February 2023 socialgov training: Live webinars & GSMChat

Mark your calendars! There are exciting socialgov-specific webinars and chats coming up in February 2023 you won’t want to miss.

These upcoming completely virtual government social media events are specific to public service communicators like you! Join live from wherever you are to collaborate together during GSMChat in the free GSM network or join the economical GSM professional association to watch monthly webinars. 

Can’t join live? We understand a job in government social media can get busy! Available GSMChats are posted in the free network. Webinar replays are found in the professional association for most live training.

Free chats! Government Social Media Chats

Ever have a question you wanted to collaborate with your fellow peers on? Or, have advice to share? This is a great way to do just that!

Happening every other Thursday since 2015, Government Social Media Chat (GSMChat) is a place for government social media professionals to discuss and share ideas with each other on different topics in a text-only chat. Recaps are available for most chats, too!

10 a.m. PT, Thursday, February 2, 2023: Avoiding First Amendment Violations on Social Media
Has your agency ever been called out online? Or has someone posted negative comments specifically targeting you as your agency’s social media professional? If you answered “yes” then you’re not alone; however, socialgovs can’t just delete any negative comment without worrying about repercussions due to First Amendment protections for freedom of speech. 

While there are some exceptions that could potentially justify deleting certain comments, violating First Amendment rights could have serious consequences for your agency and for you personally. Even if you already have a thorough understanding of the law, how do you make sure others with social media access at your agency — or your supervisors — understand? 

Register & RSVP to attend this chat in the free GSM network.

10 a.m. PT, Thursday, February 16, 2023: To be announced!
Join the GSM network to be notified when this GSMChat topic is available. While the topic isn’t announced quite yet, what we can tell you is that we always listen to current concerns and questions we’re hearing from the socialgov community. Have a topic you’d like to talk about? DM us in the network to let us know!

Live webinars: Plain language, platform updates & more

Each month in the GSM professional association, we host at least one live webinar on the latest social media updates (with replays often available!). Our association is one of the most economical memberships at only $79/year where members get access to online resources, regional groups, complimentary headshots at GSMCON and so much more. Complete the application form & start viewing the member-only content today!

11 a.m. PT, Tuesday, February 7: SocialGov Roundup

The “SocialGov Roundup” webinar series are quick, to-the-point videos covering the latest features and news on major and emerging platforms – all from the perspective of how it's relevant to social media professionals in government. Meet with your co-hosts GSM Membership Council representative Andrew Belanger and Team GSM's Ariana Donley to get the latest news in under 30 minutes. RSVP & register.

9 a.m. PT, Wednesday, February 22: The Magic of Simplicity: Why Writing Style Matters on Social Media
If you’re a government communicator, you know that our agencies are notorious for communication that is too long, too confusing, and too bureaucratic. The Plain Language Act of 2010 provides great guidance on making content easier to understand, but we still have a long way to go. This is especially true for social media, where you can gain or lose your audience’s attention in milliseconds. Can writing style really impact our effectiveness on social media, especially in posts that are so short? Absolutely. 

In this webinar, we’re meeting with Shuly Babitz with the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, HHS to learn how a plain language approach can help spark curiosity, improve reliability and accessibility, and boost engagement on your agency’s social media channels. You’ll also learn the mechanics of plain language principles and how to apply them to crafting social media posts. 

Bonus! Free downloads & other resources

Grab these free downloads and resources available from the GSM blog!

• 2023 observance calendar roundup: Download a yearly calendar for some of the observances you might consider building content for — or be mindful of — for your government social media accounts.
• Social media image size guide: Keep a copy of this comprehensive image size resource for Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and Nextdoor. 

• Short-form video guide: Use these tips before you tap “post” on your next short-form video.

Best communicate with the public you serve and get connected with fellow socialgovs by registering for the 2023 Government Social Media Conference happening in Reno-Tahoe, Nevada! Join our free network for bi-weekly Government Social Media Chats or professional association for member-only webinars. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest updates on training, events and more.

We support the largest network of government social media professionals in the U.S. by guiding government agencies through complex social media issues. Government Social Media helps you successfully communicate with the public you serve, protect your agency and keep public trust while finding your support community.