November 2006

The basics 'done well' results in nice chapter site for members to visit

Grant County WI Chapter earns Web Site of the Month honors

Congratulations to the leaders of the Grant County WI Chapter, especially to Janelle Davis, chapter Internet Advisor and Web site administrator, whose site has been named Chapter Web Site of the Month for November.

The site may not include many "splashy" features, but it covers the basics in a clean, easy-to-read and easy-to-navigate format.

"My goal was to develop an easy-to-navigate and cohesive Web site—one where the content is informative and visually pleasing without being overwhelming," says Janelle. "One key to a successful chapter is good communications between members, congregational coordinators and chapter board members. It is my hope that this Web site will help facilitate communication and awareness within our chapter."

Janelle is meeting her goals as she has developed a very nice site that is user friendly, pleasing to the eye, and informative:

• By only spending a few minutes on the site, visitors learn:
  • The mission and purpose of the chapter.
  • Who the chapter leaders are and how to reach them.
  • What activities are coming up.
  • Who has been helped this year through activities led by chapter members.
  • What congregations are in the chapter.
  
  
• The layout of the site also is a winner as each page:
  • Is short (not much scrolling needed).
  • Contains much white space.
  • Includes a beautiful picture of the local landscape within the chapter.

"I don't have any formal Web site training," says Janelle, "but the Lutherans Online Web site templates make developing a site and upkeeping it easy."

Janelle plans to include more pictures and detailed descriptions of chapter activities so that "members and others can see how the Grant County WI Chapter is making a difference in our churches and communities."

Without any formal Web site training, why would Janelle ask to be the Internet Advisor? "I volunteered to develop the site because I noticed our chapter didn't have a Web site manager and I decided it was a great way for me to volunteer," she says. "I grew up seeing first hand the difference that Thrivent Financial and local volunteers make by helping others."

As for the Web Site of the Month honor, Janelle quickly passes credit to the chapter members and volunteers. "Without their faithful efforts, a Web site would not be needed," she says.

You can visit the site at www.lutheransonline.com/grantcountywichapter. Congratulations, Janelle, on an excellent site for your chapter members to visit.