Enriching the Chapter Website

Entry Details

By enriching the Chapter website with active and relevant communication tools, members gain confidence and connection.

The global pandemic, COVID-19, instantly changed the way we looked at how our chapter communicates. With information and guidance changing hour by hour, it was imperative for our members to be able to easily connect and communicate from a safe central point. We knew our website could be that place of connection. Our first step was to give Online Education its own focus. Next we built a Message Board that allowed members to talk to each other, virtually. Lastly, our Charity Golf Outing was able to take place due to the safety of online registration and payment through our website

It is said that “necessity is the mother of invention”. Due to a need for increased virtual communication, our chapter has enjoyed a richer and deeper website experience. During a period of remoteness, members were able to experience a sense of inclusion. Local club managers, who were not currently part of the association, were drawn to the website for its pertinent and informative content. As a result, several are currently seeking membership.

Implementation

The Connecticut Chapter has always featured a rich education page. To adjust to the current environment, a specific online education page was created. Members who were currently on the CCM path were able to seek alternative methods to continue to gain credits and those looking to boost their skill set knew where to go.

Member to member communication was paramount in the early days of the pandemic. By initiating the Message Board, managers could communicate with each other and post comments on the conversation. To protect the integrity of our clubs, this was only available in the password protected members-only section of the website. Managers were empowered by having access to this shared information provided by the Message Board.

Lastly, our website served as a safe venue to register, buy raffle tickets, and make payments for our charity golf outing, which supports Connecticut children’s charities. The success of the online registration has resulted in a impressive field of golfers and sponsors for the outing.