As part of the LWV Membership Transformation Journey, all Leagues must set up a ChapterSpot account and a Stripe account. Additionally, Leagues must add two links (URLs) to their website, and MyLO subscribers will receive extra assistance during this step. While ChapterSpot provides basic website hosting, this FAQ clarifies the advantages of MyLO over that of ChapterSpot. For details on the requirements of the transformation process, visit the ChapterSpot Resources page on the LWV League Management site.

Highlighting MyLO Features

What is MyLO (My League Online)?

MyLO (My League Online) is a versatile online platform designed to help Leagues share content and resources effectively. It facilitates cross-posting of information, event co-hosting, and includes a shared image library for convenient access to images and media. 

One of MyLO's strengths is its customizability. You can tailor your menu to suit your League's needs, whether you prefer a compact layout or a more extensive one. Choose from two attractive themes—red & blue or purple & gold—and decide between different menu placements at the top or on the left side. See examples of the available template design options.

Additionally, MyLO includes robust user management features, allowing editors to control access to private content while offering members-only areas for selected information. You can enhance your homepage with unlimited slideshow capabilities and promote important updates in a designated “breaking news” section.

The platform also features dynamic list views for Articles, Action Alerts, Calendar events, Positions, and Members-Only content and a comprehensive search function across your site. Moreover, you can easily subscribe to dynamic content from other Leagues, ensuring your site visitors stay informed with the latest updates.

MyLO also boasts built-in web form capabilities, allowing you to create fully customizable forms alongside confirmation emails for submissions. This functionality greatly enhances member engagement and communication.

For a closer look at MyLO's features, check out this example of a MyLO website.

What are the capabilities of the MyLO website template?

• Fully Customizable Pages: Tailor your site layout to meet your League's specific needs.
• Fully Customizable Menu: Create a menu that fits your content style, without limits on overall menu length or number of menu items.
• Subscribable Content or “content sharing”: Easily subscribe to dynamic content from other Leagues to stay updated.
• Webform Building & Confirmation Emails: Create fully customizable web forms with confirmation emails for submissions.
• Members-Only (Private) Content: Manage user access to private areas while providing members-only information.
• Homepage Features: Add to an unlimited slideshow and designate web posts for featured updates and “breaking news.”
• Shared Image Library: Access and share images with all MyLO editors or just within your League.
• Search Functionality: Utilize a sitewide search feature for easy navigation.
• Dynamic List Views: Organize and present Articles, Action Alerts, Calendar events, Positions, and private content effectively.
• RSS Feeds: RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a format for sharing dynamic content on MyLO like Articles and Events. Leagues using MyLO can easily share their RSS feed URL to get folks subscribed to this content.
• Regular Training Sessions: MyLO “Office Hours” every other week for any level of MyLO editor.
• Annual cost: $425 (California Leagues receive a $50 subsidy)

What does "content sharing" mean in MyLO?

Content sharing allows Leagues to subscribe to content from other Leagues on MyLO, enabling cross-posting on their sites. For example, the Pasadena Area League might subscribe to Action Alerts from the Greater Los Angeles League, which would display those alerts automatically on the Pasadena Area League’s website.

What is the shared image library in MyLO?

The shared image library contains images uploaded into the MyLO system, tagged with keywords for easy searching and reuse. The LWVC has added historical images and social media badges for free access. League webmasters can view their files or search through all available files to find what they need. 

What are RSS feeds?

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) provides content in a format that can be easily imported into other sources. MyLO subscribers can offer RSS feeds of their content to any source, such as a local library website looking to share League events. Read more about RSS feeds.

Transformation Journey Requirements: ChapterSpot and Stripe

What is ChapterSpot?

ChapterSpot, the new League membership platform, will provide a centralized portal where any person can join the League or renew their membership, regardless of which League they are joining. This will improve the member experience by making the joining process consistent across Leagues and will allow new members to join their local League from LWV.org. 

What is Stripe?

Stripe is an online payment platform for accepting payments. For the Membership Transformation, each League will be required to use a Stripe account for membership payments. To get started, you’ll need to create a Stripe account by following specific instructions provided by LWVUS.

Does my League need to set up a ChapterSpot website?

No, your League is not required to use a ChapterSpot website. It is available to any League, but you can continue using MyLO or another web hosting provider.

Can our League use a different payment platform for donations?

Yes, your League can use any payment platform for online donations. While a Stripe account is necessary for handling membership payments, you’re free to use Stripe for donations as well or opt for an alternative payment platform that suits your League’s needs.

How will the unique URLs for the Join Form/Page be generated, distributed, and connected to my League’s MyLO site?

The LWVUS will soon distribute unique URLs for the Join Form/Page that will be connected to your compatible Stripe account. The MyLO Team is exploring options to automate the connection of these URLs with existing Join pages and buttons on MyLO. The LWVUS will provide further details and instructions in January 2025. The MyLO Team will offer virtual help sessions (“MyLO Office Hours”) to help Leagues add the new Join/Renew link to their MyLO sites. Additional assistance can also be provided.

About ChapterSpot Websites

While ChapterSpot offers a free basic website for Leagues, it lacks the flexibility and functionality that MyLO offers. MyLO is designed specifically for Leagues, allowing you to customize your site to reflect your League’s identity and needs. With MyLO, you can choose from a few preset menu layouts and designs, manage content with ease, and utilize features like robust user management and dynamic content integration. In contrast to ChapterSpot’s more limited capabilities, MyLO enables you to create a richer and more engaging online experience for your members. By opting for MyLO, you invest in a platform that can effectively support your League’s growth and outreach.

Questions?

If you have questions about MyLO, please email the team at mylo [at] lwvc.org or call us at 916-442-7215. For more about MyLO’s functionality, check out our documentation.

For questions about ChapterSpot, please email membership [at] lwv.org () or visit the ChapterSpot Resources page on the LWV League Management site.