Social media and communications with the press offer the American Historical Association opportunities to announce and promote activities to the historical community, engage with members and potential members, and connect with other online constituencies. The AHA encourages and supports the use of social media by staff and Council members to share news and engage in conversations with audiences around the world.
AHA staff and Council members may identify themselves using their AHA affiliation but should not state or imply that they officially represent the AHA or speak on its behalf, unless approved to do so by the executive director. The executive director is the only individual authorized to speak on behalf of the AHA. The executive director may delegate the responsibility of speaking to the press to other staff or Council members.
Press inquiries should be directed to press@historians.org. The director of communications and public affairs will ensure that inquiries are shared with the appropriate people and that responses are sent.
The AHA understands that staff and Council members use social media and other websites and platforms for personal matters in the modern workplace. Personal social media accounts are the responsibility of the individual. While staff and Council members may use social media to engage in online discussion around issues related to AHA activities and concerns, whether and how an individual chooses to do so is a personal decision. AHA staff and Council members are not required to use their personal social media accounts to promote the AHA or its activities.
When using personal social media accounts, staff and Council members may identify themselves using their AHA affiliation when discussing an AHA program or project they manage. They should not state or imply that they officially represent the AHA or speak on its behalf, unless approved to do so by the executive director. In addition, staff and Council members’ conduct on social media should adhere to provisions in the Employee Handbook and to the AHA’s Code of Professional Conduct at Officially Sanctioned AHA Activities. Within these boundaries, the AHA recognizes the right of its staff and Council members to use personal social media accounts at their own discretion.
Download the full AHA Communications Policy