Many folks ask me to direct them to policies and procedures for online participation for their staff. Usually I suggest that this is better done as an organic response by each organisation. But here is a good example of “Principles for participation online” from the UK’s I am a Civil Servant site (HT: SilkCharm) :

1. Be credible
   • Be accurate, fair, thorough and transparent.
2. Be consistent
   • Encourage constructive criticism and deliberation. Be cordial, honest and professional at all times.
3. Be responsive
   • When you gain insight, share it where appropriate.
4. Be integrated
   • Wherever possible, align online participation with other offline communications.
5. Be a civil servant
   • Remember that you are an ambassador for your organisation. Wherever possible, disclose your position as a representative of your department or agency.

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