As online social networking has expanded, so have the possibilities for West Virginians to better connect with the legislative process. The West Virginia Legislature is at the forefront of this revolution, and continues to adapt with advances in social networking and other technologies. With the October 2009 launch of Facebook and Twitter pages, the Legislature’s goal is to involve the public – to deepen knowledge of and engage dialogue in the issues facing the state, while improving communication between state government and the people it serves.
While a number of other states have utilized social media for individual chambers or party affiliations, the West Virginia Legislature is truly leading the charge as the first state with official legislative presences on both Facebook and Twitter.
By expanding to these powerful sites, the Legislature reaches West Virginians across the state, especially younger web-savvy citizens, since over 75 percent of them regularly use social networking sites.
According to statistics released by Facebook.com it has over 350 million active users worldwide, and more than 3.5 billion pieces of content (web links, blogs, photo albums, etc) are shared each week.
In just five months, over 1,200 individuals have become “fans” of the Legislature’s page on Facebook. They have access to photos, events, blog entries from the legislative Web site, committee meeting times and lawmakers’ press releases. The information provided through Facebook is continuously updated and offers citizens up-to-date information on legislative happenings.
The Legislature’s presence on the microblogging utility Twitter features short snippets on floor sessions, blog entries and press releases. This provides the growing list of nearly 300 followers an additional option to follow the actions of the Legislature.
Citizens also can follow both the Senate and the House of Delegates individually via Twitter. These chamber pages relay floor action in real time – allowing followers to track the movement of legislation during session.
For the past two years, the West Virginia Legislature also has provided a blog on its Web site titled “Today in the Legislature.” It provides detailed information on daily Senate and House floor sessions, committee meetings, and other events of interest taking place at the State Capitol. Since its inception, the blog has had nearly 500 entries.
The newest addition to the legislative Web site is West Virginia Legislature Live, which allows individuals to listen in on House of Delegates floor sessions and committee meetings. Webcasting live audio of proceedings provides greater access to West Virginians interested in following the actions of the Legislature. House committee meetings and floor session times are provided.
The team of individuals that conceptualizes, builds, and maintains the Legislature’s Web site and all official online social media is housed in the West Virginia Legislature’s Office of Reference and Information (WVLRIC) – an apolitical, nonpartisan office that serves all members of the Senate and House of Delegates.
Web content is created in-house with input from the WVLRIC, Senate and House Clerks offices, leadership and committee staff.
Find the Legislature on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/wvlegislature
Follow the Legislature on Twitter
https://www.twitter.com/wvlegislature
https://www.twitter.com/wvsenate
https://www.twitter.com/wvhouse
Blog – Today in the Legislature
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/daily_sum/today.cfm
Audio – West Virginia Legislature Live
https://www.wvlegislature.gov/live.cfm
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