Chapter Channels on the Forum?

[Brad Fisher]

Has anybody discussed the idea of this forum as the main channel for comminicating with members on a chapter basis? We at Three Rivers are currently using Facebook for that, along with email of course. Some members don't like Facebook (I don't blame them) and I'm looking for a better platform. I wonder if it would make sense to set up, for example, a Three Rivers Chapter Channel where we would announce and discuss events. It would have the advantage of being robust, easier to manage, more "cross-pollenating" among chapters, and drive more participation in the forums on a general level.

 

[Benson Gray]

A forum here for your chapter (or any other) could easily be setup. The only down side is that people outside your chapter would be able to see those messages and respond, if that matters. Would you like me to create one for you to test?

Benson

 

[Brad Fisher]

Let me talk to the members and to the two other Chapters — Great Rivers and Northern Lakes — who have apparently attempted this on their own. I’ll get back to you. Thanks!

 

[Worth Gretter]

Since I live in an area with no chapter nearby (Albany NY), I would love to see what the chapters are doing!

 

[Benson Gray]

I would love to see what the chapters are doing!

The various chapter newsletters at https://www.woodencanoe.org/chapters usually have a good summary of what they are doing.

Benson

 

[Brad Fisher]

Benson, we discussed this at our annual meeting yesterday. Members are definitely interested in something less chaotic and ad-filled than Facebook. They're fine with communications being visible throughout the organization. One question came up: If you're not a member of WCHA.org, can you still access the forum? I'm all for an incentive for folks to pay their WCHA dues, but I think it could be better from a communications and recruitment standpoint if this were open to the scofflaws and lurkers as well. Let me know how that works.

 

[Benson Gray]

If you're not a member of WCHA.org, can you still access the forum?

Yes, these forums have always been open to anyone (except spammers) as a form of outreach that will hopefully encourage people to join the organization. There has been much discussion about creating another information resource that is restricted to members but that hasn't been implemented yet. I've just created a new WCHA Chapters category with forums for the Northeast and Three Rivers chapters there. The link below is to the Three Rivers one. Let me know if any other chapters would like to have their own forum added. Thanks,

Benson

Three Rivers Chapter

This area is for the Three Rivers chapter of the WCHA to exchange ideas.

forums.wcha.org

 

[Brad Fisher]

Great! Thanks.