A grand morning as we start out with today’s course – Social Media Tools & Techniques!

Seriously, it’s my most favorite course to teach.

Additionally, glad to see the US Coast Guard National Public Information Assistance Team (PIAT) with us in class.

Over the years, I have trained PIAT teams on social media across the country. Glad to have Luke and his team with us this week.

Unlike the basic course, we talk for a while with on case studies like the Boston Bombing. We talked about an individual was incorrectly identified by the digital vigilantes on Reddit. That story got picked up by local/national news and spiraled out of control.

This is just one of the reasons why we should be aggressive in listening and monitoring social media. We need to be attuned to our public as well as increase our situational awareness and common operating picture.

Aside from case studies, we talked about equipment and hardware that can support technology. Like Spectacles.

While not the coolest looking shades, it is helpful when gathering information from the field. Here’s just one example of the use during a large planned event.

In talking about social media and setting up maps for use, the local NWS-Jacksonville office was able to share a few tips they share on a YouTube playlist. I shared it on Twitter here.

Special mahalos to the NWS Jacksonville Office Kirsten on the deets.

In this advanced class, we promote group work and escalating scenario in the in class activity. This engaging technique puts you outside your comfort zone, makes you think carefully WITH your all-hazards partners in public safety. And in times of crisis, critical emergency messaging is key and the public has an expectation of government to be 💯. No chance for errors.

So in the creation of this class, I firmly believe that despite the silos we often work in make us good, also makes us bad because we often refuse to take off the blinders. By collaborating with other pros, we are able to come to a consensus and distribute information as quick as possible.

And in class, I will push you. If you say you are going to do something, you are going to do it. Not just talk etherically about a tactic, you will demonstrate it. I ain’t playing.

Realistic training is critical esp in blue skies time will make it easier in an emergency.. Critical training will all you to be a pro when you are faced with a critical situation. Train like you fight right?

Solid social media class today with participants from across the state. Many thanks to our Federal partners from across the US collaborating with all participants.

Looking forward to tomorrow’s class! #NDPTC

@rusnivek