crisis called for the regular social media plan to be majorly upgraded, and fast. How could socialgovs incorporate important, relevant resources into your new social strategy?
Q3: What are some relevant #Coronavirus resources you’re following, and how are you incorporating them into your social strategy? #GSMChat #lesm #smem #SocialGov #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/6Aehstm1tR
— Government Social Media (@GovernmentSM) March 19, 2020
Government social media professionals provided their go-to resources including information from the CDC, WHO and local jurisdictions.
Q3: What are some relevant #Coronavirus resources you’re following, and how are you incorporating them into your social strategy? #GSMChat #lesm #smem #SocialGov #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/6Aehstm1tR
— Government Social Media (@GovernmentSM) March 19, 2020
A3:
— Jenny Nuss (@itsjennynuss) March 19, 2020
✅Sharing @CDCgov & @CDCemergency as appropriate
✅ Host a separate Twitter account we encourage all staff to follow for all emergency updates (#wildfires, #earthquakes, etc) with specific staff resources#GSMChat
A3: Literally the government social media community Facebook group.
— Jordan Gilgenbach 🍕 (@jgilgenbach) March 19, 2020
Nice to see others are all in the same boat trying to figure this out and sharing ideas. #gsmchat https://t.co/33ar3kLScn
One question on everyone’s mind: What will be some of the long term effects we’ll see on public process or agency’s programs due to the pandemic?
Q4: Public meetings, events, schools and more are shutting down. What long-term effects may #SocialDistancing have on public process and your agency’s programs? #GSMChat #SocialGov #COVIDー19 pic.twitter.com/vP60AQHZmU
— Government Social Media (@GovernmentSM) March 19, 2020
There’ll likely be many long term effects, and one socialgov brought up this important point:
A4 - Will impact learning for our most vulnerable students. Students who don't have access to internet or computers will fall behind. Special ed students who don't receive regular services will fall behind. Students who rely on Free and Reduced meals will go hungry. #GSMChat
— Elaine Darby (@ejdarby) March 19, 2020
And many were looking for ways to incorporate their community virtually.
A4: Hopefully it will create a bigger emphasis on virtual public involvement. I think that's where we've been headed for a while, but this just shows the importance of meeting people where they are (in this case online). #Gsmchat
— Zach Whitney (@zachwhitneynews) March 19, 2020
A4: I'm hoping many of the community/civic/schools/city groups go virtual because of this. Then it will always be ready and waiting when needed. #GSMChat
— Central Pierce Fire & Rescue (@CentralPierce) March 19, 2020
As difficult and trying these unprecedented times are, it’s also important to include messaging to support positivity & kindness in your communities. How are government communicators balancing these messages?
A5: articles on authentic connection in a #socialdistancing world, encouragement to experience the great outdoors to keep stress away, encouraging active transportation to take breaks from screens #GSMchat https://t.co/8WvbKQW9zO
— Anthea Thomas 👩🏽💻 (@MPOAnthea) March 19, 2020
A5: This is a very good question and I think so many of us are in the reactive mode right now that we haven't really had time to think about how to go about doing something like this. But I definitely appreciated this tweet by @JOCOMNH today: https://t.co/FZDEQiUVhB #gsmchat
— Mark Van Baale (@markvanbaale) March 19, 2020
A5: No shortage of stress inducing info out there. We like to add positivity, community (#TogetherMV), #WFHselfie campaign sharing pics, and helpful resources to thrive in "shelter in place" life. https://t.co/Ox6zlDSnI9 #gsmchat
— Deputy Chief Chris Hsiung (@chMtnViewPD) March 19, 2020
A5: Just an engage with your audience. Ask them what shows they’re watching, if they have any workouts the can share, or to share the favorite recipes.
— Jon Tolbert @ 🏡 (@imjontolbert) March 19, 2020
During this time of social distancing, this is the best time to engage your community on a different level. #gsmchat
We appreciate the socialgov community supporting each other, sharing tips & helpful resources! For a full recap of the March 19, 2020 Government Social Media Chat on communicating during the coronavirus pandemic, read through the whole chat on Wakelet.
