Supporting Virtual Engagement
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 |
|
| Activities |
|
| Volunteer Opportunities |
|
| Asynchronous Engagement |
|