Communication candor: Your rights and responsibilities
Hello everyone, I’m Chad Douglas, communication director for the USDA Forest Service. I often receive questions about social and traditional media and employees’ rights and responsibilities. The basic principle for both: Only speak for the agency if you are authorized to do so; otherwise, be clear you are speaking as an individual.
We all enjoy sharing stories and opinions about our work. As Forest Service employees, we care about issues that affect our families, communities and careers, just like everyone does. I’ve noticed that because you care so much, sometimes on social media and in traditional media lines are crossed that should not be.
We want interaction with the Forest Service to be a positive experience for everyone, and for that reason, there are parameters around how we engage in both social media and news media.
So, what do you need to know before you post to social media or give an interview?
Social Media
Let’s start with rule one. Be clear you are speaking for yourself. That means you do not identify yourself with your job title. And, if you are posting to social media from your personal accounts, we recommend including a disclaimer within your profile clarifying that the views and opinions expressed on the account are your own. Also, make sure to only share publicly available information. Don’t post, share or speak about information you are privy to only due to your position.
Be polite. Social media can be both a very useful tool and a space that can quickly become overwhelming and contentious. We all know we aren’t going to win any arguments on social media. Even if you’re tempted, always keep in mind that if someone takes offense to what you post, they may report you to the agency. If they do, that could trigger a conduct investigation.
Rule two is simple: Don’t post or share personal social media content during work hours. The Standards of Conduct that apply to all federal employees say that, while on government time, we must make an honest effort to perform official duties. There are exceptions—like during lunch or on your day off—but as the saying goes, discretion is the better part of valor. We should avoid unnecessary risks, sticking to times when we are clearly off duty.
Traditional Media
We all have rights—and responsibilities—in this nation with a free press, as well as guaranteed rights to free speech under the first amendment to the Constitution. If you decide to engage with a media representative in a personal capacity, you should make clear to the reporter that you are doing so and not speaking on behalf of the Forest Service. Nor should you be discussing matters related to your professional capacity in such a conversation. It’s important that there is a clear line between personal experiences or opinions and those tied to your job with this agency.
So, what should you do if you are contacted by the media? If a media outlet asks you to provide information or an interview in your professional capacity, it is important that before responding, your first step is talking to your unit’s public affairs specialist. They have a responsibility to help determine the best way to proceed when coordinating media requests. If you work in the Washington Office, coordinate with the national press officer in the Office of Communication. Everyone else, including line officers, should consult with the appropriate public affairs officer for the unit, region, station, area, or institute. You’ll find this policy in Forest Service Manual Chapter 1650, Media Relations.
If the opportunity to speak publicly presents itself, be careful to avoid partisan political events. If you are a speaker at an event, ensure it is non-partisan. That doesn’t just apply to political candidate events or events on behalf of a political party. It also means any events hosted by a partisan political group.
In summary, no matter the forum, always remember to speak for yourself and not the agency, unless you are authorized to do so.
Additional resources