Maine Municipal Association Community Guidelines & Elected Officials Listserv Policy


Welcome to the MMA Community! This platform has been provided to Mayors/Council Chairs/Chairs and/or Chief Appointed Officials including managers, administrators, or admin assistants and serves as a place to learn, collaborate, and share. Whether you are an elected or an appointed member interested in sharing ideas, this is a space for professional communication and constructive discussions.

Purpose
Appropriate Use
Prohibited Use
Language and Conduct
Privacy and Confidentiality
Public Record Compliance (FOAA)
Feedback and Reporting
Enforcement
Acknowledgment

Maine Municipal Association Community Guidelines & Elected Officials Listserv Policy

1. Purpose
This community exists to provide you with a space to:
  • Learn more about what other communities are doing.
  • Discuss new initiatives, share ideas, and engage with other members.
  • Coordinate municipal operations, share relevant updates, and provide support to fellow community members.
This policy also ensures that communication remains professional, respectful, and compliant with legal obligations, including adherence to the Freedom of Access Act (FOAA), where applicable.

2. Appropriate Use 
For All Community Participants:
  • Personalize your profile with pictures and information about yourself.
  • Share knowledge, lessons learned, and constructive feedback to bring value to others.
  • Ask questions if you need help; this is a collaborative space where knowledge is shared.
  • Share information relevant to municipal governance. 
  • Discuss policy, legislation, best practices, and municipal events.
  • Coordinate official activities and share updates on meetings and decisions.

3. Prohibited Use 
Both community members and listserv participants must refrain from:
  • Disclosing confidential, privileged, or sensitive information.
  • Posting confidential employee information, that is protected under law.
  • Posting political endorsements, campaign-related content, or partisan activities.
  • Using offensive, defamatory, or discriminatory language.
  • Engaging in personal disputes, harassment, or inappropriate conduct.
  • Promoting commercial or private business interests.
  • Posting content unrelated to municipal governance.

4. Language and Conduct 
Communication should always be professional, respectful, and constructive.
Personal attacks, inflammatory remarks, or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated.
Messages should be clear, concise, and relevant to the purpose of the platform or listserv.

5. Privacy and Confidentiality 
Protect Privacy:
  • Do not share anything about yourself or your organization that you wouldn't want to be public.
  • Respect Confidentiality: Do not post any content that violates confidentiality, privacy, or personnel information.

6. Public Record Compliance (FOAA) 
Messages posted to MMA Community, or a listserv may be subject to public disclosure under the Maine Freedom of Access Act (FOAA). Users should ensure compliance with public record laws.
  • Public Records: Communications sent via “Community” that could be considered public records under the FOAA, meaning they are subject to disclosure upon request unless exempt.
  • Meeting Notice Requirements: If a discussion thread is used to discuss municipal matters among officials in real time, it may constitute a public meeting, requiring proper notice and accessibility.
  • Records Retention: Emails and other communications on the “Community” platform should be retained according to the law’s records retention guidelines.
  • Transparency and Access: The FOAA promotes public access to government operations, meaning “Community” discussions related to municipal governance could be requested by the public.
 

7.  Feedback and Reporting 
We welcome your feedback and ideas on how we can improve the community. If you have any concerns or notice content that violates these guidelines, please flag it by choosing "Report as Inappropriate" within the community. For topics that cannot be discussed publicly, contact your Account Manager or Community Consultant directly.


8. Enforcement 

Violations of this policy may result in:
  • A warning from the administrator or “Community” manager.
  • Temporary or permanent suspension from the platform.
  • Referral to appropriate municipal or organizational authorities.

9. Acknowledgment 
By participating in the community and/or the listserv, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to comply with these guidelines and policies.