Supervising members separated by miles can present added challenges.Here are some tips from Kristen Ball of the Illinois Public Health AmeriCorps (Springfield, IL):

• Use the orientation to help all members get to know each other and become educated about the program by using warm-up activities, ice breakers, and team-building activities.
• Conduct quarterly trainings to help bolster those connections and continue to build member skills
• Reconnect with members during team conference calls (every three months); update them on program progress and field questions
• Send monthly e-mails to site supervisors and members noting service hours and activities
• Be available on a daily basis via e-mail, fax, and phone
• Visit members at host sites once a year; meet separately with supervisors and members to get different perspectives on how things are going
• Maintain a Web site with updated program information, member forms, and training manuals to connect members across distances
• Provide a members-only message board on your Web site

Technology-based tools like message boards and networking sites also are effective in building a sense of camaraderie among members even when they're in different locations. Learn how to use technology for team building and member support.

Videoconference training
Bringing together members for training isn't always financially possible. Click play to hear how Marissa Mizer with AppalCORPS (Athens, OH) uses videoconferencing technology to span the distance between her members.

Web 2.0 ToolsRead "MySpace, YouTube and Blogs, Oh My!" to learn how to use technology to engage younger members or youth served by your program.