Using the Internet for Social Change

Tech on a Budget Workshop Matt Quinn, IT Manager January 28, 2010

Tech on a Budget

Agenda

Purpose of this workshop is to introduce you to resources to advance your groups cause

Align technology to your organizations strategy, operations, and communications

Affordable technology options for your non-profit:

Desktop Software & Shared Network Drive

Communications Tools web sites, social networking

Donor management system

Desktop Software

Nonprofits need affordable desktop software

Desktop computer with Windows XP/Vista

Browser: Mozilla Firefox with Ad Block Plus

Internet security software Clamwin, Bitdefender

Desktop software options:

OpenOffice.org (freealways)

Microsoft Office (cheap for 501(c)3 on techsoup.org)

Graphics software options:

GIMP2, Inkscape, Scribus (freeand open source)

Adobe Design CS4 (pricey)

Resources Free Tech Stuff

Free Software

Techsoup.org Nonprofits with 501(c)3 status eligible for greatly reduced desktop software

SourceForge.net open source

Free Hardware

Computer Ministry offers FREE computers Windows XP with OpenOffice, Network Adapter

Call Meridee Jordan, Coord of Community Life at 913-671-2375 or [email_address]

Resources More Free Stuff

More Free Software Food Pantry Operations

http://webpages.charter.net/bobalston/nonprofit_food_pantry.htm

Email - [email protected]

Free Experts KC IT Professionals (3000+) http://www.linkedin.com/groups?home=&gid=56696&trk=anet_ug_hm

KC IT Professionals Philanthropy

Group leverages the talent and generosity of a group of IT professionals to benefit non-profits

Allows local non-profits to do more with less

3000+ Kansas City area IT professionals

KC IT Professionals

Email KCITP2 Send a brief e-mail introducing your organization and what you need.

Phone call Give them 30 minutes of your time on the phone to discuss your situation.

Meeting Share with them the best ways for them to help you meet your goals.

Review a detailed proposal for work.

KC IT Professionals - Process

Shared Storage

Nonprofits need to share key documents within your office and outside

Whats required?

Secured wireless or wired office network

Technology options:

WD MyBook World Edition ($200; Windows & Mac)

Google Docs (free)

Considerations: Security and Backup

Jumpstart your groups communication!

Develop simple, consistent, clear methods of communicating with your members and supporters through one-way methods.

Email Lists Google Groups, Yahoo Groups

Web Events - Google Calendars

Web Sites

How much time and money is involved?

Basic Communication

Resources Email

Network for Good: The Nonprofit Email Marketing Guide, http://www.fundraising123.org/files/Nonprofit-Email-Marketing-Guide.pdf

One Page Guide to Google Groups E-mail, http://www.timdavies.org.uk/2009/06/09/ one-page-guide-to-google-groups-e-mail-lists/

Interactive, two-way communication enabling groups to engage supporters.

Social Networks Facebook, Twitter, MySpace

Blogs

Here Comes Everybody dont be afraid to try and fail

New Communication

Examples Social Media

Twitter for fundraising

Tweetsgiving.org

Facebook advocacy, fundraising

Causes

Facebook Birthdays

Network for Good

Clearinghouse allows groups to receive donations

Charity Badges - GO TO SITE

Twitter- Harvesters

Facebook - HAIC

Resources Social Media

What is Facebook? Facebook 101: Ten Things http://www.infotoday.com/it/mar08/Krivak.shtml

What is Twitter? http://jenuinejen.com/2008/04/29/twitter-for-dummies/

The 3 Es of Twitter http://www.oldmedianewtricks.com/the-3-e-of-twitter/

Blogging: An Introduction http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/730

Media

Dont wait for the news, make your own news!

Use Internet tools to publish and distribute your own story or information.

Video sites YouTube, others

Photo sites Flickr, Picasa

Audio sites Libsyn, iTunes

Press Releases NowPublic, KC Star Press Central

Media - YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/harvesterskc

Media - Flickr

http://flickr.com/photos/austinfoodbank

Build a Web Site

Nonprofits that communicate with clients, financial donors, and volunteers need a web site to inform and engage .

Develop a communication plan first.

Web site options:

Build-your-own using DreamWeaver, FrontPage, or with Content Management System (Joomla, Drupal)

Web as a Service Wild Apricot, Nonprofit Soapbox

Does your web site need to integrate with a Donor System to track financial donors and volunteers?

Steps to Build a Web Site

1. Register Your Domain Name

2. Evaluate Your Needs

3. Pick a Web Development Tool or Service

4. Think About How You Will Integrate Your New Site with Your Existing Tools & Media

5. Recruit Web Experts, if Needed

Resources Web Sites

Tips for Designing (or Redesigning) a Nonprofit Web Site http:// www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/page11822.cfm

A Nonprofits Guide to Building Simple, Low-Cost Websites http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/webbuilding/page11890.cfm

Idealware: Comparing Lower-Cost Online Integrated Apps http://www.idealware.org/articles/low_cost_integrated.php

Donor Management System

Nonprofits that solicit from individuals, corporations, and foundations need software to manage donors & volunteers

Some nonprofits want to manage all communication with their constituents

Follow a guide for selecting a donor management system:

Start with an assessment of your organization

Work with an expert!

Resources Donors

NPower Seattle Selecting Donor Management Software - http://www.npowerseattle.org/resources/ selecting-donor-management-software

Idealware A Consumers Guide to Low Cost Donor Management Systems - http://www.idealware.org/low_cost_donor/download.php

Questions?

Matt Quinn

Twitter: twitter.com/jmq0004

Facebook: facebook.com/jmq0004

Blog: http://foundationjournal.blogspot.com