First Responders, Homeland Security’s Science and Technology Directorate Launch a Virtual Social Media Working Group

March 9, 2011
The Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate’s First Responder Communities of Practice recently launched a Virtual Social Media Working Group (VSMWG) comprised of first responders and homeland security professionals from various disciplines, localities, sectors and government agencies across the country.

The VSMWG will provide recommendations to the emergency preparedness, response and homeland security communities on the safe and sustainable use of social media technologies before, during and after emergencies.

Representing the fields of emergency management, law enforcement, fire, emergency medical services, public health, public utilities and local government, the VSMWG strives to be a voice in the social media and public safety arena, incorporating the perspectives of a wide range of stakeholders.

VSMWG members will collaborate via virtual meetings to identify and discuss responder issues and challenges with social media. They will look at myriad issues, such as standards and policies, and will provide recommended guidance on using social media in public safety. The working group may engage with subject matter experts from different sectors to work towards resolutions to these issues.

The First Responder Communities of Practice platform will serve as the primary location for the VSMWG to conduct activities, share developments and connect with other homeland security professionals regarding the value of social media for emergency preparedness, response and recovery. The group also will play an active role in establishing the Make America Safer through Social Media Community on the First Responder Communities of Practice as a national resource for social media and public safety-related information and best practices.

Members of the VSMWG were selected by DHS First Responder Technologies program based on their experience in leveraging social media technologies to pursue the missions of their agencies. Many VSMWG members have served as speakers, trainers and subject matter experts at major homeland security-related workshops, roundtables and conferences on the topic of social media.

For more information, visit https://Communities.FirstResponder.gov.

About the Author

Laura Walter

Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.

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