I am happy to report some good news about possibilities for News & Views to continue beyond the end of March.
We invited all members of XUNICEF to participate in an online discussion on Wednesday January 28th on the question, "Replace or Continue News & Views after 31 March". We included a link to a very short questionnaire asking whether members would like the publication to continue and if so, whether they would agree to help in managing or leading after the end of March.
The Discussion
Only nine members joined the online discussion.
On the positive side, however, there was strong support for continuing publication of News & Views or some alternative platform for XUNICEF to keep in touch after March. Key points that emerged:
* we should look for software platforms that would offer easier and quicker ways to communicate through short messages. These platforms may be in addition to or alternatives to the current blog.
* we need an easier way to find email addresses. The past concern about spam resulting from open posting of email addresses remains, but we should explore ways members could 'opt in' to sharing their address and perhaps a password system to limit access.
* we should organize more online discussions - perhaps monthly and with themes stated in advance for each. These should be open to all and informal in tone.
* this year is UNICEF's 80th Anniversary. We should use the occasion to restart the history series we published for the 75th Anniversary.
* we should organize soon a meeting for those members who have indicated that they will help when the current team at News & Views retires at the end of March. This may take the form of a rotating board of members who would manage communications.
* The term 'editors' should be dropped as the editors do not really edit, but rather reach out for articles and manage sharing.
The Survey
Only 30 members responded to the survey, but the results among the respondents showed strong support for continuing publication beyond March. In addition, a total of nine members indicated a willingness to help with managing or leading XUNICEF communications beyond March.
Good morning Tom. Appreciate your understanding of issues & the limited time involved for those like me now going forward to 92 with the Lord's Grace. You and your Team have done a great job till now. USA needs the lessons of genuine humility cum democracy is a passing thought l share with a respected Friend. Blessings 🙌 Dev Chopra ✌️
ReplyDeleteDear Dev,
DeleteThanks for your message. We have noted your preference for shorter 'whatsapp' type messages and the group are looking at various software platforms that would support this. Two of the past reunion attendees already have Whatsapp groups running and that may be a guide for something similar for XUNICEF.
Warm regards,
Tom
Thank you for all efforts Tom and glad that the Newsletter in some form or shape can continue. It is needed now more than ever.
ReplyDelete