During COVID, many organisations found that their members had a greater need to connect online, due to restrictions around events, networking and business/committee meetings, and while some restrictions are easing in parts of the world, this shift to a higher level of virtual engagement looks like it is here to stay. As a result, many institutions have launched new online communities to bring together their members, supporters or beneficiaries on a permanent platform. This offers teams the ability to manage and own their members’ data, and members are able to join the community without having to sign up to a social media platform.   In this article, read about the launches of three different membership & charitable organisations  and how they are planning to connect and support their members through their recently launched online communities. 

Shell Pensioners Association launches new online community with added benefits for members

The Shell Pensioners Association recently launched their private community platform for ex-employees to stay in touch with Shell & their former colleagues, and have had over 2300 online registrations in just one month! They had great success with their launch communications, with a 79% open rate and 31% click through rate on their first email, driving lots of traffic to their new site, and their new online community is already thriving, with members regularly logging into the site to receive updates about former colleagues, Shell, and the Shell Pensioner’s Association.

Along with the ability to connect with other former employees, the Shell Pensioners Association online platform also signposts important information & guidance regarding pensions provided by Shell, as well as sharing initiatives such as Shell Employee Action Grants to contribute to causes close to Shell pensioners and staff, and volunteering opportunities.

Australian Peacemaker & Peacekeeper Veterans Association connects veterans 

The mission of the Australian Peacemaker & Peacekeeper Veterans Association is to support the transition, health, wellbeing, and integration into society of all participants in past and present operations, and their families, so that they are valued and can attain happiness after service. Their new online platform, launched in February 2022, provides a place for members to access resources and submit their concerns which the Association can then act on. They can also connect with other veterans using the member directory, and read the biannual Peacekeepers magazine online. There are several community groups for different serving forces, enabling veterans to share photos and discussions with others who have had similar experiences. 

In 2022, the Peacekeepers Association will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Australians in Peacekeeping Operations. Members will be invited to attend a variety of events throughout the year, which they can sign up for through their new online platform, using the integrated event booking functionality.

Start the Wave launches their new platform for Wavemakers seeking to create change

Start the Wave is a US based nonprofit organisation that seeks to connect changemakers - individuals looking to enact change through grassroots community projects - worldwide. Their inclusive community platform, launched recently through ToucanTech, offers support to individuals in finding their own path to incite positive change. On the new community platform, members are able to create profiles to share their volunteering experiences, and share the types of projects they have been involved with, sign up to local events and access resources such as podcasts and documentaries. 

In their launch email communications, Start the Wave shared what members can expect from their new online community, including opportunities to upskill, a range of events, community circles to lead discussions on common causes or passions, and community resources. This achieved a 75% open rate and 29% click through rate, leading to sign ups to join their private portal from previous volunteers and project leaders.   

To learn more about creating your own online community with a fully customisable private portal, speak to a member of the ToucanTech team.