2020 Archdiocese of Atlanta Employee Policy Manual/September 2020 - Manual / Resource - Page 61
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It is recommended that clear guidelines or parameters be established with regard to times of
communication between adults and young people. While young people may be on the
phone/texting in the late evening hours, those who minister with young people should predetermine a timeframe when it is too late to take a professional call, except in the case of
serious urgency.
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All Archdiocesan employees must maintain separate personal and ministry based social
media accounts to ensure that any information posted on one’s personal account is not made
available to young people.
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If youth are to engage in blogging as a part of an officially sanctioned organizational activity;
such activity must be monitored by at least 2 adults, no youth should be identified by name
or other personal information, and the content of such a blog must be in compliance with
Catholic Church teaching and values.
ADAPTED FROM: The National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry
Personal Use of Social Networking Sites
The Archdiocese of Atlanta respects the right of employees, volunteers and independent
contractors to create and maintain personal social networking websites.
Employees, Volunteers and Independent Contractors who choose to identify his or her affiliation
with the Archdiocese of Atlanta and/or its entities (parishes, schools and agencies) on personal
social networking websites may be seen by their readers as a representative of the Archdiocese of
Atlanta. As a result, Employees, Volunteers and Independent Contractors must adhere to the
following guidelines:
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Under no circumstances should confidential, privileged or private matters relating to the
Archdiocese of Atlanta and its affiliates be addressed. This would also include (but not
limited to) the advertisement of archdiocesan, school or parish sponsored events and
activities.
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Always include a Disclaimer. Please add a notice to your personal website that clearly
communicates to your readers that the comments or views you chose to share do not reflect
the views of the Archdiocese of Atlanta.
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Adhere to the Confidentiality Policy. Employees, Volunteers and Independent Contractors
must maintain the confidentiality of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and its entities at all times.
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Be mindful of time spent on personal websites during your normal scheduled working
hours. All time spent on personal social networking websites should be spent on your
personal time. Time spent on personal networking websites should not interfere with an
employee’s job performance. Do not use the Archdiocese of Atlanta e-mail addresses to
register on social networking sites, blogs or other online tools utilized for personal use.
