This article is a short summary and guide on what you need to do as a member to get access to the new members area.
Background Information
The articles and events from the old website have been moved across so the archive of activity does exist on this new website.
People who are not logged in will be able to see the most recent 25 articles while members who are logged in will have access to that archive of articles.
The user database from the old website was in a sorry-state and if you’ve had challenges logging in to the old website you will have experienced some of these difficulties.
There was no concrete list of members, non-members, or user accounts with other status levels. Behind the scenes there has been a job to try to identify and consolidate a list of member accounts and those have been migrated to this new website.
Member Status, Expiry Dates & Renewals
With the migration to the new website we set all member records to have the same expiry date – 1st November 2024. November is traditionally the renewal month and with the new website you will have several options for your renewal.
The options for Bank Transfer and Direct Debit are still being supported but you will also have the option to pay online directly through the website.
You may also receive some automated notifications from the website about memberships expiring and renewals and things like that. Those can currently be ignored – they are system generated emails and because of the mass import and update of member records as we moved from the old website the system is trying to make sure it is doing what it needs to do.
Resetting Your Password
With the move of member records from the old website to this new one some information has been copied across, some has not. The passwords have been all set to a default so to get access to your account you will need to go through the “reset password” process (available on this link).
If the site tells you that it can’t find your account and you believe this is a mistake and you are an active member please contact the Admin Director by emailing here. Any proof you can provide would help get your account setup on this new website.
Members Area Functionality
Once you are logged in you will notice that the navigation menu will be different. As a member you have access to different and new functionality.
Resettlement Information – A page under the “After Your Service” menu option with links to companies, sites and charities who support personnel leaving the service.
Members Benefit List – This page lists the various benefits and discounts available to members for days out, services and other items.
FAAOA Shop – The shop is currently available to members and over time more items will be added to this.
Events List – The events list has been updated and some events will provide you with the opportunity to purchase tickets online via this website.
Members Directory – The members directory has been migrated although all members have been set as “hidden”. If you wish your profile to be visible on the directory you can check a box when editing your profile to show or hide your profile.
Member Connection Request – When viewing a visible profile in the member directory you will be able to click a button to send a notification to the member that you wish to establish a connection with them. They will have the ability to reply directly to you via email if they wish.
Next Steps
Firstly, it will be to ensure you have access to the website and the members area if you are an active member.
If you aren’t an active member but wish to become one you can register and pay online, or you can submit your details and request to pay via bank transfer or Direct Debit.
There are plans to add some extra functionality to the site but details about this will be provided in the future once those additions go live.
As you do start to use the site please let us know if you experience any difficulties. Any screenshots you can provide would be appreciated so we can investigate.