INTERVIEW
For everyone linked to The Salvation Army Online Content Editor Bethany Gibson (THQ) tells Salvationist about a new Army website
WHY DO WE NEED ANOTHER WEBSITE? At the moment we have two territorial websites: salvationarmy.org.uk, our corporate website primarily aimed at external audiences, and OurHub, a private digital space for operational audiences that can only be accessed by people with login details, such as officers and employees. What’s missing is a dedicated online space for Salvationists. That’s where salvationist.org.uk comes in. This new website will be the go-to digital space for people who belong to the Army. I’m working with the other website managers to make sure content is easy to find for all our different audiences – that there isn’t unnecessary duplication, that we signpost to each other where relevant and that the messaging across all of them is consistent. WHAT WILL BE ON THE WEBSITE? It will be home to internal Army news, stories, devotional materials, resources, events and learning opportunities, plus key information about how people can get involved in mission. So much great content already exists. People are creating resources, planning events and telling stories across the territory, and one of our aims is to make this content easier to discover. That means being creative in how we present and organise it. 14
Salvationist 1 January 2022
We also want to help people engage with the territory’s five mission priorities. The website will be an open door to faith and belonging in The Salvation Army, with content that helps us share the good news. We aim to nurture disciples of Jesus by providing a digital space for devotions and faith development. People will be able to access resources that will equip them to serve others without discrimination and to engage with campaigns that seek justice and reconciliation. People will also be able to connect with networks, events and learning opportunities that help them care for creation. As we plan content we’re realising there is so much potential and that it’s really important that the website will continue to grow and develop. The launch is just the beginning of a new digital chapter. WHEN WILL IT BE LAUNCHED? We’re hoping to launch this spring. When we have a launch date, we’ll let everyone know! HOW WILL THE WEBSITE RELATE TO THE ARMY PAPERS? The Salvationist editor and I will be working closely together to think about which sections of the magazine can be reimagined in an online context. Some content could be previewed in print and expanded upon on the website and some content may just live online or in the magazine. We will take the same approach in including content from our other publications, Kids Alive! and War Cry. The important thing to underline is that our printed publications remain a valuable resource to the territory. Not only do some people prefer reading something physical, but many people don’t have access to, or are not confident using, the internet. As the world becomes increasingly digital, we
can’t lose sight of the need for printed communication and the power of faceto-face ministry and conversation. WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AND WHO IS WORKING WITH YOU? My role is to manage the website and oversee the content. I’m part of the Communications Service at THQ and I report to Major Mal Davies, the assistant secretary for communications (internal) and editor-in-chief. I also report to the Territorial Communications Board and answer to a steering group. The steering group plays an active role in the build of the website and developing content. We’re working to break down silos and organise content in a way that makes it easier for Salvationists to find. Group members include the editors of our printed publications, the managers of the corporate website and OurHub, as well as representatives from THQ teams, such as Music and Creative Arts, the Resource Hub and Territorial Events. The steering group also includes representation from the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion team. The website isn’t a noticeboard for THQ. It’s an investment in the Salvationist community – and if we’re serious about building a community that reflects Kingdom culture, then equality, diversity and inclusion must be foundation stones. I will also be building relationships with teams across the territory who have content to share with Salvationists. And we want the users to help shape this online community. One of the ways of doing this is through a feedback group made up of people linked to the Army. Invitations to apply to join this group have been publicised in the past month. It will soon start advising the steering group about how salvationist.org.uk can be more accessible, inclusive and engaging for all Salvationists – after all, they’re the reason we’re building the website in the first place.
