How Organizations Use memberplanet in Response to COVID-19

​One of the bigger questions that leaders of membership-based organizations are asking themselves during the COVID-19 pandemic is, “How can we continue to support and serve our members during this time?” Even as government leaders announce plans to reopen, the fact remains that there are many crippling circumstances complicating each organization’s situation.
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Regardless of the hurdles faced, we’ve seen many adapt – and continue to thrive! Organizations have converted their in-person events and fundraisers to virtual ones, they’ve continued to foster meaningful connections through online channels, and they’re resilient and resourceful even amidst constant chaos. Here are some examples of organizations using memberplanet who’ve gone above and beyond to serve their members – what they’ve done can be replicated for almost any organization.
 
Fraternal organizations keep members connected using surveys and email campaigns

• In preparation for its 50th anniversary, Tau Kappa Epsilon’s Mu-Omega Alumni Association has created a campaign to enlist the help of its active members. The goal – find and reach out to brothers who don’t have an email address on file. Come October, they want to involve as many brothers as they can for their Mu-Omega 50th anniversary celebration!

 

• Many of Delta Gamma Fraternity’s alumnae associations continue to do good:​

The Atlanta Alumnae Chapter encouraged members to write letters of encouragement to collegians who are taking their spring exams from home. Those interested were asked to fill out a short survey to be matched with collegiate members.

​The Madison Area Alumnae Association also created an email campaign to pair alumnae with sisters who are graduating; it’s a concerted effort to provide mentorship, career advice, and remote interviewing tips to those who are graduating during these uncertain times.
 
And its Oklahoma City Alumnae Chapter organized a team to make DIY fabric masks for healthcare providers, teachers, and other vulnerable populations in their community!

• Pi Alpha Phi’s National Board sent out an email newsletter in response to COVID-19. They urged brothers to help flatten the curve, encouraged alumni to share inspiring stories and stay connected, and shared a webinar to keep up mental health and wellness.

 

• Alpha Rho Chi, a professional architecture fraternity, promoted its virtual Founder’s Day, inviting members to view the awards and scholarships presentation remotely.

 
Organizations utilize event sites to go virtual

• In Germany, Spangdahlem Air Base Club (part of the United States Air Force Clubs) is hosting its first virtual craft beer tasting. How? Instead of implementing a bring-your-own-beer policy, they’re having attendees register and pick up a personalized beer caddy, complete with four different craft beers, two collectors cups, and some special gifts!

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• Not letting the pandemic put a damper on its monthly get-togethers, Sigma Chi Orlando Alumni promotes its video happy hour that members can join remotely.

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• Working Food, a nonprofit that works to cultivate a resilient food community in North Central Florida, has decided to make its fourth annual Southern Seed School a self-paced, online learning opportunity – and it’s free!

​Organizations raise funds in response to and in spite of COVID-19
(Read More: Giving in Response to the Coronavirus Crisis)

• Numerous Washington State PTAs launched online donation campaigns:

Lakeview PTSA reached its goal to provide 50 families in need with a $50 gift card each.
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Brownsville Elementary PTSA turned its annual jog-a-thon, which funds more than 50% of its annual budget, into a virtual exercise-a-thon!

And Viewlands PTSA continues to raise funds for its Grocery Gift Card Drive to help provide grocery gift cards for families in need.

• Wittmann Elementary School’s Foundation launched a Virtual Teacher Appreciation Celebration. They plan to fill their teachers’ inboxes with emails of happy notes, drawings of flowers, and jokes, as well as gift each teacher with an e-gift card. 

• Delta Gamma continued its chapter philanthropy for multiple causes:

The Beta Zeta chapter is raising funds for Sisters Helping Sisters During COVID-19, which will help to provide scholarships to DG members in financial need to finish their education. 

The Alpha Omicron Chapter at Miami University launched a successful Anchor Bowl campaign to support the Delta Gamma Foundation.
 
The Beta Epsilon Chapter at American University is holding its Cycle for Sight campaign to positively impact the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.
 
And the Eta Rho Chapter at the University of California, Merced, had to cancel its Puppies and Pizza fundraising event, but still promoted an online fundraising campaign to benefit the Delta Gamma Foundation and the Center of Visual Enhancement.
 

As you strive to continue making a positive impact on your members and constituents, memberplanet is here to help. We have a library of templates available on the platform to help organizational leaders in the work they do. If you need assistance with our features, please visit our Support Center.

About Rachael Beck

Rachael is our go-to gal for all things Greek life, philanthropic initiatives, and fundraising campaigns. Her favorite part of the job is expanding organizations’ online reach as well as the connections she makes along the way. On weekends, she loves working out and spending time with her family.