May 20, 2010

To: ORTA Chapter Webmasters and those interest in the ORTA Chapter Website Program

During this past year a Website Committee was formed at ORTA. The purpose of this committee was to brainstorm and compile a set of guidelines to be followed by chapters when linking their chapter websites to ORTA. The committee consists of: Darlene Ruzicka, Pat Gynn, Connie Evans, Marlene Hoffman, Daryl and Pat Bateman, Eileen McNally, Rita Hurless and Chairman, Deloris Ullmann. Bob Thomas is a liaison member.

After meeting in Columbus in March, studying various guidelines from universities and other organizations, a first list of proposed guidelines was compiled. At the four area meetings (Athens, Canton, Findlay and Wilmington) sessions were held in which ORTA members were invited to review the proposed guidelines and offer suggestions. After the sessions, the State Website Committee collaborated, edited, and made additions and came to an agreement on the guidelines.

At the State Spring Board Meeting held this month (May) in Columbus, the guidelines were approved by the board. Thus, they are now in place.

The ORTA Chapter Website program is moving forward. We are nearing 50 websites out of 90 chapters. Most of these sites offer lots of good information and ideas for ORTA chapters.

In the future, in addition to the other committees in local chapters, your chapter can now have a Website Committee. Additionally, the committee and its guidelines will be included in the ORTA handbook.

This program is successful because you as webmasters and other interested persons have stepped forward to make it happen.

Please review the guidelines and make sure your site adheres to them. We did our best to make them open to your creativity and individuality.

You can review the new guidelines by going to www.orta.org . Click on the last link on the left navigation bar that says: ORTA’s Website Program.  You’ll find a link to the guidelines there, or simply click on this link: http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=0Ac0FbRYeje2OZGhmajZocmpfMTZncno1YjdkMw&hl=en

Also, I do have a Website Help List for your reference. The address for it is www.freechaptersite.com

You are welcome to submit questions you may have about the program to ortawebmaster@gmail.com . I will do my best to answer them. Many times answers to your questions are added at www.freechaptersite.com for your reference.

We are always open to suggestions. You are also welcome to reply to this e-mail with any concerns. Now is a good time to review your sites and be sure they are up-to-date. Be sure to offer a way for visitors to join your organization and include a contact e-mail for your webmaster.

Thank you so much.

Deloris Ullmann, Present Website Committee Chair and ORTA Webmaster