Alumni relations is about building community and calling on alumni to participate. Engaging alumni online is a great way to further a sense of community, maintain strong connections, and encourage ongoing support for your institution or organization. It is challenging to create a strong community only online so the focus should be on affirming the community, creating loose bonds, and communicating. Here are some strategies that specifically address the shift to online communications and events:

• Create an Alumni Portal: Develop a dedicated online platform, a website or community platform, where alumni can connect, share updates, and access resources. The most important feature is providing an alumni directory. Additional features might include alumni profiles, job postings, event listings, and news updates.
• Regularly Update Content: Keep the online platform fresh and interesting by regularly updating content such as alumni success stories, industry news, educational articles, and event highlights so your alumni will visit frequently.
• Social Media Engagement: Utilize social media platforms such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram to create official alumni groups and pages especially if you don’t have a dedicated alumni platform. Share relevant content, engage in conversations, and encourage alumni to share their own experiences.
• Online Events and Webinars: Host webinars, workshops, and online events on topics of interest to alumni. This could include career development, industry trends, or personal growth. These events provide opportunities for networking and learning.
• Virtual Reunions: Organize virtual reunions to bring alumni together based on class year or shared interest. Use video conferencing tools to host these events and incorporate interactive activities.
• Alumni Spotlight Features: Regularly showcase alumni accomplishments and success stories on your online platform. This celebrates alumni achievements and motivates others to stay engaged.
• Networking Opportunities: Facilitate networking by connecting alumni based on their interests, industries, or geographic locations. Online platforms can include features to help alumni connect and collaborate professionally.
• Mentoring Programs: Create mentoring programs that connect experienced alumni with current students or younger alumni seeking guidance in their careers.
• Surveys and Feedback: Seek input from alumni through surveys to understand their preferences, interests, and ideas for future events and engagement activities.
• Virtual Volunteer Opportunities: Provide ways for alumni to give back by offering virtual volunteer opportunities, such as speaking at online events, participating in panel discussions, or contributing to blog posts.
• Alumni Giving Campaigns: Use online platforms to promote fundraising campaigns and projects that alumni can support. Clearly communicate the impact of their contributions.
• Alumni News: Send out regular newsletters with updates, stories, and upcoming events. Keep the content engaging and relevant to maintain interest.
• User-Generated Content: Encourage alumni to contribute their own content, such as articles, videos, or photos, to the online platform. This promotes a sense of ownership and community involvement.
• Gamification: Introduce gamified elements to your online engagement efforts, such as challenges, quizzes, and contests, to keep alumni engaged and motivated to participate.
• Personalize Communication: Utilize data segmentation and email tools to send personalized communications to alumni based on their interests, location, and other relevant factors.

Remember, successful online alumni engagement requires ongoing effort and a commitment to building a strong virtual community. Regular communication, valuable content, and meaningful interactions will help foster a sense of belonging and encourage alumni to stay connected over time.

Read more articles in the Alumni Relations Transformations Series at AlmaShines or the Impactrics Resources area.