Virtual Social Media Working Group

Overview
The Virtual Social Media Working Group (VSMWG) was established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) to address the challenges associated with the adoption of social media in 2010. The mission of the VSMWG is to provide guidance to the emergency preparedness and response community on the safe and sustainable use of social media technologies in all phases of emergencies.

VSMWG membership includes: non-profit organizations; local fire and police; local and county emergency management and public health; academia, and several federal agencies. The VSMWG hosts a monthly virtual meeting to discuss best practices, hear presentations from leaders in the social media field, and to collaborate on documents, routinely inviting other interested parties to join in the discussions.​