This document discusses the benefits of using social media for a government agency. It outlines how a social media presence could help the agency better understand its audience, promote key issues and projects, gather public feedback, and improve awareness of the agency's mission. Key features mentioned include an events calendar, ability to upload videos and pictures, create groups and pages, and have live chat, wall, and blog capabilities. Costs are noted to be minimal for basic use but require administrative time for set up and ongoing maintenance.

1. User Statistics Total United States

2. Growth Statistics

3. Key Benefits Targeted emails (push messages out) Determine exact demographics (understand who our audience is) Create an online ‘persona’ that can better represent our mission Focus & highlight specific key issues and projects. Create opportunities for public feedback in a more user friendly way.

4. More Key Benefits Improve DTSC’s ability to bring public attention to it's mission. Provide the public with a safer environment due to increased awareness Elevate the importance of DTSC's efforts and accomplishments Set standards for other agencies by embracing 21st century technologies. Give DTSC more tools with which to "get the word out"

5. Key Features Events Calendar: Easily create calendar entries Videos: Upload videos Pictures: Upload pictures Groups: Create and join groups for more exposure Chat: Live chat Pages: Create a special page to highlight DTSC Wall: Interactive communication similar to Twitter Blog: Create a blog for daily posts.

6. Costs • Facebook cost: The basic version is free. • Administration Costs: Several hours per day, minimum, is probably required to start. Other costs could include an increased need for digital content and other technical help (creating attractive emails for instance).