Special Features

Special Features of Connected Communities

The wall “feature” is similar to leaving a post-it note on someone’s office door. Members visit another member’s profile and leave a quick message or comment. The messages are visible to everyone and can be commented on by other members. This feature is good to use for quick communication and it helps people feel connected and included in the online community.  

The online forum is a public place where community members can post a question or ask for feedback from everyone in the online community. This feature is much like a community bulletin board, an online listserv or discussion place. A forum allows online community members to reach out to each other and share ideas.

The blog post feature also is public, but unlike a quick wall post or a brief discussion, a blog gives participants an opportunity to share a more descriptive story. Online community members can use a blog to share news, ideas or experiences with others. A blog often urges people to take a certain action and allows readers the opportunity to leave comments on the blog post. A blog is best compared to a newsletter article, but is typically much less formal.

The calendar and events section enables members to view and RSVP to upcoming events. Members can post their coalition’s events and invite other members of the online community to attend. 

The photo section is a place for coalitions to share photos detailing the work they’re doing in the community. Members can upload photos and view photos uploaded by fellow coalitions from across the world. 

 

The final feature is groups, which have a specific focus or purpose. Being a member of a certain group signifies your dedication or relation to the specific focus or purpose. One group on Connected Communities is Connecting Around the World – its focus is to connect international coalition members and to keep coalitions updated on work being done in other countries. 

As a new or current member of Connected Communities you have many resources at your fingertips. Wall posts, forums, blogs, groups and the calendar each have unique purposes but are all useful tools to help your coalition “connect, communicate and collaborate” with other coalition leaders. 

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