A noted expert on networks like the Exchange once said that “networks are only as strong as the connections that hold them together … and … those connections are only as valuable as what’s flowing through them.” (D. Ehrlichman. Impact Networks: Create Connection, Spark Collaboration, and Catalyze Systemic Change (2021), p. 127). Time and time again, Exchange members say that one of the things they value most about membership is the supportive relationships that they develop, i.e., the very connections that David Ehrlichman references in his book. But an internal review of how well the Exchange was supporting those connections painted a pretty dim view:
- A consultant identified many shortcomings in reviewing our website and member forum in a 2023 communications audit, recommending updating them both;
- More importantly, feedback collected from members at three virtual listening sessions last winter echoed their challenges in navigating the website, accessing materials, and connecting with one another virtually to share information and ask questions.
So, we decided to improve and here is what you can expect as programming gears back up this fall:
1. We are Building a New Website with a Simpler User Interface
We have contracted with Firespring, a respected, national firm with expertise in nonprofit websites, and a draft of the new website is nearly ready for review by the Exchange’s governing body, the Strategic Planning and Policy Committee (SPPC). (Anyone who is not on the SPPC, but interested in being apart of the final review should contact Barbara (barbara@giexchange.org)).
2. We are Building a New, Secure Member Forum, Accessible from the Website
That forum will be hosted on a platform called “Aluminati” and will provide:
- A comprehensive member directory with contact information, synchronization with LinkedIn, and areas of expertise, along with a realtime chat feature, so that it’s easier for members to connect outside of Learning Circles. The directory has a dynamic discovery map and filters such as keywords and location to facilitate finding individuals by geography or area of expertise.
- A place to host content for an unlimited number of groups, like our peer learning circles;
- A place to host our new online training programs;
- A place to host opportunities like job openings, special projects, and grants;
- A knowledge center where we will house the GI library, Framework of Practice, and other publications, making them more accessible and searchable;
- The capacity to support a self-organizing mentorship program, so that newer members can learn from more seasoned practitioners.
- Lots of data on member engagement, so that we have a better sense of what’s working and who may be struggling to engage in our work.
A snapshot of the fully customizable Aluminati user dashboard is below, to give you a feel for the platform:
We are grateful to Spring Point Partners for a special grant that supported this work. Exchange membership will soon include free access to the portal and is now open to organizations across sectors who share our passion for implementing GSI equitably. Learn more here!
