FEMA focused on creating a strong presence on existing platforms like Twitter and Facebook.   They acted early to secure their usernames on as many social media sites as they could, which has allowed them to successfully manage their brand.   They’ve also been careful not to seem too official and therefore inaccessible.

FEMA uses social media to listen to what communities are doing for emergency preparedness and then aggregate those ideas to identify trends and best practices.   They are also using Twitter to strengthen relationships before a disaster, so that trust and open communications are in place before disaster strikes.   Check out blogger Joah Spearman’s recent in-depth look at how FEMA is using Twitter.

As more and more government agencies are embracing social media, FEMA provides a successful model for them to consider.

Media Future Now meets monthly in various locations around Washington, DC.   Check the website to join us at future discussions on the transition to a new media world.

Speakers included:
•       Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO)
•       Congressman Steve Israel (D, NY-2)
•       Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R, WA-5)
•       Congressman Tim Ryan (D, OH-17)

While Senator McCaskill is most known for her genuine and active participation on Twitter, Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) gets creative by requesting that interns apply for positions with his Office with a YouTube video!   The entire panel was live-blogged by Ohio’s political blogger extraordinaire, Jill Miller Zimon, of Writes Like She Talks.

Later that day, a more intimate conversation took place around the question,  €˜What effect will the new Administration’s use of technology have on Congress?’   Panelists this time included:
•       Rob Pierson — soon-to-be New Media Director for the Democratic Caucus
•       Tim Hyson — Director of Communications for the Congressional Management Foundation
•       David Popp – Press Secretary for Congressman Bob Latta (R-OH)
•       Ben Pershing — Reporter for The Washington Post and Capitol Briefing blog

Moderators Allyson Kapin and Katie Harbath inspired conversations ranging from the use of open source software to franking issues to job titles.   David Popp shared his experience working with the Franking Commission on the landmark decision to allow official Capitol Hill content to be posted on YouTube.   Tim Hyson believes that the movement toward new media has been coming from the leadership.   He’s even seen the job title “Creative Director” in one Senate office.   Ben Pershing agreed that sometimes the technology movement is Member-driven, but believes it’s more often staff-driven.

In wrapping up, Allyson Kapin asked each panelist to select one or two technology tools they believe are most important.   As is often the case in political discourse, no two answers were the same.   Pershing voted for blogs, as he comes from the reporter perspective and would like more off-the-cuff dialogue.   David Popp favors Twitter and YouTube as ways to communicate with constituents.   Tim Hyson urged going back to basics by making sure the Office’s core website was up to speed.   Finally, Rob Pierson finds the e-newsletter to be optimal for online communications.

NextGenWeb will ensure that the conversation continues with our workshop series dedicated to bringing Hill staff up to speed on these new tools, “Social Media for Staffers.”