Supporting Virtual Engagement
For broader context on member engagement, see Engagement Strategy and Philosophy.
Purpose
Provide meaningful ways for members to connect and participate without attending in-person events.
Guiding Principle
Virtual engagement is a valid and valuable way to be part of the community—not a secondary option.
Members engage at different levels, and all forms of participation are valid.
What This Means in Practice
- Offer engagement options that do not require physical attendance
- 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
Offer Multiple Ways to Participate
Members can engage virtually in different ways, depending on time, interest, and preference:
Stay Informed (Low Commitment)
- Read the newsletter
- Follow announcements and updates
- Review shared resources or recordings
Light Interaction
- Respond to polls or surveys
- Participate in discussion prompts (e.g., “question of the week”)
- React or comment on posts
Join Virtual Events
- Attend online meetups or discussions
- Join webinars, workshops, or guest speaker sessions
- Participate in virtual social events (e.g., coffee chats, game nights)
Contribute and Collaborate
- Share resources, ideas, or opportunities
- Help plan or host virtual activities
- Volunteer for small, remote-friendly roles
A strong Local Group supports a range of participation levels.
Support Effective Virtual Events
Virtual events are more effective when they are:
- Accessible — easy to join, with clear instructions
- Welcoming — no pressure to speak or use video
- Structured but flexible — guided, but not rigid
- Time-conscious — start and end as expected
Include in event listings:
- Platform (Zoom, etc.)
- Access instructions
- Time zone
- Participation expectations (camera, chat, etc.)
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 (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
- Welcome new participants in chats or discussions
- Use names and acknowledge contributions
- Allow space for informal interaction
Connection can happen even in low-key or asynchronous settings.
Support Low-Engagement Participation
Not all members will actively participate—and that is a valid form of engagement.
- Reading updates is participation
- Occasional attendance is participation
- Taking breaks and returning later is part of normal engagement
How This Connects to Other Areas
Virtual engagement supports:
These areas work together to create a flexible and inclusive member experience.
Best Practices
- Keep options simple and accessible
- Offer a mix of synchronous and asynchronous opportunities
- Focus on consistency rather than volume
- Make it easy for members to participate at their comfort level
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
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
Key Takeaway
Virtual engagement expands how members connect—making participation more flexible, accessible, and sustainable.