Committee Handbook
Using the Website to Inform & Prevent Misinformation
This handbook explains how LWVMC committees should use the website and social media when our mission includes correcting misinformation and providing trusted public information about elections, policies, and local issues.
Key idea:Social media starts the conversation; our website is thefact anchor. Every committee decision about public information should protect and strengthen this anchor.
1. Core Role of the Website
From “Nice-to-Have” to Official Fact Anchor
When we are fighting misinformation, the website is no longer just a destination for extra details. It becomes the official place where facts live and where we send people to verify what is true.
- Allfact-checked statementsmust live on the website first.
- Any post about elections, policy, or data mustlink to a specific page, not rely on a social caption alone.
- Pages must be easy to skim, cite, and verify with clear headings and simple summaries.
- Important pages should includesources and “Updated on” dates.
2. Social Media’s Role
Gateway to Truth, Not the Full Explanation
Social Media
Social media should alert, invite, and redirect. It is not where we host full, nuanced explanations.
- Use clear, short language to explain what the issue is.
- Address confusion quickly (“You may have heard… Here’s what’s accurate…”).
- Always include a link:“Learn the full facts here → [website page]”.
- Avoid long threads of debate in comments; redirect to the website resource.
Website
The website holds the complete, carefully written explanation, with all details and context.
- Use fuller text, diagrams, tables, and citations.
- Clarify what is true, what is false, and why.
- Give people concrete actions they can take once they understand the issue.
3. Content Lifecycle for Committees
From Draft → Approved → Public
Each piece of public information should move through four clear stages:
- Stage 1 – Working Draft:Brainstorming, notes, spreadsheets, internal arguments. Stored in committee workspaces.
- Stage 2 – Review & Fact-Check:Committee chair and subject experts confirm accuracy and alignment with LWV positions.
- Stage 3 – Public-Ready Draft:Clean, LWVMC-branded text prepared for the website. No internal comments or jargon.
- Stage 4 – Publication:Page is posted with a clear URL, date, and committee owner; shared via social media and email.
4. Tone & Transparency Rules
How We Sound When Correcting Misinformation
We do:
- Use calm, clear, nonpartisan language.
- Explain what is accurate and why, in plain terms.
- Show how we know (citing sources and data where appropriate).
- Separate education (facts) from advocacy (positions and asks).
We avoid:
- Speculation or “hot takes.”
- Sarcasm, snark, or mocking people who are misinformed.
- Repeating false claims without clear correction and context.
- Posting partially verified data as if it were final.
5. Page Structure for Misinformation-Sensitive Topics
What Each Key Issue Page Should Include
For elections, school funding, maps, and other sensitive topics, every page should:
- Start with a short“What You Need to Know”summary.
- Include a section like“What’s Being Said / What’s Accurate”or “Myths vs. Facts.”
- Show a clear“Updated on” dateand committee owner if needed.
- Provide links or citations to data sources and relevant LWV positions.
- Offer a simple next step: learn more, share, contact a committee, attend a forum, or register to vote.
6. Versioning & Accountability
Keeping Track of What We’ve Said
Because our content will be cited by partners, media, and sometimes lawmakers, we must maintain a light but clear audit trail.
- Important pages show an“Updated on”line when facts change.
- Committees keep older versions in internal storage (e.g., PDFs or docs) when major edits are made.
- For sensitive topics, note why changes were made (for internal records).
- No major factual changes should be made by a single person without review.
7. Prebunking & Public Education
Not Just Fixing Myths — Preventing Them
Committees can reduce future misinformation by teaching people how to recognize misleading content before it spreads.
- Include simple tips: “Check the source,” “Look for dates,” “Compare with official sites.”
- Offer examples of common misinformation patterns (out-of-context data, misleading graphs, fake authority).
- Use social media to share“how to verify”content, always linking back to the website.
8. Committee Responsibilities
Who Does What
- Content Leads:Draft text, gather data, and propose updates.
- Chairs:Ensure content aligns with LWV positions and is appropriate for public release.
- Communications/Web Team:Apply LWVMC branding, structure the page, check readability and accessibility.
- All Committee Members:Flag any outdated or misleading information on the website or social media for correction.