By investing now in the information technology (IT) tools to build an online virtual community, NPCA can help forge connections, highlight and catalyze the creative energies already present within the Peace Corps community, and serve as an information resource for all those wanting to learn more about issues of international importance—while laying a strong foundation for celebration of the 50th anniversary.
Creating a Virtual Community of Returned Peace Corps Volunteers
Creating a Virtual Peace Corps Community
The National Peace Corps Association finds itself at a moment of great opportunity.
Advances in technology that were unheard of when the organization was formed 25 years ago now offer the possibility of creating a bigger, more vibrant, more inclusive, member-driven community of people who not only have served in Peace Corps, but who have been touched by or share Peace Corps values and vision.
Once connected and engaged, this network stands poised to share its story of the Peace Corps legacy and to mobilize and create synergies among those who continue to work toward a world shaped by justice, equity and shared economic well-being.
In addition, the Peace Corps community is approaching a historic milestone event: the 50th anniversary of the Peace Corps. Like recent national celebrations of the Brown v. Board of Education decision and the unveiling of the World War II monument in Washington, DC, the 50th anniversary of Peace Corps—of the Peace Corps idea—deserves a prominent place on the national stage.
By investing now in the information technology (IT) tools to build an online virtual community, NPCA can help forge connections, highlight and catalyze the creative energies already present within the Peace Corps community, and serve as an information resource for all those wanting to learn more about issues of international importance—while laying a strong foundation for celebration of the 50th anniversary.
Background
Discussion of strengthening NPCA’s online presence began in early 2004, when the NPCA board and staff developed the goal of NPCA becoming the “go to” resource for the Peace Corps community. In 2005, NPCA staff was able to secure support and funding to develop a Web technology strategy and Web site plan. Drawing on the important work of consultant Merrill Rose and the Membership Board Task Force NPCA staff developed principles and goals for a virtual community and circulated a Request for Proposal. The firm Communicopia, Inc. was selected to develop a Web technology strategy and Web site plan.
Methodology
During its engagement with NPCA this past fall, Communicopia conducted a thorough document review, including IT-related member and affiliate group comments compiled by staff over time. Communicopia performed an IT audit of current technologies, including the Association Anywhere database currently in use. Numerous conference calls, phone interviews, and face-to-face meetings were held with NPCA staff. In addition, members and group leaders were invited to participate in an online survey posted to the Web site, and almost 1,700 responded.
Outcome
In early February 2006, Communicopia submitted to NPCA a 40-page Web Technology Strategy Web Site Plan. (Click here to download the document in Adobe Acrobat PDF format).
Highlighted IT recommendations include:
* Flexible member profile system
* Powerful content management tools
* Syndicated content
* Communication tools
* Event management
* Network-wide search feature
* Single sign-on
* Redesigned NPCA Web site showcasing the Peace Corps community, capturing personal stories, inspiring action
In Phase One, priority would be given to those items which require minimal initial investment, are quick to implement, complement and inter-operate with existing technologies, and can produce measurable outcomes.
Anticipated benefits include:
* A bigger, more engaged community
* Fully-automated transactions
* More groups connected
* Greater collaboration
* Higher profile for the community and its activities
* Syndicated content
* Enhanced recognition for groups
Next Steps
This document produced by Communcopia is a proposal and as such is reflective of the direction that NPCA staff wishes to move as an organization. It has not been adopted by the Board.
At the February 4, 2006 meeting of the NPCA board, the board conditionally endorsed the concept of a virtual community IT platform as put forth by staff, pending further information, and asked the NPCA staff to report back in 30 days. (Click here for NPCA Board Resolutions/Winter 2006 Meeting.)
As we further develop plans for enhancing NPCA’s online presence and building a more engaged community, we will be seeking your input, especially those members associated with the most technologically advanced groups.
In the interim, feedback on the plan from interested members of the Peace Corps community can be sent to Erica Burman at news@rpcv.org.
