Free Websites for Members: Introducing the UFBA Website Builder
8th July 2012The UFBA Website Builder is an easy-to-use tool that has been developed to allow members to build their own websites for free. Anyone with a reasonable knowledge of the web should have no trouble using the system. We’re excited to provide members with a practical tool and service that, if used effectively, will help raise your profile in your communities and with other key stakeholders. You can download the Website Builder guide below to get an idea of how it works.
Some of the content types that you’ll be able to load are static pages that are part of your standard navigation bar, events listings, news items, a photo gallery, a page featuring the logos of your supporters / employers, with links to their sites. In addition, any news and events items you add to your own site, will also be listed on a national news page / events calendar so that our members can stay up-to-date with what's happening around the country.
Something to consider before gettting started...
Who is the right person to administer our website? The system has been set up with a focus on ease of use so that people with a reasonable level of computer literacy can get the hang of it relatively quickly. The role of web administrator should be considered and filled in the same way you would select someone for any job – by simply asking yourself: “Who has the skills, interests, enthusiasm, and capacity to effectively build and maintain our website?”
The ideal profile for your administrator is a person who uses a computer and the internet regularly, has good writing skills, and who has the time and enthusiasm to keep your pages up to date. For security reasons, this person must also be an active member of your brigade or fire force. Keep in mind there is a certain level of responsibility associated with the role of website administrator, as unsuitable content could damage your brigade / fire force’s reputation in the public.
ACTION REQUIRED: What You Need to Do to Get Started
Before you’ll be able to start testing and playing with your site, you’ll need to do the following:
- Make sure your website administrators are registered as members of the UFBA website, and that your information in your profile is current. If you need to register as a member, you can do so by going to http://www.ufba.org.nz click,ing the REGISTER button at the top right corner of the screen, and filling out the form. NOTE: We will need to confirm that you are a member of your brigade / fire force and activate you before you can go any further. If you already have an account, log in, and click the “Edit Profile” link at the top right corner of the screen. Then double-check to make sure all the information listed is accurate, especially the BRIGADE NAME field.
- Have your CFO or DCFO return the authorisation template below to Christa Lawlor by email at christa.lawlor@ufba.org.nz or by post to the UFBA office specifying that you are the designated administrator. This is a must to maintain a level of security to ensure the content that is posted on your site doesn’t harm the reputation of your brigade / fire force or the UFBA.
- Once we receive confirmation that you are the administrator, we’ll set you up, and you’ll receive further instructions on getting started.
If you have any questions on the process, please contact Christa Lawlor by email in the first instance at Christa.lawlor@ufba.org.nz.