SOG 2.4 ASSP Volunteer Social Media Policy

Purpose

ASSP volunteer leaders often use social media tools to promote occupational safety and health (OSH), the OSH profession and ASSP. All volunteer leaders must be aware of the implications of engaging in forms of social media and online conversations that reference ASSP and/or the volunteer leader’s relationship with ASSP; must exercise sound judgment when doing so; and must recognize when ASSP might be held responsible for their actions.

The following policy directs and encourages ethical and accurate use of social media tools.

For the purpose of this policy:

• ASSP volunteer is defined as any individual serving in an elected role or in an appointed position on an ASSP council, committee, community and/or task force/workgroup.
• Social media are defined as, but not limited to, online social sites (e.g., Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram), video-sharing websites (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo), discussion forums, chat rooms, etc.

Policy

1. Except for statements approved by the Board of Directors, no ASSP volunteer, other than the President, may state or imply they are speaking on behalf of ASSP.
2. No social media site may be established that uses or displays the ASSP name and/or logo, or represents or speaks on behalf of the organization, without official authorization from ASSP.
3. All social media communications should be based on current, accurate, complete and relevant information. Do not claim authorship or ownership of something that is not yours. If you are using another party’s content, be sure they approve of your use and always credit them appropriately. Anecdotes and personal opinions shall be identified as such so that they are not mistaken as facts asserted by ASSP.
4. ASSP volunteers shall maintain ethical conduct when using social media tools and not participate in activities that are illegal or in violation of any other ASSP policy, including the ASSP Code of Professional Conduct.
5. Courtesy is expected. Polite communication is required, even when disagreements occur. Hate speech is prohibited. Personal attacks, slurs or insults should not be used. Honor differences and uphold ASSP’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Your posts should be respectful of all individuals, races, ethnicities, ages, classes, nationalities, religions, genders, sexual orientations, abilities and cultures.
6. Posting of copyrighted and/or trademarked material on ASSP social media sites is prohibited and such posts will be removed, if brought to ASSP’s attention. ASSP assumes no responsibility and disclaims any liability for the violation of trademarks or copyrights.
7. Distribution of obscene material on ASSP social media sites is prohibited.
8. Solicitations and advertising by users on ASSP social media sites are prohibited.
9. The privacy of all users and non-users shall be respected. Sharing of others’ personal information (e.g., phone numbers, email addresses, mailing addresses, employment statuses) is prohibited.
10. Social media shall not be used to conduct official ASSP business. Take care when dealing with organizational information. Volunteers may not pass on confidential information received as part of their position. In addition, the nondisclosure agreement you sign upon accepting your elected office or ASSP appointment governs your behavior with respect to the disclosure of information and is applicable to your activities online. If you are unsure whether you are allowed to publish certain information, contact your professional staff liaison. If in doubt, do not publish.
11. ASSP professional staff will maintain administrator/owner access on all ASSP social media sites. ASSP volunteers may also be granted administrator-level access for practice specialty and common interest group social media sites. The access will be limited to elected leaders and/or volunteers responsible for social media.
12. Posts in violation of this policy can be reported by e-mailing communities@assp.org.
13. ASSP reserves the right to delete any material or comments on any ASSP social media site at any time for any reason.
14. ASSP reserves the right to terminate any ASSP social media page or site.
15. Violation of this policy may result in disciplinary action. Please see Code of Professional Conduct SOG for details on disciplinary action.

Approved By | Date: Board of Directors | 1/2023
Replaces Edition Dated: 12/2019
Next Revision Due: 1/2026