Adopting new technology is never easy and social networking is no exception. The CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation had already embarked on a mission to build a 35,000 square foot museum that will preserve the legacy and educate future generations about the U.S. Navy Seabees' unique contributions to the United States and other countries around the world.
Searching for avenues to expand an annual campaign and planned giving opportunities, Facebook was seen as an emerging technology medium to build a new communication and cultivation channel. The Foundation's development team and Graham-Pelton consultants worked jointly to formulate a long-term Facebook project plan; which included page design, educating stakeholders on social networking, developing cooperation with other Seabee groups, long-term communication objectives and garnering both board support and involvement.
Since implementation, the site has achieved its early objectives of creating a virtual reunion location, keeping "friends" involved with the construction progress of the new museum, informing them of events such as an upcoming National Geographic documentary about the Seabees, and, as aforementioned, providing the central point to cultivate and build new relationships.
Graham-Pelton is proud to play a part in the construction of this museum that honors the heritage of this great organization, from their sacrifices and contributions in every conflict since World War II to current day humanitarian crises in places such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand following the tsunami in December 2004; on the Gulf coast in response to Hurricane Katrina; and their most recent deployment in Haiti.
About the U.S. Navy Seabee Museum and CEC/Seabee Historical Foundation:
The Seabees and Civil Engineer Corps have a rich tradition of protecting our freedom and helping build a better world. The U.S. Navy Seabee Museum is being built to preserve their history, educate visitors and promote their famous "Can Do" spirit for generations to come. For more information please visit their Website.
