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* Recorded presentations
* Recorded presentations
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|}
=== Offer Multiple Ways to Participate ===
{| class="wikitable"
! Participation Style !! Examples
|-
| Stay Informed
|
* Read newsletters
* Follow announcements
* Review shared resources
|-
| Light Interaction
|
* Respond to polls
* Participate in discussion prompts
* Comment on posts
|-
| Join Virtual Activities
|
* Attend online meetups
* Join webinars or discussions
* Participate in virtual social events
|-
| Contribute
|
* Share resources or ideas
* Help organize activities
* Volunteer for remote-friendly roles
|}
=== Options ===
==== Communication & Community ====
* Local group email lists
* Social media groups (Facebook, Discord, etc.)
* Online discussion forums
* Newsletters and digital publications
==== Events & Activities ====
* Virtual game nights
* Book clubs or discussion groups
* Speaker presentations or panels
* Trivia or themed gatherings
==== Volunteering & Leadership ====
* Writing for newsletters
* Helping manage social platforms
* Contributing to websites or toolkits
* Serving on committees or task forces
=== 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.
=== Make Participation Inclusive ===
* Offer asynchronous options to allow members to participate on their own schedule.
** Reading newsletters
** Participating in discussion threads
** Viewing recordings
** Responding to polls or surveys
* 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 ==
== Related ==
* [[Member Engagement]]
* [[Member Engagement]]
* [[Local Group Events and Activities]]
* [[Local Group Events and Activities]]
* [[Welcoming New Members]]
* [[Supporting Remote Members]]
* [[Supporting Remote Members]]
* [[Local Group Event Channels and Platforms]]
* [[Local Group Event Channels and Platforms]]

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

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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

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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

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Virtual Engagement Options

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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
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