Come Together, Right Now

Any number of scenarios (natural disaster, illness, emergency, etc.) could force people apart, sending them to different physical locations across your community or around the globe. 
 
Rather than seeing this as a challenge to your organization, use the opportunity to offer new ways of community building and engagement with your mission, for both current and potential new members. Providing options for people to feel connected, especially when they are far apart, can help increase their emotional connection and deepen their commitment to your mission. 

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There are numerous tools and infinite ways to expand your community. Below are just a few suggestions: 
 
Virtual Gatherings:
Host virtual get-togethers to help your community remain connected through virtual meeting tools like Skype, Google Hangout, Zoom, etc.

• Motivation Monday
• Weekly Check-ins
• Virtual Dinner & Discussion

Share Phone Trees:
Ask volunteers, donors, and organization leaders to help check-in on a few community members each. Give them a list, and ask those they call to do the same.

• Elderly and home-bound members
• Those in hot-spot areas
• Anyone who might be running low on resources

Social Media Campaigns: 
Invite your community to share photos or videos of how they are engaging in your mission and help spark ideas for others.

• Preparing meals for those in need
• Planting community gardens
• Collecting donations for local shelters

Card and Notes:
Ask members of your community to join together in writing and sending cards or notes to those in need both near and far.

• Encouragement and appreciation to those at the frontlines of the crisis (firefighters, nurses, 911 operators, etc.)
• Reminders to those most isolated that you care about them and are thinking of them (elderly, those who live alone, sick, etc.)
• Ask kids to draw pictures of their real life heroes and send it to that person with a small note (teacher, parent, neighbor, etc.)

 
Video Messages:
A short encouraging and engaging video from your leader(s) can go a long way in helping remind your volunteers, donor, and staff that your mission and community will rise above the current circumstances, and together you will continue to make a positive impact in the world.

• Board members discussing why your mission is important to them
• Organization Founder/Director talking about how your mission will continue during the current circumstances
• Local Chapter Presidents sharing recent mission success stories

 
Whatever circumstances you may be facing, remember that distance is not a blockade to community. Rather, it is an opportunity to engage and expand your community in a new way. 
 
If you are ready to explore new ways to grow your community, reach out to us and learn how we can help empower your mission!