In this last issue of 2014, we share information about two key projects underway at the NFRW. The first is our updated web site and member database, which is set to launch on January 5. This new system will be integrated and streamlined, making the collection of member data much more efficient and timely.
The second is our initiative to attract young women to the Federation through the National At-Large Membership program and through a series of outreach tools.
We also highlight the Republican women elected to federal and statewide office in November. This is an impressive group of women, and we are so proud of each of them.
We've had a wonderful year and have accomplished much. As we pause to celebrate the holidays, please know how much we appreciate everything you do for the Federation. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
◼ READ the December 2014 issue of the NFRW ROUND TABLE ◼ [Kvisoft FlipBook]
◼ DOWNLOAD the December 2014 issue of the NFRW ROUND TABLE [PDF, 10 pages]
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Last year, the NFRW began building a new member database and web site. Work on this project has continued throughout 2014, and we are on target to unveil the new database and web site on January 5, 2015.
The objective of the project is to integrate and consoli- date all NFRW data and web sites into a single plat- form, and to streamline and simplify the online user experience for our members, clubs and states.
Let’s take a quick look at where we’ve been in terms of our e-systems. The NFRW member data- base has existed in electronic format since 1992. From 1992 to 2003, we had an in-house database which we maintained with the files or paper reports sent by each state federation. We developed our first web site in 1996.
In 2004, the NFRW moved its database to a web-based system, which was in use for the next four years. In 2008, a new web-based member database system came online, which allowed states to enter and access their member information, but did not allow for individual- ized reports.
In 2010, the NFRW built an online shopping cart, and created a second web site (RepublicanWomen.net) which features region, state and club web pages.
The addition of all of these online features has led to more back-end databases – five in total – with duplica- tion and overlapping information in use.
With the new system, this burdensome and complicated duplication will be eliminated, and all of our databases and web sites will be integrated, consolidated and stream- lined into a single platform.
Another problem with the current system is that it is never completely up-to-date. It takes a long time for a member’s address or other information to be updated in the system because the data has to pass up the chain from the member to the club to the state and then to national. Completing this task can take months.
With the new system, individual members will be able to access their own record and make changes to their own personal information. In addition, each member will de- termine and manage her own username and password.
The new system will make it easier for state federations to manage their member data. Clubs will be able to directly enter their member records into the new database. This will happen either through downloading the list in Excel, updating it and then uploading the new file, or by adding an individual member directly into the data- base. The club will be able to produce a report directly from the database to send, along with a check, to the state federation.
At the state level, the treasurer/membership officer will still be able to update the club files as she always has done, but now when she receives a check with a report issued from the database, her job will be much easier. All she will need to do is validate the informa- tion prior to sending her own state report to NFRW headquarters.
The new system will be user-friendly and permissions-based, so that:
• An individual member will have access to her own record;
• The club administrator will have access to the records for her entire club; and,
• The state administrator will have access to the records for all the clubs in her state.
To help state and club administrators learn how to use the new system, the NFRW will provide online docu- mentation and tools. The NFRW Technology Commit- tee will also provide training.
January 5 is the official roll-out date for the new database and web site. Each member will receive her username and password either via email (if the mem- ber has a valid email address on file with the NFRW) or through her club president.
Note: This article is about the National Federation Of Republican Women's (NFRW's) NEW and IMPROVED website and database, not CFRW or HRWF. We at HRWF are, however, looking into converting to an online newsletter as well. In the meantime, we believe our site serves the same - but vastly better - purpose, with more up-to-date news and information. We hope you'll check back often, and we will include updates from NFRW and CFRW.
