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 group’s cause Align technology to your organization’s 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 (free…always) Microsoft Office (cheap for 501(c)3 on techsoup.org) Graphics software options: GIMP2, Inkscape, Scribus (free…and 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 - BobAlston9@yahoo.com 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 What’s 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 group’s 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” – don’t 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

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 E’s of Twitter http://www.oldmedianewtricks.com/the-3-e-of-twitter/ Blogging: An Introduction http://www.learnnc.org/lp/pages/730

Media Don’t 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 Nonprofit’s 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

Using the Internet for Social Change

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