The Renegade - Issue One

[Shizensky]

The RIA is happy to announce the reopening of our our periodic newsletter - The Renegade!

The RIA is Refounded!

Originally founded in June of 2004, the Renegade Islands Alliance has been through turbulent times. In June of 2006 the forum was griefed by then-serving Field Marshall of DEN, Jargongard, and Lone Wolves United agent Meridianland. The RIA was unable to recover and became little more than a retirement home for a few old friends.

Now, in 2013, the RIA is officially (and finally) rebuilding! Since the rebuild started, the region's population has jumped to more than 125. Active daily users on the offsite forum stays around 15, and new programs and features are constantly being rolled out.

The Renegade Islands Alliance is back.

Immigration Turns Focus From Telegrams

Historically, the Immigration Department focused primarily on recruiting nations to the RIA. Now that the RIA is using Telegram Stamps for recruiting, there is no longer a current need for a full staff of recruiters. The removal of the footwork in the recruiting process has opened up time for retention efforts, as well as increasing focus on the study of current process to determine what's working.

Most of the studies are being done through surveys and interviews. For instance, when a nation leaves the RIA they are asked why they left, and what we could have done that might have made their time more enjoyable. These exit interviews have enabled us to change how our interactions, and have even inspired the creation of new programs aimed at involving more off-forum nations.

Additionally, a survey was recently sent to all nations of the RIA asking them why they decided to move to our region. Through this survey we were able to discover which parts of our recruiting telegram are the most effective, and which parts don't seem to matter to new nations. This information will lead to new recruitment messages designed around these results.

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RIA Special Forces Begins Training Missions

The RIA's own defense unit - the RIASF - is beginning to train new recruits. Early operations are focused on the mechanics of raiding and defending, communication and procedures, and group mobility. Early exercises have proven to be both exciting and promising.

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Report from the Grand Council

The rebuilding process has been a busy time for the Grand Council. The "Elected Official Activity Act" has been passed. The act calls for a council vote to remove any elected official from office who has been active for a period of 2 weeks or longer, without first giving notice of an expected absence.

The GC is also working on developing the RIA's economy. Members can purchase stocks which are priced based on either current regional population metrics or forum activity. Additionally, citizens may purchase tickets to enter a raffle for free video games. The game are purchased on Steam and then sent as a gift to the winner. We're continuing to find ways to let members gain and spend their money within the region.

The Grand Council is in the process of honoring past members by naming several of the forum's areas after them. The honor is best reserved for nations that are no longer an active part of the region, but have played an influential part in what has defined the region's culture.

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Foreign Affairs Expanding

One of the main goals in the rebuild will be an increased focus on foreign relations. The new RIA aims to be a larger part of the global community than it has every been in the past. Ways to achieve this goal are still being explored, but early efforts are focusing on forum-side embassy exchanges. After the Immigration process is locked down, focus will be turned to international relations and an active presence of RIA members across NationStates.

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State of the Region Address

With the rebuild of the region going smoothly and activity increasing steadily, Shizensky has decided to address the region on the current state of affairs. In the past these addresses were held on a quarterly basis, and the pattern is expected to continue.

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Members of the Grand Council of the Renegade Islands Alliance

Founder: Shizensky
Delegate: Timothia
Security: Domino Domination
Immigration: Tierra de Madre
Internal Affairs: HumanSanity
Foreign Affairs: Divia
Senators: Saint Kitten, South Baltic

Note: The third senate seat is currently vacant after Black Dolphi was removed due to inactivity. Replacement elections are currently ongoing.