Is there a policy against using Social Media to promote and communicate with regards to our FHC
Hi, I just saw on Facebook that the "Tucson Arizona FHC" stated the following:
To comply with Family Search policies, the Tucson Family History Center will be discontinuing its Facebook page effective 1 March. To receive updates on resources, events, and activities of the Tucson Family History Center, do a browser search for “Tucson Family History Center” for our Wiki page. To bookmark the link to our Wiki page, copy and paste the link below. https://www.familysearch.org/.../Tucson_Arizona_Family...
We use Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, as does the church, can you help me understand this statement put out by the Tuscon FHC? Thanks for your prompt attention to this matter.
Tammy Lively, Hayden Lake Stake Temple and Family History Consultant, Director
Answers
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@Ken Richins - NAO Tech Support Lead ( FYI - Perhaps, you may like to 'Comment', on this post )
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Brett, I don't see any answer to this question. Am I missing something?
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@Tamalyn Lively - Brett has asked another member to come answer your question.
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Tamalyn
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
[ And, I happen to be a Member of the Church ... ]
[ And, I have been a Staff Member, of Family History Centres", of the Church, for many Years ... ]
Just in passing ...
I was NOT 'Answering'/responding to your 'Question.
I was "Mentioning"/referencing, another Participant, who is somewhat of a "Authority' on such matters.
ie.
Ken RICHINS
Tech Support Lead
For the 'Group', in the "Groups" Section
HOME > GROUPS > FAMILY HISTORY CENTERS TECHNICAL SUPPORT (NORTH AMERICA)
Family History Centers Technical Support (North America)
As an aside ...
As your "Family History Centre", is located in "North America" ...
IF, you have not already; THEN, you may wish to request and become a member of that 'Group'.
And ...
Just so that you are aware ...
Here is a recent post in that particular 'Group', referencing the matter that you have raised ...
[ Hence, why, I "Mentioned"/referenced 'Ken', in this post of yours ... ]
Post:
Social Media Now Encouraged in New FHC Operations Guidebook
And ...
'Ken's' initial response, in that post ...
https://community.familysearch.org/en/discussion/comment/429739/#Comment_429739
I was/am hoping, that 'Ken', may respond, in this post of yours.
I know, that this certainly may not help/assist; but, I hope, that this may provide you with, some additional, insight; and, perspective.
Brett
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As for communicating the use of the official Family History Center email provided by the Family History Department should be used for all email notices sent from the Family History Center.
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From the FHC Operations Guide:
- Allowed to use any social media platform as long as you have Priesthood leader’s approval, and you follow the guidelines and policies. Church Handbook Internet, 38.8.21.2
From the General Handbook: Members’ Use of the Internet in Church Callings
"Members may not create websites, blogs, or social media accounts on behalf of the Church or to officially represent the Church and its views, doctrine, policies, and procedures. However, they may create websites, blogs, or social media accounts to assist with their callings."
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This is taken from a previous question but should answer your question.
To be clear the FamilySearch department policy is that Family History centers should NOT have their own Social Media sites. They are encouraged to use Social Media sites sponsored by other departments and other Organizations to Promoter special events and to promote the Family History Center's official FamilySearch Wiki site.
Promoting your family history center • FamilySearch says from the Family History Center Operations Guide the following.
Social media marketing provides the opportunity to promote your center’s activities through various social media platforms. This implies the center activities are not ongoing regular use but special events you are inviting the community to attend. This does NOT require you to create a social media site to use but to use existing social media platforms provided by others to post links and direct traffic to official FHC sites i.e. Your individual Wiki pages.
From the Handbook of Instruction: 38.8.19.1
Official Church Internet Resources
The Church maintains official websites, blogs, and social media accounts. These resources are clearly identified as official by the use of the Church wordmark or symbol (see 38.8.8). They also comply with legal requirements and the Church’s intellectual property and privacy policies.
38.8.19.2
Members’ Use of the Internet in Church Callings
Members may not create websites, blogs, or social media accounts on behalf of the Church or to officially represent the Church and its views, doctrine, policies, and procedures. However, they may create websites, blogs, or social media accounts to assist with their callings. When doing so, members should comply with the following guidelines:
- The creation of a website, blog, or social media account must first be approved by the stake president (for stake resources) or bishop (for stake and ward resources).
- The Church wordmark or symbol may not be used or imitated (see 38.8.8).
- The online resource should have a purpose and goal and be named accordingly. The name may include a ward or stake name. However, it may not include the official name of the Church.
- Members may not state or imply that the online resource’s content, images, or other materials are sponsored or endorsed by the Church or officially represent the Church in any way. Rather, a disclaimer should be included stating that it is not an official, Church-sponsored product.
- All content should be relevant for the intended audience and should be actively moderated.
- The online resource should include contact information.
- More than one administrator should be responsible for the online resource. This can provide continuity when a person’s calling or assignment changes. It also keeps one person from being burdened with updating and monitoring the resource.
- Church-owned artwork, videos, music, or other materials may not be posted unless the use is clearly authorized by the Terms of Use of an official Church website or by the Church’s Intellectual Property Office. Copyrighted content from other sources should not be used unless the content owner has first given written permission. For more information about using copyrighted material, see 38.8.10.
- When using images, videos, or personal information, consent from the content owner or the individuals involved is required. Consent may be obtained through a release form, a public announcement, a posted sign for a specific event, or written permission when needed. The country’s privacy laws should be followed.
- Online resources should not duplicate tools and features that are already on ChurchofJesusChrist.org, Member Tools, or other Church resources.
- Leaders and missionaries should coordinate to prevent duplicate communication.
- Online resources should be retired when they are no longer needed. Important media (such as photos and videos) should be preserved in the ward or stake’s history.
You may interpret these differently than we and our Family History Department Leaders. We have been told that the only Official resource is the FamilySearch community, The ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and the Wiki pages. All other use of social media should be confined to advertising special events and linking to the Wiki or the FamilySearch communities.
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