The Social Media Guidelines of the Washington State Bar Association apply to this network of members of the Alternative Dispute Resolution Section.


Social Media is an important way for an association to interact with its members and the public as well as to facilitate member-to-member dialog. Social networks (such as, but not limited to, blogging, microblogging, networking sites, and social media) offer opportunities for outreach, information sharing, and interaction. 

The Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) supports the use of these Internet technologies to increase member engagement, build community, and improve access to information, resulting in greater value to our members and the public. These tools are another method to communicate with a variety of audiences but may not be appropriate in all instances nor for all kinds of outreach. 

The following guidelines apply to WSBA volunteers, sections, committees, boards, divisions, panels, and related programs or groups (“Entities”) wishing to use WSBA’s name and/or graphic identity (e.g., logo) in conjunction with the creation or maintenance of a social media presence that identifies the Entity as being sponsored by, administered by, or affiliated with WSBA.

Administering the social media site
Each WSBA Entity desiring a social media presence will work with the Entity’s staff liaison/contact to determine the Entity’s objectives and the proper social media venues for the Entity.  The Entity will create a plan for its social media presence, to include the social media tools they desire to use, the objective of the use, and plans for generating regular and relevant content.  The WSBA staff liaison will establish the page/account for the Entity.  The Entity shall work with the staff liaison to generate content updates to the page/account.  The WSBA reserves the right to remove any content deemed inappropriate or not in keeping with these guidelines.  Entities are responsible, in collaboration with their WSBA liaison/contact and all those individuals participating in the social network, for complying with these guidelines.

Guidelines for social networking
Be professional, respectful, and discreet in your online dialog. Represent WSBA and our profession well. Exercise good judgment.  Entities and individuals who fail to do so, or who fail to comply with these guidelines, may forfeit the right to participate in social networking activities sponsored by WSBA.  In some circumstances, inappropriate use of social media may subject you to discipline for failing to adhere to applicable Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), as well as civil or criminal liability and penalties, as warranted.


Using the WSBA’s name and/or logo
WSBA Entities may incorporate the WSBA’s name and/or logo into their social media identity with prior approval from WSBA’s Deputy Director for External Relations or his/her designee. To create consistency and community on the Web, the WSBA has established standard logo templates, disclaimers, and naming conventions. The Entity must work with their assigned staff liaison from WSBA to coordinate the development of the social network graphic and other site requirements. 

All Entities must provide direct links on any social media page back to the “main” WSBA social media page.   

Enforcing these guidelines
WSBA does not actively monitor these sites for inappropriate postings.  If an inappropriate posting is brought to the attention of WSBA, however, WSBA will take appropriate action to enforce these guidelines.

Approved by WSBA Board of Governors, December 4, 2009