This is the expanded version of the oath presentation made to SMEX trainees in the summer 2009 Citizen Media Training of Trainers.

1. Oath of the Social Media for Social Good Practitioner
As a practitioner of social media for social good, my mission is to use social media to empower
myself so that I have the opportunity to empower others.
My guiding principle is to put people first.
In this spirit, I will do the following:
1. Be Informed
I will prepare myself for trainings and client meetings with self-directed research and reading. I will speak little and
listen actively to students and clients. I will take notes and be present. In doing so, I can ask intelligent questions that
will lead to effective, people-driven, collaborative solutions.
2. Be Self-Sufficient and Resourceful
Before I ask others for help, I will read the available documentation. If I still cannot find the information I’m looking
for, I will use the search tools and techniques I have learned to practice finding the answers to my own questions. If I
still cannot find the answer, then I will ask for help. By following these steps, I will teach myself and make
contributions that sustain and strengthen my networks.
3. Evaluate Information Critically
When doing research, I know that one source of information is never enough. Three is a start. I will evaluate the
quality of the information published by paying close attention to the references cited, the tone of the content, and
methods of attribution. If I am suspicious of the accuracy of the content or the motivations of its creator, I will note
my reservations and search for another source.
4. Strive for Accuracy in Reporting and Identify Opinions
When creating original content, I will double-check my facts and cite my sources. I will distinguish clearly between
fact and opinion. Publishing incorrect information or disguising opinion as fact compromises my reputation and the
reputation of my organization, wastes others’ time and money, and can cause conflict where none exists.
5. Maintain the Dignity and Privacy of Those for Whom I Seek Change
When representing others online, I will seek their permission and input. I will explain the hazards of being
represented online. I can also suggest ways to preserve their privacy, but will not guarantee it. If they agree, I will
show them in a dignified way and quote them accurately. If they choose not to be named or shown online, I will
honor that request.
6. Always Remember the User
Text: Before I begin writing for the web, I will learn how users read on the web. “They don’t,” says usability expert
Jakob Nielsen, they scan: http://www.useit.com/alertbox/9710a.html. Then, I will use short paragraphs, declarative
sentences, and bullet points. I will keep ideas clear and simple. I will link keywords. I will read Jakob Nielsen’s web
writing tips, http://www.useit.com/papers/webwriting/ and subscribe to his Alertbox newsletter, http://useit.com/
alertbox. I will do this so that I can make my content accessible to as many people as possible, including low-literacy
users and those without access to fast connections.
Images: I will learn to create image files optimized for size and quality. If I am working in a low-bandwidth
environment, I will minimize my use of images in general. Why? The answer is also on Jakob Nielsen’s site, http://
www.useit.com/about/nographics.html.
This document was developed by Social Media Exchange (www.smex.org) • Beirut, Lebanon
Phone: +961 1 390 620 • Email: info@smex.org • Twitter: smexbeirut

2. 7. Give Credit Generously
When I like and adopt someone else’s ideas for my own content, I must give them credit. This applies whether I quote
them directly or simply refer to their work. I will learn ways to attribute skillfully and employ them. I will do this
because by linking and referring to the thinking of others, I not only demonstrate my respect and admiration for
others, but I also increase my credibility and the credibility of my organization.
8. Participate Widely, Often, and with Care
I know that online participation, especially among people I don’t know, can be scary. But I understand that with
practice, I will feel less fear. Knowing this, I can help others overcome their shyness or fear, advising them to spend
time reading others’ comments before posting their own and encouraging them to approach the online community
for help. I will also remind them that anonymity on the Internet is not a license to treat anyone or any idea with
disrespect.
9. Seek Opportunities to Collaborate
Even though working in online groups requires more planning, organization, and negotiation, I know that building
communities and networks is at the heart of social media and social change. I am willing to invest in sustaining these
relationships because I know that a group achievement is richer than an individual one.
10. Amplify My Empowerment
I will multiply my learning by teaching others how to use social media to empower themselves. And, when asked a
question as a trainer or tech expert, I will exercise patience and take the time to explain how to find the answer
rather than give the answer itself. I will do this for the trainee’s benefit and also for my own, because when I teach
something, I learn it forever.
“Problems can become opportunities when the right people come together.”
—Robert South
via My Favorite Facebook group: Only Love Is Real
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=8439587071
This document was developed by Social Media Exchange (www.smex.org) • Beirut, Lebanon
Phone: +961 1 390 620 • Email: info@smex.org • Twitter: smexbeirut