social media

To support agencies that are looking to launch and maximize the benefits of a social media program into their communications, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) developed a Social Media Business Case (Guide). The Guide provides step-by-step guidance on developing a social media program to comprehensively plan for and integrate social media emergency management (SMEM) operations.

After completing the Guide, agencies will have social media processes and plans they can immediately implement to improve operations. Best practices from emergency officials and SMEM subject matter experts (SMEs) captured during development are included throughout the Guide.

The purpose of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) Social Media Business Case Guide (Guide) is to provide step-by-step guidance on how to develop a Business Case for integrating the use of social media into emergency management operations. This Guide is intended for organizations that are considering implementing a social media emergency management (SMEM) program.

Issues, challenges, priorities and gaps discussed by the panels and with audience participation help inform the direction of the VQiPS Program and the solutions (new technology or knowledge products) that the program leadership continues to pursue. This event also provided an opportunity to review and validate current priorities and focus areas. DHS OIC used the two-day Workshop to also find out the best way for stakeholders to digest their information (e.g., social media, newsletters, etc.) to more effectively communicate VQiPS activities. Attendees also had the benefit of hearing different lessons learned and best practices from practitioners from across the country who are facing similar issues within their agencies.

When a disaster strikes and response systems become stressed, affected agencies can work with trusted volunteers to provide social media and digital surge support. To support agencies that are looking to launch and maximize the benefits of a digital volunteer program, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) developed a Digital Volunteer Program Guide (Guide). The Guide provides step-by-step guidance on developing a digital volunteer program to comprehensively plan for and integrate digital volunteers into routine social media emergency management (SMEM) operations.