If you have ever tried searching the Internet for resources and found broken links, missing pages and difficult to read sites, you know how important it is to have a well-designed website for your LGBT student group.

You don’t have to know HTML or JavaScript to have a basic functional website that can be used to communicate with current members, reach out to potential members and build coalitions. Design software programs such as Microsoft Front Page (for the beginner) and Macromedia Dreamweaver (for intermediate and advanced) are probably available on your campus.

First, you have to get the web space. Most colleges and universities allow officially recognized clubs and organizations to use allocated server space. If this is the case, you simply need to talk to someone in academic computing services to get started. Most likely, you will build a site using one of the aforementioned programs and upload the files using File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

If your campus doesn’t allow use of web space or your organization isn’t recognized, there are other ways to get your own address in cyberspace. Yahoo!, MSN, AOL and many others offer web hosting for a small monthly fee, or even for free. You can use tools developed by your host to develop a website, but most give you the option of using FTP as well. This way, you aren’t limited to the sometimes silly templates available on the Yahoo! SiteBuilder.

After you decide how you will build your site and from where it will be hosted, you should then consider design and content. Below are some basic web design concepts to help you: First, decide what the purpose of your site is and define your audience. This is an easy one – most likely, the purpose is to offer information to the members of your organization. Make it simple and easy to use. Remember that not everyone has the fast connections you may enjoy on campus. Use a limited number of large images. This will keep download time short and make your site more user-friendly. Use colors that make sense. Red text on a blue background may look good in theory, but can you actually read it? Keep text in short paragraphs, bulleted lists or otherwise separated. What content should your website have?That is entirely up to you, but some suggestions follow:

• A calendar of events
• Showcase members’ homepages or online journals
• Your constitution and organizations mission statement
• Links to resources for members on campus, in the community and online
• A directory and/or email addresses for the officers
• Pictures of your activities, programs and events
• A chat room or bulletin board (if you have the ability to offer such)

Web Resource

Webmonkey is a great tool for web development and offers several tutorials.  Plus, many LGBT and Ally students rely heavily on Facebook.com and MySpace.com for meeting others and getting involved. Your campus group can easily have a group account on either.

Think your organization has a great website? Submit your website addy and your site could be featured on Campus Pride.

Source: Campus Pride, 2003.