Last fall, we re-launched the YardLINE website with a new look, fresh content, and updated volunteer resources.  Take a look back at YardLINE FY09, re-familiarize yourselves with the content, and let us know how you’d like us to improve the site for FY10.

In October 2008, we launched a new and improved version of YardLINE, which emphasized the importance of making connections, both to Harvard and to our classmates. The new site included a quiz about House life, Fund news, photos from recent HCF events, profiles of undergraduates who are involved in the Fund, testimonials from fellow alumni, and contact information (including photos) for HCF staff.

In November, we introduced the Volunteer Resources page, which we now consider to be one of the central aspects of the site. The page includes education and training materials, handbooks, and useful websites that aim to help volunteers make the case for supporting Harvard in conversations with classmates.

We entered 2009 confronted with financial challenges but determined to be steadfast in our commitment to undergraduates. We provided several new online resources for volunteers that focused on our top two priorities: current-use, unrestricted funds, and undergraduate financial aid. Whether it was in the form of online polls, fact sheets, or a Facebook Fan Page, our goal was to get across two main points:

• Current use, unrestricted gifts are not invested in the endowment, but are spent immediately to benefit undergraduates;
• Harvard’s commitment to its undergraduate financial aid program has not wavered in the face of increased costs and financial challenges, and alumni support continues to be essential.

In the spring, we profiled Bob Panoff ’69, a dedicated member of the HCF volunteer community. Bob has been a leader in promoting current use giving and participation among his classmates. We also introduced the “Parents” section of YardLINE, containing useful resources for Parents Fund volunteers. We promoted the HCF Virtual Phonathon, received feedback on a Fund-wide email campaign, and recognized the outgoing and incoming leaders on the HCF Executive Committee.

As we look ahead to next year, we would love to hear from you – what kind of content would you like to see on YardLINE? What type of stories interest you most? Which resources do you find to be the most helpful? Leave your comments below or send your ideas to hcf@harvard.edu.