First Amendment Training Webinar:
Mastering First Amendment Challenges in Social Media for Government Agencies

What do you do when a controversial comment sparks debate on your agency’s social media? What about when an elected official asks you whether you can delete someone's hateful insult? Can you confidently navigate posting during a crisis, like a public health emergency or a high-profile police case? Understanding how the First Amendment applies to your social media is critical to avoiding lawsuits, legal fees, and reputational damage.

Join Mark Weaver, Esq., a national expert in First Amendment law, and Ryan Stubenrauch, Esq., a skilled attorney and communications expert from Communications Counsel, Inc., for an engaging and practical webinar that will empower you to manage your agency’s online presence with confidence. This session will give you strategies to reduce risks and avoid getting sued, all delivered with Mark’s signature humor and real-world examples.

What You’ll Learn

Navigating Federal Court Cases: We’ve read 30+ federal court cases on this topic so you don’t have to.  Explore key U.S. court decisions, including the recent 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling in Krasno v. Mnookin, which arguably invalidated "off-topic" comment moderation as unconstitutional, significantly impacting thousands of municipal social media policies. You’ll have a chance to ask questions, too.

What You’ll Gain

• Clarity on the Law: Understand how the First Amendment applies to government-run social media pages — including what you can and cannot delete or hide.

• Legal Risk Reduction: Learn proven strategies to minimize your agency’s exposure to lawsuits, costly settlements, and reputational harm.

• Practical Policy Guidance: Discover how to revise your social media policy to comply with recent federal court rulings like Krasno v. Mnookin — and why “off-topic” bans may now be unconstitutional.

• Crisis Communication Confidence: Know how to post (and what not to post) during sensitive moments such as public safety incidents, health emergencies, or political controversies.

• Real Case Insights: Benefit from expert analysis of 30+ federal cases distilled into clear, actionable lessons for communicators and attorneys.

• Defense-Ready Decisions: Gain confidence to explain and defend your agency’s online moderation decisions to elected officials, media, and the public.

• Model Policy Frameworks: Walk away with examples and templates you can adapt immediately for your own agency’s social media rules.

• Expert Access: Get direct answers to your toughest questions from two nationally respected attorneys who blend First Amendment law with real-world communications experience.

About the Presenters

Mark Weaver, Esq. is a nationally recognized authority on First Amendment law and government social media. With over three decades of experience, including roles as Deputy Attorney General of Ohio and Assistant Director of Public Affairs for the U.S. Department of Justice, Mark is the author of the award-winning book A Wordsmith’s Work and a frequent lecturer at institutions like The Ohio State University College of Law. His engaging presentations make him a trusted voice for government communicators.

Ryan Stubenrauch, Esq. is an accomplished attorney and communications expert at Communications Counsel, Inc. With over 16 years of experience, Ryan has advised government officials and private sector clients across 13 states on crisis communications and legal challenges. A sought-after speaker, he brings humor and practical insights to help municipalities align their social media strategies with legal requirements.

Details

WHEN: Wednesday, 10th November 2025
PRICE: $200??? person
TIME: 11:30am-1pm
LOCATION: Zoom

REGISTER Now

If you have trouble registering or with the post-registration instructions, email info@communicationscounsel.com.

Below are some photos from a few of the training sessions we've led the last couple of years.