Communicating with Email (Part 1- Direct emailing)

Email is by far the most popular way to communicate. Group emails are a wonderful way to share information. Basically, there are two methods to send group emails. An email can be sent directly from one member to a group. The second way is to use a distribution service such as MailChimp.

We will discuss the pros and cons of each method. This week we will begin with direct emails. Direct emailing is the easier of the two, but it does have shortcomings.

PROS

• Direct email  is easy to set up. You need verified email addresses that you have arranged in groups.
• It is time efficient. Choose the group, compose the message and send. Messages can be copied and pasted to send to another group.

CONS

• Internet providers differ widely on what they allow. Some allow only 50 or less email addresses on any given message. You may have to break one large group into smaller ones.
• The size and format of attachments can also be an issue with emails.  A service provider will not let you attach files when the memory requirements are too large.
• Internet providers frequently block messages sent to a group. As a sender, you would not know if your message reached everyone in your group. Ask for a reply to insure your message was received.
• Security on individual computers may see your message as spam and send it to the spam/junk folder. Members don't think to check their spam/junk folders for legitimate emails.
• Some email providers (e.g., Time Warner) will quickly look at your group emails before sending. If one is problematic, the message isn't sent to anyone in the group. You must spend time to figure out which one is not going through.

GENERAL COMMENTS

If you share information with a large group use Bcc., since people would prefer that their email address be kept private. However, if you want a discussion (as in a small committee), you should use the “To” option; this will allow committee members to respond to all participants

Even with the shortcomings noted above, direct emailing to large groups will continue to be a popular way to communicate within the Society.

Is direct emailing used in your chapter? What pros and cons have you found?

Website? Why? WHY NOT!

On every level of Delta Kappa Gamma, the importance of a website in communications is second only to using email. A website is the backbone for the business end of the Society.

Although many Society websites contain social aspects like photographs of events, the main focus is on communication of business. Meetings and special events are announced, sign ups posted, important downloads are available, and even the latest news are all available.

A website can be a marketing tool to build internal pride and externally to represent the active participation a chapter has to impact the local community. It can also serve as a recruitment tool.

Websites are free (Weebly) and easy to build. Six “How-To” videos are available and will guide you through every step!

DKG has made the biennium review super easy … a simple checklist to become compliant. Yet another great reason to build a website.

Although the current Society websites are in the process of submitting the compliance forms, you can get a new or rebuilt site evaluated any time of the year.

Wouldn’t your members like a website? Are you willing but anxious? Do you need a helping hand? Hey, we are here to help.  JUST ASK!