Communications Task Force

During USATT's last strategic planning session, the issue of communication was brought up. Communication consists of several aspects: communication within the organization, as well as communication to members, to non-members, to volunteers, as well as information flow in the opposite direction in the form of potential contact or feedback from individuals to USATT. There was a general agreement that USATT currently does a poor job in this regard. There is very little communication to members other than through the magazine, there is no communication to non-members, and it is very difficult to give feedback to the organization. Members often feel out of touch and therefore distrust the organization, whereas most non-members who play table tennis either have never heard of USATT or are not being influenced to learn more about the organization. In addition, the forms of communication the organization does utilize at the moment are not necessarily being utilized effectively or efficiently.
The USATT Board of Directors appointed a Communications Task Force in order to tackle the communications issues facing the organization. The task force currently consists of:
Han Xiao, Chair
David Del Vecchio
Jim Kahler
Mike Cavanaugh, Staff Liaison

The task force may be expanded as needed, with new task force members being recruited in an advisory capacity for certain aspects of the task force's project.

The Communications Task Force is working to address the following challenges:
1) Web based Communications
The Internet is the driving force behind many communications initiatives in the present day. The initiatives being pursued include a major change in the web site in order to present USATT in a more favorable light to new visitors as well as improve ease of use and content for current members. The task force is also overseeing the adoption of an email blast service which will allow the organization to keep members in the loop and drive them towards new and interesting content on the web page.

2) Image and Branding
The USATT needs to appeal to younger players as well as the mainstream. The task force is looking into ways of repositioning the organization using communications. Examples include changing the image of the web site as well as a potential change of the USATT logo.

3) Improved Communication Model
This encompasses a variety of initiatives, including communication within the organization as well as communication to and from the outside. Within USATT, the main objective is to be able to implement other initiatives more effectively through improved communication, as well as to create better information flow between the organization and its constituents. Outside of the organization, the major challenge is how to reach non-members and urge them to become more involved in table tennis, as well as to potentially become members.

4) Strategic Alliances and Partnerships
The task force will be looking into the possibility of more strategic alliances and partnerships, whether they be relationships with vendors and sponsors or with affiliates who are unrelated to the sport.
Other communications initiatives may arise, but these are the key challenges being faced by the group. The task force's goal is to provide measurable goals and progress on these issues within the coming months.