The health crisis has led to an accelerated digitalization of associations' internal communications. It is now essential to select online tools that respect personal data, and to modernize and optimize external communication by adopting eco-responsible practices. Évelyne Jardin, associate at Associathèque, guides us to boost adapted communication and safer practices.
The Covid-19 pandemic has undeniably prompted associations to rapidly digitalize their internal communications, often using tools initially intended for personal use. The emerging question is how to regain control by using platforms that are more respectful of confidentiality, while reinventing external communication via environmentally-friendly web solutions.
Internal communication revolution: between security issues and ethical alternatives
The revolution in internal communication took place during periods of confinement, with the emergence of social networks and messaging applications (such as Messenger and WhatsApp), which have taken a leading role in improving the fluidity of interactions. Cloud storage and virtual meeting services such as Google Drive, DropboxZoom and Slackhave also played a key role in facilitating remote exchanges. However, these tools belong to companies that have been involved in privacy and data security scandals (such as the Cambridge Analytica affair), raising serious concerns.
Fortunately, there are more ethical and secure alternatives. For example, the CHATONS collective (Collectif des Hébergeurs Alternatifs, Transparents, Ouverts, Neutres et Solidaires) has set up Liiibre through the Indie Hosters association. This platform offers a secure environment, where each member has centralized access to open source tools for remote collaboration, such as Nextcloud data storage, document editing with OnlyOfficeinstant messaging with RocketChat and online conferencing via Jitsi.
This all-in-one solution is invaluable for small and medium-sized associations. A single password gives each user easy access to all the necessary tools. What's more, we offer support in the form of group training courses to help you master these new technologies.
Rethink your association's external communications: towards a more secure and eco-responsible web
When it comes to external communication, websites are still the main showcase for associations. Yet many of these sites are lagging significantly behind: they're not optimized for mobile consultation, lack ergonomics, have overloaded home pages and don't comply with RGPD standards, making browsing insecure and environmentally unfriendly.
At a time when your association' s image is essential to attracting new donors, volunteers and partners, a major website update is an essential project. This effort to overhaul your online presence needs to be accompanied by skilled professionals, because technical issues are only one aspect of the challenge. It's also a question of thinking through the association's entire project and reflecting it faithfully in the new digital interface.
It's fundamental to think about the environmental impact of our digital actions. With this in mind, the Ethics by Design online conferences, held from September 28 to October 2, 2020, represent a valuable resource for understanding and acting in favor of a more responsible and ethical digital.