AFSA Launches Improved Website, Database

By Darla J. Torres
Director of Communications

The goal of developing a new website and upgrading the member database platform (iMIS20) was a big undertaking, but one that brings increased reach and capability to AFSA leaders and members. 

 "The website is much more intuitive and engaging, and should help us attract new members," said Rob Frank, AFSA CEO. "The database upgrade will give chapters and divisions more efficient ways to manage their membership and the day-to-day business of the chapters."

 The launch was not without glitches. Twenty hours before the Jan. 15 "go live" target, AFSA Headquarters was informed by the contractor that several of the functions for the iMIS database would not be ready.   Chief Operating Officer Mark Stevenson made the decision to launch anyway, to give the field the new website and those capabilities that were ready. "Essentially we still have work to do to bring all of the reporting functions and most importantly, the online Join/Renew function to the field," Stevenson said. "It's our top priority."

Call HQ at 301-899-3500 and they can take the information over the phone.

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New Tool Available for Communicating with Congress

The legislative action tool known as CapWiz has been replaced. "VoterVoice" is the new platform and provides much more functionality than CapWiz. The new tool can be found on the front page of the website, as well as on the Legislative page. To use the tool:

• Go to www.hqafsa.org 
  
• At the bottom, find the image that says Contact Your Lawmaker
  
• Enter your zip code and hit enter
  
• It will take you to the Legislative Action Center.
  
  

A few important notes:

• Just like CapWiz, VoterVoice will be used to send out "Action Alerts," asking members to contact elected officials on a specific issue, and providing the templates and tools to do so easily.
•  VoterVoice also has the capability to create and send out electronic newsletters and subject-specific emails. The Communications Team will be working with M&G to being using that tool for its newsletters and member communication.
  
• Voter Voice is currently populated with bills that AFSA supports that have been introduced so far in the 114th Congress.  We will continue, as in the past, to update the system as bills are introduced and launch campaigns or alerts when important issues occur.

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5 Things to Know 
About New Website

1. It is still located at www.hqafsa.org.
2. CapWiz has been replaced with a new tool, VoterVoice. Go to the bottom of the website and enter your zip code into the graphic that says "Contact Your Lawmaker" to go to VoterVoice.
3. The online Join/Renew capability is not yet functional.   A technical glitch is being worked out, and should be fixed in about a week. Until then, Headquarters is working until 7 pm EST and can take your information over the phone: 301-899-3500.
4. There are videos... lots and lots of people talking about the value of AFSA. They are under the "Media Library" and "Videos" tab.
5. How to get answers. Under the "Contact Us" tab, you can choose to contact HQ by subject:

• General inquiry?
  
  
• Website content issue?
  
  
• Technical issue with the site, reports, or log-in?
  
  

Choose the subject that is appropriate so we can get back to you quickly.