Young adults improve internet outreach

By Lindsay Steele
The Catholic Messenger

Luke Ebener knows that if a website is infrequently updated or has an unclear message, young adults are unlikely to make repeat visits.

The 28-year-old hopes a newly designed diocesan Catholic Young Adult Network (CYAN) website will help connect young adults and serve as a faith-building resource.

“It’s very much an online world we live in. Hopefully we can meet (young adults) where they’re at and be in their world a little bit,” said Ebener, a member of CYAN’s leadership team.

CYAN built a website at its current address, davenportcyan.org, a few years ago, but it was mostly “left alone” afterwards, Ebener admits. Lists of current activities weren’t always available. The layout was not user-friendly and the content didn’t have a concise message or mission. Now, the website will be updated constantly to show upcoming diocesan events, pictures and more.

The website focuses on four specific areas: connecting young adults to each other, to the diocese, to the Catholic Church and to a relationship with Jesus. Different sections of the website contain resources and information regarding these four areas.

Ebener hopes to get input from visitors on how to make the website better, whether it is adding more events or suggesting additional outside resources. A feedback link is available on the website, or people can contact Ebener directly at davstpaulym@diodav.org.

He believes the website can serve young adults well — if they use it. “The biggest challenge is letting people know it’s there and there to be used,” Ebener said.

Join CYAN leadership team
Young adults, persons interested in working with young adults and persons currently working with young adults are invited to become part of the diocesan Catholic Young Adult Network leadership team. The group meets four times a year. For more information contact Luke Ebener at (563) 322-7994 or
davstpaulym@diodav.org.