Engagement Ecosystem Model
Purpose
Provide a shared model for understanding why alumni engage, how they behave, what they need or can offer, and what the portal should build to support meaningful action.
When to use
- program design (Almost Alumni, Young Alumni, Champions)
- segmentation and personalization
- designing nudges and onboarding pathways
- writing specs without “funnel” language
The model
Motivations (Why they show up)
- Survival & Stability: housing, job search, city transition, basic connections
- Belonging: community, friendships, shared experience
- Esteem: recognition, professional growth, personal affirmation
- Altruism & Impact: legacy, mentorship, service, generosity
Participation (How they behave)
- Observe: passive awareness (reads, follows)
- Engage: attends, participates lightly
- Contribute: gives time, shares story, mentors
- Lead: hosts, recruits, owns roles
Posture / Readiness (What they need or can give)
- High Demand / Low Supply: needs support (recent grads, transitions)
- Balanced / Mutual: both needs and offerings (mid-career)
- High Supply / Low Demand: ready to give back (established)
Action (What they actually do)
Champion roles map here:
- Community Builder
- Connection Advisor
- Digital Ambassador
- Giving Advocate
Engines (What we build)
- Connects: introduce people, create spaces, match needs and offers
- Equips: toolkits, prompts, clarity, role resources
- Nudges: timely next steps, small packs, reminders
- Sustains: recognition, belonging loops, consistent pathways
Portal implications
- Personalization should be motivation-aware.
- Onboarding should help people start at Observe/Engage without shame.
- “Actions” should be accessible across readiness levels.
- Champions should be presented as one pathway among many, not a finish line.