5.2: Methods for Informing the Public about Our Business

Use a wide variety of communications techniques and channels to inform the American public, customers, employees, and other stakeholders about the agency, ou products and services, our initiatives, and the work underway by our 12,000 employees nationwide.

Other Information:

The U.S. General Services Administration uses a wide variety of communications techniques and channels to inform the American public, customers, employees, and other stakeholders about the agency, its products and services, its initiatives, and the work underway by its 12,000 employees nationwide. In nearly all communications with the public, GSA incorporates a multi-channel strategy, integrating traditional news media, Web 2.0 tools, and new media to reach audiences, gather feedback, and create dialogues. Key Communications Strategies for Open Government: * Use multiple channels – traditional media, Web 2.0, and new media – to communicate news and messages on a frequent and consistent basis. * Gather feedback from audiences and encourage dialogue. * Keep all information fresh, updated and newsworthy. * Incorporate open government messages in all GSA communications. * Create a culture of transparency, participation, and collaboration with employees and other internal audiences. Key Activities to Promote Open Government: * Find and feature success stories on a frequent and consistent basis, where publication of high-value data sets led to creation of product / service that benefits citizens. * Have leadership highlight benefits of open government in speeches and public interactions * Feature open government stories and accomplishments on GSA Web pages. * Use new media to drive stakeholders to open government Web pages. * Issue news announcements through multiple channels explaining results/perspectives from open government activities. * Pitch success stories to media, offer interviews with subject experts. GSA’s Office of Communications and Marketing is responsible for providing the tools and personnel required to publicize and support GSA’s open government efforts. The office is committed to the principles and practices of open government, and will take a leadership role in communicating these activities to the American public. Catalogs, Publications, Newsletters, and Email Notifications. Catalogs and Publications. GSA publishes a wealth of information for government agencies, employees, vendors and citizens. Learn how to request GSA catalogs and publications. Newsletters. GSA’s print and electronic newsletters contain information about business, policy and Regions. List of GSA Newsletters. Email Notifications. GSA offers a variety of opportunities for the public sign up for email notifications to receive alerts and information. List of Email Sign-ups. GSA’s Open Government Webpage. GSA’s open government Web page provides information about the agency’s current and ongoing initiatives and invites the public to share ideas. The page is updated regularly with information about new data sets, and other new Open Government activities. Figure 3 highlights the features of the www.gsa.gov/open Web page.

Stakeholder(s):

• American Public


• Customers


• Employees

Indicator(s):

Indicator:1

Content