1. Purpose

Social media is a communication tool used by the City of Nappanee to keep residents and the general public informed about matters that affect the community. This Social Media Policy establishes guidelines for the appropriate and professional use of social media by City departments, boards, and commissions. The City has a legitimate interest in maintaining the accuracy, tone, and integrity of its social media communications and protecting the reputation of the City and its officials.

2. Applicability

This policy applies to all City departments, boards, commissions, and employees authorized to post on behalf of the City of Nappanee on official City-managed social media platforms. Only designated personnel may post on City social media accounts or engage the public through those platforms.

3. Definitions

• Social Media Platforms: Online services including, but not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, YouTube, and other similar digital platforms.
• Social Media Account: An official account created and maintained by the City of Nappanee or its departments on a Social Media Platform.
• Social Media Content: Posts or material shared on social media, including text, images, videos, links, and graphics.

4. Policy Guidelines

4.1 Official Website

The City’s official website (www.nappanee.in.gov) is the primary source for City information. Social media content should, when possible, be cross-posted or linked to the City's website to maintain consistency and accessibility.

4.2 Creation and Approval of Accounts

No City department, board, or commission may create a new social media account without first consulting with the City’s designated Communications or Marketing representative. The City prefers to limit the number of accounts to avoid confusion and maintain consistent branding. Each department is responsible for maintaining its approved account(s) and must designate at least one staff member to oversee content and access.

4.3 Public Records

All content posted to City social media accounts, including public comments, may be considered public records under the Indiana Access to Public Records Act. Departments must ensure content is appropriately archived and retained according to state records laws.

4.4 Professional Standards

All City social media accounts must reflect the values, voice, and mission of the City of Nappanee. Posts must be professional and accurate. The City’s Communications representative will monitor content across accounts to ensure compliance with this policy.

The City of Nappanee reserves the right to remove or hide comments that contain the following:

• Comments not related to the topic of the original post or that are factually inaccurate
• Personal information, other than the names of public employees acting in an official capacity
• Content that promotes or perpetuates discrimination of any kind
• Sexual content, links to sexual content, or obscene material
• Threats, harassment, or discriminatory remarks
• Content promoting illegal activity or violence
• Profanity or vulgar language
• Content that may compromise public safety or individual security
• Commercial advertisements or solicitations
• Political endorsements, campaign promotion, or opposition to candidates or ballot initiatives
• Defamatory remarks or personal attacks
• Any content that violates local, state, or federal law

4.5 Public Comment Disclaimer

Any public comments made on City social media accounts are the opinions of the individual posting and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the City of Nappanee. The City does not endorse or agree with all user-submitted content.

4.6 Access and Oversight

Each department must maintain a record of login credentials for its social media accounts. This information must be securely shared with the City’s designated Communications representative. Access should be limited to authorized personnel only.

4.7 Branding and Representation

All City accounts should clearly indicate the department managing the account and use branding consistent with official City guidelines.

4.8 Constituent Communication

Although social media is used for engagement, it is not considered the City’s primary channel for public inquiries. Designated staff may respond to questions or messages but should redirect official business to appropriate departments or the City’s website.

4.9 Platform Compliance

All City social media activity must comply with the terms of service and usage policies of the respective platform. Violation of platform policies may result in suspension or removal of the account.

4.10 Conflicts of Interest and Ethics

Social media use must comply with the City’s ethics policies and conflict of interest guidelines. Employees should avoid any appearance of bias, favoritism, or personal gain.

4.11 Copyright and Intellectual Property

All content posted on behalf of the City must respect copyright laws. Staff should not post full articles or copyrighted material without proper authorization. When quoting sources, include attribution and, when possible, a link to the original source.

4.12 Official Voice

Any information provided through a City-managed social media account will be considered an official communication of the City of Nappanee and must meet the same standards of accuracy and tone expected of other City communications.