Supervisor's Toolkit

• Planning and Documentation
• Creating Effective Member-Supervisor Relationships
• Monitoring and Evaluating Members
  • Expectations & Goals
  • Ongoing Monitoring
    • Supervising From Afar
    • Biweekly Reporting from Members
    • Monthly Check-in Meetings
    • Member Reporting Systems
    • Monthly Reporting and Reflections
  • Performing Member Evaluations
• Working With Host Sites

Home > Supervisor's Toolkit > Monitoring and Evaluating Members > Ongoing Monitoring > Supervising Members From Afar > Connect Members Across Distances

Connect Members Across Distances

Meeting on the Web to share ideas and resources

A members-only section of a program Web site provides a meeting place for members and site supervisors separated by distance. There, they can share successes, problem-solve together, and connect with others.

Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP in Anchorage, AK) has more than 100 full- and part-time AmeriCorps and VISTA members located in communities across Alaska. Ellen Kazary, program manager, suggests these tips for creating and using the Web to connect far-flung members and supervisors:

• Get feedback on what members need
• Piggy-back on your program's existing Web site to create an Intranet (a restricted section of the site that only those with permission may enter)
• Give a purpose to each section, such as:
  • Success stories
  • Funding opportunities
  • Resources (Web sites, etc.)
  • Discussion board
  • Photos
• Use the site to share information widely rather than via e-mail
• Remember Internet access is not always reliable in remote locations
  • Don't rely exclusively on your site to communicate important information

Click play to hear Ellen Kazary describe why RurAL CAP developed its member site.

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