Supporting Virtual Engagement: Difference between revisions

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Latest revision as of 06:11, 3 June 2026

Words of Wisdom

Virtual engagement is not a substitute for engagement—it is engagement.

It expands how members connect—making participation more flexible, accessible, and sustainable.

What Success Looks Like

Members can engage without attending in-person events
Participation happens at multiple levels
Virtual options are used consistently over time
Members feel included regardless of location or activity level

Best Practices

Keep options simple and accessible
Offer both live and asynchronous opportunities
Focus on consistency rather than volume
Use communication channels members already know
Make participation easy at different comfort levels

Common Pitfalls

Treating virtual engagement as secondary to in-person events
Requiring high levels of participation or visibility
Overcomplicating tools or platforms
Expecting all members to use the same channels
Ignoring quieter or less-visible participants

Purpose

Help Local Groups provide meaningful opportunities for members to connect, participate, and engage virtually so that virtual engagement is considered part of the core member experience.

What This Means in Practice

A strong virtual presence helps ensure that all members—not just event attendees—feel included.

Virtual engagement works best when it:

Provides flexible ways to connect
Supports different levels of engagement
Creates opportunities for interaction and community
Reduces barriers to participation

Successful virtual engagement is:

Consistent — Members know what to expect
Accessible — Participation is easy and straightforward
Welcoming — New voices are encouraged
Varied — Different options appeal to different members

A small number of well-run opportunities is often more effective than many underused ones.

Providing Virtual Engagement

Virtual Engagement Options

Type	Examples
Communication	Email lists Newsletters Social media groups Online discussion spaces
Activities	Virtual game nights Book clubs Speaker presentations Discussion groups Trivia events
Volunteer Opportunities	Newsletter contributions Social media support Website updates Committee participation
Asynchronous Engagement	Discussion threads Polls and surveys Shared resources Recorded presentations

@@ Line 10: / Line 10: @@
 * Members feel included regardless of location or activity level
 | best    =
 * Keep options simple and accessible
-* Offer a mix of synchronous and asynchronous opportunities
+* Offer both live and asynchronous opportunities
 * Focus on consistency rather than volume
-* Make it easy for members to participate at their comfort level
+* Use communication channels members already know
+* Make participation easy at different comfort levels
 | pitfalls =
 * Treating virtual engagement as secondary to in-person events
@@ Line 22: / Line 23: @@
 }}
 == Purpose ==
-Describe meaningful ways for members to connect and participate without attending in-person events.
+Help Local Groups provide meaningful opportunities for members to connect, participate, and engage virtually so that virtual engagement is considered part of the core member experience.
 == What This Means in Practice ==
-* Offer engagement options that do not require physical attendance
+A strong virtual presence helps ensure that all members—not just event attendees—feel included.
-* Support different levels of participation
-* Make participation accessible across time, location, and comfort level
-* Treat virtual engagement as part of the core member experience
-== Key Actions ==
+Virtual engagement works best when it:
+* Provides flexible ways to connect
+* Supports different levels of engagement
+* Creates opportunities for interaction and community
+* Reduces barriers to participation
+Successful virtual engagement is:
+* '''Consistent''' — Members know what to expect
+* '''Accessible''' — Participation is easy and straightforward
+* '''Welcoming''' — New voices are encouraged
+* '''Varied''' — Different options appeal to different members
+A small number of well-run opportunities is often more effective than many underused ones.
+== Providing Virtual Engagement ==
+== Virtual Engagement Options ==
-=== Offer Multiple Ways to Participate ===
 {| class="wikitable"
-! Participation Style !! Examples
+! Type !! Examples
 |-
-| Stay Informed
+| Communication
 |
-* Read newsletters
+* Email lists
-* Follow announcements
+* Newsletters
-* Review shared resources
+* Social media groups
+* Online discussion spaces
 |-
-| Light Interaction
+| Activities
 |
-* Respond to polls
+* Virtual game nights
-* Participate in discussion prompts
+* Book clubs
-* Comment on posts
+* Speaker presentations
+* Discussion groups
+* Trivia events
 |-
-| Join Virtual Activities
+| Volunteer Opportunities
 |
-* Attend online meetups
+* Newsletter contributions
-* Join webinars or discussions
+* Social media support
-* Participate in virtual social events
+* Website updates
+* Committee participation
 |-
-| Contribute
+| Asynchronous Engagement
 |
-* Share resources or ideas
+* Discussion threads
-* Help organize activities
+* Polls and surveys
-* Volunteer for remote-friendly roles
+* Shared resources
+* Recorded presentations
 |}
-A strong Local Group supports a range of participation levels.
-=== Support Effective Virtual Events ===
-Virtual events are most effective when they are:
-* Easy to join
-* Welcoming and low-pressure
-* Structured but flexible
-* Respectful of participants' time
-Provide clear information about:
-* Platform
-* Access instructions
-* Time zone
-* Participation expectations
-=== Use Multiple Communication Channels ===
-Virtual engagement often happens across multiple spaces:
-* Email or newsletter
-* Online discussion platforms (e.g., Slack, Discord)
-* Social media groups
-* Shared documents or forums
-Not all members will use every channel—and that is expected.
-=== Support Asynchronous Participation ===
-Not all engagement happens in real time.
-Examples include:
-* Reading newsletters
-* Participating in discussion threads
-* Viewing recordings
-* Responding to polls or surveys
-Asynchronous options allow members to participate on their own schedule.=== Make Participation Inclusive ===
-* Offer asynchronous options (recordings, discussion threads, email follow-up)
-* Be mindful of time zones and schedules
-* Support different comfort levels (active or quiet participation)
-* Keep technology requirements simple
-=== Encourage Connection ===
-Connection can happen even in low-key or asynchronous settings.
-* Welcome new participants in chats or discussions
-* Use names and acknowledge contributions
-* Allow space for informal interaction
 == Related ==
 * [[Member Engagement]]
 * [[Local Group Events and Activities]]
-* [[Member Communication]]
+* [[Supporting Remote Members]]
-* [[Welcoming New Members]]
+* [[Local Group Event Channels and Platforms]]
-* [[Serving Remote Members]]