Suggestions for increasing lds.org registrations

[kennova]

We had the primary leaders give out a peice of candy if a child got their photo on the new LDS website. We got more photos and registrations via that avenue than any other flyer, poster, talk, or whatever. Kids got their parents to do it for a free piece of candy.

[KyleErickson]

I am a stake clerk. My Stake President would like to see an increased use of lds.org by members. I'm wondering if anyone has success stories of how they have increased lds.org registrations in their units?

These are just ideas - haven't tried them yet. One suggestion is to start with a break-out session for the ward clerks (and maybe bishop/counselors) at a Priesthood Leadership Meeting. Get them on board first. Pass out an article that describes the features of the calendar, maps, and directory. Have them pass out the article with their fast offerings to each family in the stake.

[russellhltn]

I think it was fairly easy to get the leaders on. The stake quit printing directories or calenders. Told them to git it on-line.

[davesudweeks]

I think it was fairly easy to get the leaders on. The stake quit printing directories or calenders. Told them to git it on-line.

How does your stake address the needs of members who do not have internet access?

[russellhltn]

How does your stake address the needs of members who do not have internet access?

I was referring to the leaders. As far as I know they all have Internet access. For the rest of the members, I'd assume the ward(s) are going something. Most events are still announced the usual way: over the pulpit and in the program. Hand outs from MLS takes care of contact information for HT/VT.

[davesudweeks]

It's just that I have had many requests for the old Stake directory booklet that our Stake used to print. It was pocket sized and easy to manage, worked without network access and without electricity. While I applaud all the great tools and resources, I am seeing in my ward a growing gap between the haves and have-nots with the technology. I worry a bit that if we don't accommodate the have-nots with things like ward or stake directories (or even lesson manuals - I recently had to convince my bishop that it is not reasonable to expect a Sunday School teacher to print their own lessons off the internet so the ward wouldn't have to buy manuals with budget money), we are essencially denying some members access to information they may need.

[aebrown]

It's just that I have had many requests for the old Stake directory booklet that our Stake used to print. It was pocket sized and easy to manage, worked without network access and without electricity. While I applaud all the great tools and resources, I am seeing in my ward a growing gap between the haves and have-nots with the technology. I worry a bit that if we don't accommodate the have-nots with things like ward or stake directories (or even lesson manuals - I recently had to convince my bishop that it is not reasonable to expect a Sunday School teacher to print their own lessons off the internet so the ward wouldn't have to buy manuals with budget money), we are essencially denying some members access to information they may need.

I agree that it requires some balance. We still print stake directories, but fewer and fewer each year, as more members use mobile devices to look up members. We still order manuals for priesthood and Relief Society lessons, but fewer and fewer as more members read the lesson materials on mobile devices. We make sure people are aware of the available technology, but we don't apply any pressure to people to use it.

For those who have the technology, we're happy to save some budget funds because we don't print as many directories or purchase as many manuals. That frees up some money to take care of those people who still need paper.

[russellhltn]

I took a quick look at the Broadband Adoption Report. Our state is around the 70% level while I see OK is at 56%. So there's quite a difference between our situations. Since I'm in the "big city" our stake could well be higher then that.

As far as I know, we don't have any stake leaders without access. So there's no need for the stake to do anything. I'm not sure what's happening in the wards. I do see basic "two week" events and top ward leaders listed in the Sunday program. So I don't know as most members need much more then that. It's rare that anyone outside of he Bishopric, EQ or RS needs a list of everyone.

I don't think anyone is advocating not ordering manuals, they just want to order the right amount so that everyone who wants one has one without having a pile that aren't used.

[davesudweeks]

I certainly don't disagree with the last 2 posts. This year, we have had a few (3 that I know of) members who opted to not have a Priesthood manual because they prefer to access it on their portable device - I would do the same if I had a portable device.

I was not trying to take this thread down a different path, and to return to the original topic, the fact that we even have a discussion about "increasing LDS.org subscriptions" tells me that we are still missing something. I have been encouraging everyone in my ward to try it out, but many are comfortable without accessing LDS.org.

[lajackson]

I was referring to the leaders. As far as I know they all have Internet access.

In our stake from time to time we have a unit leader who does not have internet access and never checks e-mail. By arrangement, he will select another trusted priesthood leader, either the executive secretary or a counselor, to receive his electronic information from the stake. That person then will make sure the bishop or branch president gets the message.

Even in those units, however, there still is much online activity among the members.