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YMCA transitions to digital technology
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Josh Rupe of Youngstown works out at the YMCA in Youngstown and is excited to learn of the YMCA’s digital initiative that includes an app that allows patrons to check in via their cellphone. Members can receive email notifications or go online for the digital newsletter. They also can receive notifications from the YMCA regarding cancellations for facilities and other programs.
YMCA transitions to digital technology
YOUNGSTOWN
The YMCA of Youngstown is embracing digital.
The organization launched new digital initiatives including a new website and an online program guide that provides information for each of its locations at Central, 17 N. Champion St., Davis Family location, 45 McClurg Road, and the Camp Fitch site, 12600 Abels Road, North Springfield, Pa.
Members will receive email notifications or can go online for the digital newsletter instead of receiving a print newsletter, which was discontinued after July.
Additionally, the organization recently launched a new app that members can install on their smartphones. Members can receive notification through the app for situations such as cancellations for facilities and
programs. They also can register for programs. One useful feature allows members to use their phones to scan to enter any YMCA facility.
“We want to interact and communicate with our members on a real-time basis,” said Beth Scheller, vice president of strategic advancement.
One challenge with the transition is the reception from the older demographic. Age 30 to 54 is the largest group, according to the YMCA’s 2013 annual report.
“We don’t want to leave out our senior population,” said Marykaye Carlson, director of development and marketing.
Carlson said the organization is working with the older demographic with the transition and evaluating all of its print materials to match with the needs of their members.
“We’re not going away from print totally,” she added. “Our staff has taken time to meet with older members.”
Laura Dooley, a membership coordinator at the YMCA downtown, said members have access to computers at their facilities to stay up to date with the information and that the staff is willing to help with members’ questions.
“The response has been great so far,” Carlson said. “We have so much going on.”
That includes developing a social-media program by having a presence on popular platforms. The organization already has a presence on Facebook, but Carlson said that it plans to be on Twitter and Instagram as well.
Josh Rupe, from the West Side of Youngstown, uses the YMCA to work out often. He said the smartphone app is a great tool to stay in touch with all the things going on at the YMCA.
“This is a great advantage for people who have smart phones,” Rupe said.