[Source: Social Media Club Phoenix] — On one hand, governments exist to serve the people, so you might expect Social Media to be an easy engagement for them to make.  Unfortunately, things like open meeting laws, limited budgets, and stressed resources can make it a challenge.  We’re seeing unprecedented use of Social Media at the national level, both in the Presidential campaigns and with a growing number of officials, but is it starting to trickle down to the state and local levels?  YouTube has pulled together videos for the President to answer — could virtual town halls become the norm?  What about using Social Media for greater access to government information and resources?

This is a significant topic, and interested individuals are welcome to participate in this discussion.  You do not need to be personally working with government entities to have good ideas and input for the panel.  This area of Social Media does not get as much discussion as business applications, but in some ways is even more important to all of us.

• Date:February 11, 2010
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Place: Jobing.com, 4747 N. 22nd St., #100, Phoenix

Panelists:

• Jenn Maggiore, President/CEO, Our Business is Growing Yours: jennifer@mcmaz.com, @jenn_ex (moderator)
• Charlie Meyer, City Manager, City of Tempe: charlie_meyer@tempe.gov, http://www.tempe.gov/citymanager/cmeyershortbio.htm
• Samuel Richard, Columnist, Downtown Phoenix Journal; Spirit of Service Coordinator, ASU; Board Member, YNPN, sam@samuelrichard.org, @samuelisaac
• The Honorable Onnie Shekurjian, Member of Council, City of Tempe: onnie_shekerjian@tempe.gov, http://www.tempe.gov/elected/shekerjian.htm
• Matt Wynn, Senior Data Reporter, Arizona Republic: Matt.Wynn@arizonarepublic.com, @mattwynn