Developing an online presence can strengthen your community, giving you new and more efficient means of communication.
But many communities that rely on in-person participation are concerned that an online presence will deter in-person connection. That it will reduce how many people physically walk through the doors each week. Maybe you feel the same way.
You may be a community that values and thrives with interpersonal connection through volunteering or conversation. But, extending your audience into the online realm doesn’t need to detract from that.
An online community can actually deepen the quality of experiences through the presence of diverse perspectives. In turn, this can strengthen your community and make it more resilient.
Virtual community provides another option
It’s true there are benefits to meeting in-person that virtual meeting rooms and online videos cannot replace. And you don’t want to get rid of those in-person gatherings. Not all of your events need to have an online component.
But providing another option, at least some of the time, allows access for those who cannot attend in person. And there are many reasons people may not be able to make it to an in-person event.
It’s possible people are away or travel often or maybe they just wouldn’t be able to make it on time because the commute will take too long.
Many individuals also have physical needs that make it difficult to visit in person, at least on a regular basis.
Having that wider range of people, who would otherwise not be able to be part of your organisation, will add to the variety of perspectives within your community.
And having different perspectives always helps when trying to problem solving or come up with new or effective ways to reach people.
A supportive and connected community
An online presence gives people an option to participate that they otherwise would not have. It can also provide them with an option where they feel their needs are being taken into consideration.
Community is about connecting with and supporting each other and an online space can help you do just that.
It lets people know they are valued, and if online is the only way they can connect at this point in time, then that’s okay.
Virtual community allows you to stay in touch when you may otherwise lose people who don’t feel seen.
And building your community on a foundation of caring for another and respecting diversity lets people know that’s what you value.
If you’re a small business, online meetings can also be an important way to extend flexibility to employees you value. If you accommodate their needs, it can help foster a relationship of loyalty and trust.
A starting point
For your organisation, online is also a great place to reach people and for them be able to test you out. To find out what you value, what you’re up to, and what they’re looking for.
Then, once they do step in the door, they’re probably more certain this is a place for them.
When people are sure of themselves and you, sure that this is where they want to be, that provides a stronger platform upon which to build meaningful connections.
And that is what will grow and strengthen your community: meaningful connection.