---
title: "Use Livestreaming for Real-Time Engagement"
id: "38340"
type: "post"
slug: "use-livestreaming-for-real-time-engagement"
published_at: "2017-06-01T07:30:56+00:00"
modified_at: "2017-06-01T07:30:56+00:00"
url: "https://associationsnow.com/2017/06/01/use-livestreaming-for-real-time-engagement/"
markdown_url: "https://associationsnow.com/2017/06/01/use-livestreaming-for-real-time-engagement.md"
excerpt: "Use livestreaming to reach members wherever they are."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Fundraising"
taxonomy_post_tag:
  - "AssociationsNow"
  - "Fundraising"
  - "live streaming"
  - "Membership"
  - "reengagement"
taxonomy_content_format:
  - "Article"
taxonomy_role:
  - "Association CEO / Executive Director"
  - "Director"
  - "Manager"
  - "VP"
taxonomy_persona:
  - "Association Professionals"
---

[Home](https://associationsnow.com/)
 » [Articles](https://associationsnow.com/format/article/)
 » Use Livestreaming for Real-Time Engagement

In January, the Internet Association wanted to test a new way to engage both members and nonmembers in a way that felt “native to the internet.” To do so, IA staff experimented with a new digital platform designed to boost political fundraising efforts and user engagement in real time.

What they learned is that real-time engagement can have a big impact. Their first piloted event raised more than $13,000 from viewers who tuned in to an hour-long conversation with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA).

“This event was a success mainly because participants felt fully engaged in the livestream,” says Noah Theran, vice president of public affairs and communications for IA. “Viewers received live updates on how much money was raised, and we wanted folks to ask questions and feel like they were part of the conversation.”

Associations are experimenting with livestreaming—using platforms like Facebook Live—for a variety of reasons, from boosting advocacy and fundraising to extending meetings and events to wider audiences. Theran suggests three simple rules for successfully engaging your members in a livestream:

**​1. Be open.** Don’t be afraid to break down barriers, Theran says. IA launched its platform to change the way people think about fundraising and interactions with policymakers.

**​2. Be transparent.** Openness and ease of use were critical to IA’s success. A digital experience should be transparent and feel authentic to the organization’s mission and purpose.

**​3. Be interactive.** Real-time engagement requires listening to your audience. Use tools or platforms that allow members to participate as the event is happening.

(Rawpixel/Thinkstock)

[Tim Ebner](https://associationsnow.com/author/tim-ebner/)

Tim Ebner is communications director and press secretary at the American Forest & Paper Association in Washington, DC. He is a member of ASAE’s Communication Professionals Advisory Council and a former Associations Now senior editor.

[More articles by this author](https://associationsnow.com/author/tim-ebner/)

Tags: [#Fundraising](https://associationsnow.com/tag/fundraising/)
 [#live streaming](https://associationsnow.com/tag/live-streaming/)
 [#Membership](https://associationsnow.com/tag/membership/)
 [#reengagement](https://associationsnow.com/tag/reengagement/)

**Stay Informed**

[Subscribe to our free newsletter](https://associationsnow.com/newsletter/)
, *Associations Now Daily News*, to find out what’s happening in the association world every business day.

## You Might Like

- [Video2025 Summit Award Recipient: Florida Association of Free and Charitable ClinicsOctober 3, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/10/03/2025-summit-award-recipient-florida-association-of-free-and-charitable-clinics/)
- [Video2025 Summit Award Recipient: Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Los AngelesOctober 3, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/10/03/2025-summit-award-recipient-building-owners-and-managers-association-of-greater-los-angeles/)
- [VideoA Donor First Look, “Unlocking Legacy: Estate Planning Essentials for Association ProfessionalsJanuary 7, 2025](https://associationsnow.com/2025/01/07/a-donor-first-look-unlocking-legacy-estate-planning-essentials-for-association-professionals/)
- [VideoWhy We Donate to ASAE Research FoundationNovember 30, 2023](https://associationsnow.com/2023/11/30/why-we-donate-to-asae-research-foundation/)

## Comments

**Comments are for ASAE members.** [Learn more about comments on this site.](https://associationsnow.com/comments/)

[Log in](https://associationsnow.com/login?redirect_to=https%3A%2F%2Fassociationsnow.com%2F2017%2F06%2F01%2Fuse-livestreaming-for-real-time-engagement%2F%23comments)
 to your member account or [join ASAE](https://my.asaecenter.org/select-a-membership-type/)
!