Page 28 - Sojourner Newsletter-Spring 2023 v.3

National Sojourners
7942-R Cluny Ct Address Service Requested
Springfield, VA 22153

Phone: 703-765-5000
Fax: 703-765-8390
Email: hq@nationalsojourners.org
Web: nationalsojourners.org

The opinions or assertions contained herein,
unless otherwise noted, are the private ones of the
writers and are not to be construed as official or
®
reflecting the views of National Sojourners ,
Incorporated, or any branch of the Federal
Government.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSION OF ARTICLES FOR THE SUMMER ISSUE OF THE SOJOURNER: 20 JUNE

SITREP on our New Website

When I was first contacted about the National Sojourner website, I didn't realize the complexity of the
project or the organization. But I've seen it all before. Many people, contractors, and committees working on
the same system over time, losing track of processes and focus. We needed a reboot.

With outsider's eyes, I worked with Mark Underwood and Bill Hickey to untangle it and define our purpose
®
and message. We looked closely at the relationship between National Sojourners, Inc., the Heroes of '76 ,
and Camp Followers. We reviewed what should be public versus members-only versus files accessible only
to administrators and committees.

In some ways, we had to start from scratch. We did a lot of cleanup on the backend, and designed a fully
mobile-friendly site. We expanded the content visible to the public so that visitors now have a clear idea of
what we represent and offer the community. The Member Area has improved but still needs some work.

The site was also used as a filing cabinet for committees and access was limited according to each person's
permissions. We replaced it with a proper, cloud-based file system that is much easier to use and maintain.
Most folders and files are password-protected and no longer need the user to log in unless they manage the
files. Qualified users can get passwords from headquarters.

Like all things, it's work in progress. Modernization takes effort, and the appreciated patience of those using
it. But this is definitely one of those cases where change is good.

Bro. Ken JP Stuczynski
“Webmaster of the Craft”
(MasonicDigitalTrust.Org)