UFMCC SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY Approved by the Council of Elders 8 December 2014 Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Policy Statement: An ever-increasing number of people use and prefer digital communication over other forms. It is essential that the church be present in this medium because the responsible use of social media can enhance communication and deepen relationship. The following policy and guidelines apply commonly accepted principles of healthy boundaries and safe church to the virtual world of digital networking and communication. This policy concerns the publication of and commentary on social media by employees, clergy, and lay leaders of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). For the purpose of this policy, social media means any facility for online publication and commentary, including but not limited to: blogs and SMS (short message service) messages, collaboration applications such as wikis; social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn; and photo and video sites such as Flickr and YouTube. This policy is in addition to and complements any existing policies regarding the use of technology, computers, e-mail and the internet. Protocol for UFMCC Social Media Policy MCC employees, clergy, and lay leaders are free to publish or comment via social media in accordance with this policy. MCC employees, clergy, and lay leaders are subject to this policy when they identify themselves as an MCC employee, clergy, or lay leader in any social media. The only exception is the incidental mention of place of employment or religious affiliation in a personal blog on topics unrelated to MCC. Unless representing MCC, an MCC employee, clergy, or lay leader must make it clear that the views and opinions expressed are theirs alone and do not represent the official views of MCC. All uses of social media must follow the same ethical standards that MCC employees, clergy, and lay leaders must otherwise follow. MCC social media policy violations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including the MCC Judiciary Process.
UFMCC SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY Approved by the Council of Elders 8 December 2014 Whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 1 Corinthians 10:31 Policy Statement: An ever-increasing number of people use and prefer digital communication over other forms. It is essential that the church be present in this medium because the responsible use of social media can enhance communication and deepen relationship. The following policy and guidelines apply commonly accepted principles of healthy boundaries and safe church to the virtual world of digital networking and communication. This policy concerns the publication of and commentary on social media by employees, clergy, and lay leaders of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC). For the purpose of this policy, social media means any facility for online publication and commentary, including but not limited to: blogs and SMS (short message service) messages, collaboration applications such as wikis; social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn; and photo and video sites such as Flickr and YouTube. This policy is in addition to and complements any existing policies regarding the use of technology, computers, e-mail and the internet. Protocol for UFMCC Social Media Policy MCC employees, clergy, and lay leaders are free to publish or comment via social media in accordance with this policy. MCC employees, clergy, and lay leaders are subject to this policy when they identify themselves as an MCC employee, clergy, or lay leader in any social media. The only exception is the incidental mention of place of employment or religious affiliation in a personal blog on topics unrelated to MCC. Unless representing MCC, an MCC employee, clergy, or lay leader must make it clear that the views and opinions expressed are theirs alone and do not represent the official views of MCC. All uses of social media must follow the same ethical standards that MCC employees, clergy, and lay leaders must otherwise follow. MCC social media policy violations will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including the MCC Judiciary Process.
UFMCC-Social-Media-policy-and-guidelines-Jan-2015.docx