Social Media Policy

Introduction: CAPS recognizes the importance of social media for communication, networking, and promoting our mission. This policy outlines the guidelines and expectations for the use of social media by our association management company (AMC) employees, our volunteers, and our members.

The purpose of this policy is to:

  1. Define the appropriate and responsible use of social media platforms.
  2. Protect the reputation and interests of CAPS.
  3. Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.
  4. Provide guidance for maintaining professionalism and integrity online.

Policy Guidelines:

1. Personal vs. Professional Accounts:

  • Employees, volunteers, and members of CAPS should distinguish between personal and professional social media accounts.
  • When representing CAPS, individuals should use official association accounts for communication related to the organization.

2. Protect Confidential Information:

  • Do not disclose confidential or proprietary information about CAPS, its members, partners, or stakeholders on social media platforms.
  • Respect the privacy of individuals associated with CAPS.

3. Respect and Professionalism:

  • Treat others with respect and professionalism in all online interactions.
  • Refrain from posting offensive, discriminatory, defamatory, or harassing content.
  • Do not engage in online disputes or arguments that may reflect poorly on CAPS.

4. Accuracy and Transparency:

  • Ensure that information shared about CAPS is accurate and up-to-date.
  • Clearly identify personal opinions and perspectives as separate from official CAPS statements.
  • When sharing content related to CAPS, provide proper attribution, and cite original sources when necessary.

5. Endorsements and Sponsorships:

  • Clearly disclose any relationships, affiliations, or sponsorships with third parties when endorsing products, services, or organizations.
  • Avoid any actions that could be perceived as endorsements by CAPS without explicit authorization.

6. Intellectual Property:

  • Respect copyright and intellectual property rights when sharing content on social media platforms.
  • Obtain proper authorization before using or distributing copyrighted materials belonging to others.

7. Security and Privacy:

  • Safeguard personal and organizational accounts with strong passwords and appropriate security settings.
  • Be cautious when sharing personal information online and avoid disclosing sensitive data that could compromise security or privacy.

8. Compliance with Laws and Regulations:

  • Adhere to all applicable laws (Federal, Provincial, Municipal), regulations, and policies governing social media use, including but not limited to data protection, copyright, and defamation laws.
  • Report any potential legal issues or violations to the appropriate people within CAPS.

9. Monitoring and Enforcement:

  • CAPS reserves the right to monitor social media activity related to the organization.
  • Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of  volunteer status, or membership.

10. Training and Awareness:

  • Provide regular training and education on social media best practices and this policy to employees, volunteers, and members.
  • Encourage open dialogue and questions regarding social media use within CAPS.

Acknowledgment: By using social media platforms in association with CAPS, individuals acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to comply with this policy.

Conclusion: CAPS encourages the responsible use of social media to advance our mission and goals while upholding the values of integrity, professionalism, and respect. By adhering to this policy, we can collectively contribute to a positive and impactful online presence for CAPS.