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Chapter Website Tips
Here are a few tips for setting up and hosting a chapter website. You'll need a few things:
- A web host (someone with some web server space you can use)
- A domain name (e.g., "ewbdenver.org")
- Some HTML pages or a content management system (CMS)
- Someone to set it up (create the initial pages, add your contact info and logo, etc)
- Someone to maintain it ongoing (make changes, add news, update chapter contact info, etc)
Hosting
EWB-USA doesn't have formal partnerships with hosting providers, but we have had very good experiences with H2 Hosting and Westhost. We are working toward being able to host simple chapter websites internally, too (expected early 2009).
Domains
When selecting a domain name, it's generally wise to include "ewb" and something to indicate your city, area, or school. Since EWB is a nonprofit organization, we generally use ".org" domains. Some common examples are "ewbdenver.org" (Denver Professionals), "ewb-sjsu.org" (San Jose State University), "ewb-sfp.org" (San Francisco Professionals), and "ewbportland.org" (Portland Professionals).
HTML / Content Management
If you're keen to learn HTML, it's easy to get started creating a few pages. There are lots of good HTML tutorials on the web, and there are plenty of books on the subject as well. You can have a simple HTML page up in just a few minutes. If you're planning to add and update content regularly, or if you think you'll have more than 3-4 pages on your site, it's a good idea to set up a content management system (CMS). There are some great free ones that are easy to install and use. Wordpress, Drupal, Expression Engine, and Joomla are among the best. They're easy to get up and running, have loads of features, and are entirely free. Be sure your web host supports PHP and MySQL if you're going to use one of the CMS'es listed here. You can even start a simple, free site on wordpress.com, and download it later if you decide to host it yourself.
Webmasters
Most chapters have someone in their ranks who has dabbled with websites, or is interested in learning. If you don't have someone like that right at hand, there is probably a web professional or design student in your area who would enjoying helping with your cause. Drop a note to a few such people in your area and tell them a little about your group and projects, and see if they'd like to lend a hand.
Logos
EWB-USA has some color, font, and image requirements for chapter logos. Take a look at the branding guide for more information, and download the official logo here on the EWB-USA website. |
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Learn how to become a member of EWB-USA. Members can participate in EWB-USA projects, travel, and much more!
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