United Way NEXT Begins Launching Membership Hub in Phases
In her New Year message, United Way NEXT Board Chair Ann Fox shared she’s looking forward to a “year of transformation.” And the UW NEXT team has been working diligently to bring her vision to fruition!
In just three months, our staff has worked alongside members of the Engage & Exchange Work Group to shape two new initiatives. One of which, we’re no longer keeping a secret.
After months of planning, development, and collaboration, UW NEXT has officially begun rolling out our new Membership Hub. Designed as a centralized digital space for both individual and United Way members, the hub brings together resources, event materials, and opportunities across the network into one convenient location.
Similar to our Consultant Collaborative Hub, it will be hosted on our website with the ability to seamlessly switch between hubs. But since it will serve every member in our community, this new hub will represent the largest and most comprehensive platform we’ve built so far.
“The level of thought and care that went into building this space reflects the commitment our staff and volunteers have to strengthening the member experience,” said Carole Peters, President & CEO of United Way NEXT. “United Way NEXT is viewed as a valued resource which is incredibly exciting to see after four years in my role. Having members view the many resources available through this hub will help ensure they see all that is offered to each member segment and hopefully inspire them to invite their UW colleagues to join UW NEXT too. What a creative, innovative tool that will help members navigate their member experience.”
Designed with Every Member in Mind
Unlike our Consultant Collaborative Hub, our Membership Hub wasn’t designed for a specific member segment. Instead, it was built as a dual hub with personalized pathways that allow members to navigate the experience based on their membership type and where they’re at in their United Way journey.
Since expanding from the United Way Retirees Association to United Way NEXT, members often fall into six main categories: current United Way staff, alumni, retirees, local United Ways, international United Ways, and State Associations. By selecting the path that best reflects their involvement in the United Way network, members can easily locate frequently asked questions, walkthrough videos, event playlists, mentorship opportunities, and other relevant resources aligned with their interests.
“The goal was to create something intuitive,” explained Kerstin Rust, Membership and Engagement Coordinator. “Members can essentially choose their own path through the hub based on their membership type and the programs that interest them. That flexibility allows us to organize information in ways that feel more meaningful and useful for members across the network.”
Virtual Walkthrough of the United Way NEXT Membership Hub.
A Phased Rollout Approach
Introducing a new platform to over 400 individual members and nearly 175 local United Ways & State Associations is both exciting and rewarding. But it also requires thoughtful coordination and care to provide the best experience for our members.
In an effort for our staff of three to anticipate member needs and provide timely, responsive support to both new and existing members, access will be granted through a phased invitation schedule.
Since late-March, Kerstin has granted access to various Board Members, Work Group Co-Chairs, Local United Ways, Consultant Collaborative Members, and individual members. And with each rollout, their feedback has helped us refine the hub, our FAQ page, and our invitation process.
To date, we have over 40 members in the hub and our team gets excited each time someone new opts in!
The Future of Member Resources
While the Membership Hub already brings together many existing resources, it also creates the foundation for additional features that will continue strengthening the member experience for years to come.
Whether we’re launching a Member Directory, a Discount Hub, Member Marketplace, or a Newsletter Archive, this platform allows our team to ensure every member benefit remains accessible, organized, and easy to navigate. Especially as we continue to lift up the products and services offered by our Consultant Collaborative members, sponsors, affiliates, and referral partners.
Speaking of Consultant Collaborative Members
The Membership Hub also plays an important role in expanding the impact of our Consultant Collaborative.
For years, UW NEXT has supported United Way members in their search for Interim Executives and consultants. But until now, Carole has single-handedly processed every request for the last three and a half years. Whether that meant introducing them to our partner Third Sector Company or curating a list of recommendations, she’s been connecting the dots behind the scenes!
But with the recent launch of the Membership Hub, both individual and UW members will have access to explore the Consultant Directory on their own. Creating a more direct path for organizations seeking support while simultaneously increasing visibility for consultants.
Plus, we’ve also published a public RFP submission form that allows anyone, no matter their member status or United Way affiliation, to share Requests for Proposals and other relevant opportunities with our Consultant Collaborative members. Further allowing us to help connect organizations with mission-driven professionals ready to expand their impact!
Accessing the membership Hub
As we continue sending out invitations, UW NEXT members can expect an email from Kerstin at Kerstin.Rust@uww.unitedway.org. Before your group is granted access, you’ll want to make sure Kerstin gets added to your contacts or your “Safe Senders List.” This should help prevent her email from filtering into your spam, junk, or quarantine folders and ensure you receive the link and walkthrough video to opt-in.
If you’re worried you may have missed your invitation, we recommend filtering your email for the keywords “Membership Hub,” “United Way NEXT,” or Kerstin’s email address. And for those of you that are eager to get in early, we’d love to give you priority access. Just send our team a quick message and we’ll do our best to include you in the next phase.
We’re excited to share this new space with you and we can’t wait to see how you utilize the Membership Hub to connect, listen, lead and inspire 💙