Staying connected, made simple: how associations and alumni networks grow with Socie
When networks become chaotic
Former students at Rheinberg University once formed a close-knit team. After graduation, they met regularly at campus parties, helped with new research projects or volunteered with the alumni association. But a decade later, reality looks different.
Many alumni now live in other cities, some work abroad, others are busy with work or family. Communication is through emails, WhatsApp groups, Facebook or sometimes newsletters.
The result: important milestones in each other’s lives are lost, people see each other less and less, and the sense of community fades over time. When a networking meeting is organized, invitations do not reach everyone. At scientific conferences, one often does not know who will participate. And projects that are actually promising often fail due to a lack of coordination. In short: communicating is becoming more and more of a challenge.
But then the alumni association discovers Socie.
A digital home for alumni
With Socie, alumni networks or associations can build their own customized community app – with logo, colors and modules perfectly suited to the organization.
At Rheinberg University’s alumni association, the app reflects the university’s identity: blue-and-gold accents, group photos of graduating years as profile photos and subgroups for subject areas, work groups and graduating years.
This allows all members to find at a glance the groups that interest them – whether research or socializing. Within the community, they can network with like-minded people in a targeted way. This leads to new projects, friendships and exciting collaborations that not only enrich the network, but also influence members’ personal lives.
Example:
A business psychology graduate discovers a message in the app about a social start-up founded by two former fellow students. The exchange in responses creates a collaboration – a new mentoring program for students is created.
Communication that connects
Instead of struggling through cluttered email lists, members can post, respond and comment directly in their community app.
For example, one member shares news about an ongoing research project; others congratulate, respond or communicate this to others. This creates real dialogue rather than one-way communication.
Official announcements appear in a separate section so that important decisions, dates or directions from the board reach all members directly and prominently. Newsletters, for example, with updates on projects, grants or events, are made available through a separate tool within the app – this keeps the flow of information structured and avoids members having to search for a long time. Association news, such as reports of past events, project updates or personal successes of alumni, can be published via the news and blog section.
Thanks to this separation, members immediately see which information is official, which is regularly shared and which comes from the community itself. No spam, no searching of inboxes, no missed announcements – each message reaches the target audience in the most appropriate way. Socie thus supports the network while ensuring that alumni always stay informed. In addition to access through the app, members can also access the community through the web browser.
Schedule meetings, reminders included
Be it alumni nights, conferences or online meetings – through the Events module, appointments can be created with a few clicks.
For example, an alumni night is planned for the 2017 batch. Previously, the organizing team had to send emails, Facebook messages and private messages to reach everyone.
Nowadays in Socie, they simply create an event, add a description and location, and all members of the batch are automatically notified.
With one click, members can confirm or cancel their attendance – and when changes are made, they receive instant push notifications on their phones. Anyone who forgets to respond will automatically receive a reminder. That way, no one stays left out.
Making engagement visible
Socie enhances not only communication, but also connectedness. Through the Albums module, photos and videos of events, conferences or projects can be uploaded and shared. This way, even members who could not attend can experience the moments and continue to feel connected.
Example:
After a successful alumni conference in Berlin, the organizers upload a joint photo album. Alumni who could not attend react to the photos, discuss the content of the lectures and immediately plan the next meeting.
In addition, members can share their own successes, offer support or present new ideas. Discussions on subject matter become inspiring conversations that open new perspectives – far beyond one’s own network.
Doing something good together – with the Crowdfunding module
Many alumni organizations or associations are not only committed to mutual exchange, but also to social, scientific or cultural projects. With Socie’s Crowdfunding module, such initiatives can be supported directly within the community – simply, transparently and securely.
Whether it’s donations for a new stipend program, restoration of a historic campus building or funding for a research trip, projects can be created with a few clicks and include photos, descriptions and a target amount. Members see the action in their app, can track progress live and contribute directly – all without external platforms or complicated links.
Example:
Rheinberg University’s alumni association wants to set up a mentoring program for students. Within days, the required amount is being raised through small contributions from many members.
Orientation made easy – the map feature
For networks with many locations or members spread across different cities or countries, the map feature provides overview.
Here, locations relevant to the community can be entered – such as campus, conference venues, partner institutions or locations of alumni meetings.
This allows members to quickly find the right place without having to search for a long time. If, for example, a conference is being held in Munich, the exact location can easily be put into the app. One click opens the map – ideal for members coming from outside or not knowing the location.
This simple orientation aid creates clarity, saves time and is particularly practical when events regularly take place in different locations.
Open to all – engage people with guest access
Not always all interested parties are already members of the network – sometimes guests also need to gain insight into the activities. With Socie’s guest access feature, this is easily possible.
The alumni association can grant certain individuals, such as future graduates, partner organizations or guest speakers, temporary access to selected parts of the community. These guests see only the released content – for example, specific events or news – and get an authentic impression of the community.
Example:
Rheinberg University organizes an alumni fair where students can connect with alumni. Through guest access, students can preview the program and participating alumni – without being a permanent part of the community themselves.
This keeps Socie open, safe and inviting – and makes networking even easier.
From rigid structures to vibrant connection
Socie turns a scattered network back into a vibrant, connected community.
Everything previously distributed via emails, newsletters or social media now takes place in one place – securely, structured and personal.
Whether it’s alumni associations, sororities or foundations: Socie reunites people, strengthens interconnectedness and creates space for new ideas that connect – across years, locations and generations.
Do you also want your own app for your association or alumni network? Start now!
