> I have been considering this for some time.
>
> Those of us involved in a traditional friendly society understand the
> value that members get from simply communicating with other people of
> a like mind and as the net enhances the opportunity for communication
> it is a logical progression.
>
> In particular many of our ageing members now have transport
> difficulties or a reluctance to travel outside their homes into a
> violent world and yet they need the social interaction and as a result
> the "grey" group is a rapidly growing segment on the internet.
>
> A recent survey of our membership (currently 21,000) which has an
> average age of 61 showed that 52% used the internet on a regular basis
> and yet only 5% are attending our meetings. It is in our plans to have
> just such a virtual lodge on our website within 6-12 months so that
> they can use it to maintain the relationships that they had
> established when able to attend the meetings.
>
> With the addition of Webcam technology they can not only join in but
> also establish a visual connection with their friends and you have the
> bonus of members being able to check in with each other and their
> families to ensure that they are not lying disabled on the floor.
>
>
> Perhaps too we might see an interest in the traditions of a Friendly
> Society from the younger set if they had a minimal interruption to
> busy schedules. I know I could attend more meetings if I did not have
> to leave my office or home.
>
> So perhaps a modern friendly society should offer to be an ISP for its
> members and host such chat rooms etc.
>
> Watch this space www.manchesterunity.org.nz
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