06.09.26 Town Council Meeting Presentation Work SessionWelcome to the June 9, 2026,
Prosper Town Council
Work Session
Call to Order/Roll Call.
Agenda Item 1.
Social Media and Media Relations Training. (RB/MR)
10 COMMANDMENTS
OF SOCIAL MEDIA
FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Town of Prosper
Town Council Meeting - June 9, 2026
EXPECTATIONS FOR TOWN EMPLOYEES
•Shall not use a Town email address for social media accounts. Furthermore, Town
email addresses cannot be used in conjunction with a personal social networking
site.
•May not comment on work-related matters on any public platform or outlet unless
they are an official spokesperson and have the approval to do so.
Employees that wish to have and engage on personal social media accounts:
EXPECTATIONS FOR TOWN EMPLOYEES
•Shall not post images, files or texts depicting town property, equipment, or personnel in any
manner that would adversely affect the reputation of the Town or of a Town department.
•Shall not, on any platform or outlet, make insulting or offensive comments, engage in harassment
or libel, or use derogatory speech regarding a person’s religion, race, color, gender, sexual
orientation, national origin, ethnicity, age, or any physical or mental disability.
•Are prohibited against disclosure of confidential information or information that could breach the
security of the Town in any way.
Employees that wish to have and engage on personal social media accounts:
EXPECTATIONS FOR TOWN EMPLOYEES
•May not attribute personal statements or opinions to the Town when engaging in private blogging
or postings on social media sites.
•Are prohibited from posting anything that promotes or contains illegal or offensive activity of any
kind.
•Are discouraged from posting pictures of themselves or others wearing Town uniforms or
insignia, city logos, city equipment or city work sites, unless they are posted on the Town official
platforms as part of their job duties.
Employees that wish to have and engage on personal social media accounts:
10 Commandments of
Social Media for
Public Officials
1. Establish a clear and
concise “personal social
media policy.”
What are my rules for me?
2. Don’t use social media
platforms as a place to
simply vent online.
Which constituents want to
hear my whiny rant?
10 Commandments of
Social Media for
Public Officials
3. Be very cautious about
deleting anything posted in
a public forum.
Will deleting this be a bigger
story than my content?
10 Commandments of
Social Media for
Public Officials
4. Photos you post, like, or
share should be very mindful
of voters’ strong views on
alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or
certain gestures.
Know how to
“read the room.”
10 Commandments of
Social Media for Public
Officials
5. Learn to “practice the
pause” before you post.
Does my urgent thought reflect my sworn duty?
10 Commandments of
Social Media for
Public Officials
6.Never hesitate deleting offensive
comments, but try to avoid
selectively deleting/ blocking users
and comments with whom you
disagree or who may be critical of
your position.
This could violate first amendment
rights if related to a subject within
councilmember’s position as public
official.
10 Commandments of
Social Media for
Public Officials
7. Your posts should
complement the core
values of your town and
messages should give
priority to these.
Is this post more about me
than the people I am sworn
to represent?
10 Commandments of
Social Media for Public
Officials
8. Never comment or post
articles or any opinions on
pending legal or law
enforcement matters.
What would our Town attorney
do?
10 Commandments of
Social Media for
Public Officials
9. Understand that there’s no
such thing as a truly “private”
post—once you publish
something through social media,
you lose control over your
messaging.
What’s posted never
goes away.
10 Commandments of
Social Media for Public
Officials
10. Every post must comply with
applicable federal, state and local
laws, regulations, and policies. This
includes adherence to laws and
policies regarding copyright,
records retention, Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA), First
Amendment, privacy laws, and
information security policies
established by the town.
10 Commandments of
Social Media for Public
Officials
Thank You Very Much
www.grprpublicaffairs.com
mrylander@grprpublicaffairs.com
972-365-1178
Marc Rylander
Executive Session
•Section 551.087 – To discuss and consider economic development incentives and all matters
incident and related thereto.
•Section 551.072 – To discuss and consider the purchase, exchange, lease, or value of real
property for municipal purposes and all matters incident and related thereto.
•Section 551.074 – To discuss and consider personnel matters and all matters incident and
related thereto.
•Section 551.071 – Consultation with the Town Attorney regarding pending or anticipated
litigation.
•Section 551.071 – Consultation with the Town Attorney regarding legal issues relative to the
recent Attorney General opinion.
•Section 551.071 – Consultation with the Town Attorney to discuss legal issues associated with
any agenda item.
The Town Council will reconvene after Executive
Session.
Reconvene into Work Session
Adjourn