From crisis management to long-term digital strategy: Leading the transition of a national conference and launching a year-round engagement platform.
The Challenge: Sustaining Connectivity During COVID Disruption
Connection and the open exchange of information and ideas have always been integral to water stewardship and community leadership. For over 20 years, River Rally served as the network’s main connection point. However, we were missing a space to connect on these critical issues between annual events. When the pandemic necessitated the pivot of the in-person Rally, it amplified the need for a robust, year-round digital solution to maintain engagement and mission momentum.
Solution 1: Launching the Online Community
The Online Community launched successfully, establishing itself as “a place for water protectors… to connect with peers, share opportunities, and foster partnerships for shared impact.” Within three months, the platform welcomed 450 new members who immediately began leveraging the space for collaborative discussions on topics like volunteer training and microplastics pollution campaigns.
Read How River Network is Building Community, Online on the River Network blog.
Solution 2: Virtual Conference Pivot (2020 & 2021)
In parallel with the community launch, I project managed and executed two virtual versions of the national River Rally conference, successfully transitioning the week-long event into a multi-week digital format.
Sharing My Learnings
Planning Virtual Meetings & Conferences
August 13, 2020
After virtual River Rally 2020 attracted over 550 participants, I hosted a workshop for the network to share our lessons learned on planning and hosting engaging digital events.
Building Online Connectivity
January 27, 2021
After the successful launch of River Network’s online community, I collaborated with leaders from Groundwork USA and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay to share best practices for using online platforms to build relationships, share knowledge, and expand organizational reach.
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