Grasping Technology in the Chapter
As we are well into an era of growing technologies that lead to much efficiency, we must take the time to embrace the innovations that are available to us. For so many years, we have utilized the tangible and confident pen and paper to record our documents, our budgets, our programs, our communication and our history. And while many of those items should be preserved for historical sake, they are obsolete in the functions of today’s chapter.
Tools such as Microsoft’s Excel and Word, Google’s Docs and Sheets, Outlook, Gmail, Powerpoint, online banking, etc. are all examples of some of the technologies that we can use to make our chapter and district communication and functions more efficient, effective, and productive. The power that Google, in particular, has given us to share ideas, documents, and presentations allows chapters to communicate all of these things instantly. Google sheets, in particular, allows for an instant excel format that can be shared with multiple people. It also creates a database for forms that can communicate interest and execution in service events, fundraising, social activities, etc. Fortunately, Google’s interface is very user friendly that allows people across all fields of expertise to use this technology.
The beauty of communication across multiple mediums, particularly email, has created a method of quick and effective communication not only between individuals in the chapter, but those outside the chapter, other chapters and the district as a whole. Google groups allow forums for particular groups. Expanding beyond email to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Groupme, etc. combines functional communication with our daily lives and with an increasing number of people with smartphones, those methods are that much closer to our hands.
The issue that arises is that some of the district embraces this collection of innovation, while others do not and it creates a great disconnect for communication. Every chapter should at least participate in the communications that the district uses even if the functions within the chapter may be vastly different. Many chapters are enthusiastic to provide helpful advice on how to utilize these technologies on small or large scales.
Technology is only going to continue to move forward and the Southeast District will continue as well. Seek advice and embrace what is before us. Learn from your Brothers and hop on this technological train.
Dustin Ingram
2013-2014 Southeast District Secretary/Treasurer
Eighth Note 