Monthly Archive for January, 2008Page 2 of 2

Open Source Survey

Published
by
amysampleward
on January 7, 2008
in survey
. 0 Comments

Do you know what open source means? Do you use open source tools at home or in your organization? You may be taking advantage of the open source world without evening knowing it, for instance, if you are currently reading this in a Firefox browser!

NonProfit Open Source Initiative is an organizationt hat was started to facilitate and encourage the use of free open source software in the nonprofit sector. They provide concrete resources to help organizations choose and use free and open source software.

Currently, NOSI is conducting a survey of the nonprofit sector on open source software use and what resources, assistance and tools would be most beneficial for individuals and organizations to assist in the transfer to new open source tools.

You can take the survey here! I already did and it really made me happy to think of the terrific open source movement of innovation and support that is growing every day. Take the survey!

Razoo: Case Foundation interview

Published
by
amysampleward
on January 4, 2008
in fundraising
. 0 Comments

Have you been following and participating in America’s Giving Challenge brought by the Case Foundation and Causes.

Recently, Razoo (a community united around making a positive difference in the world. Where passions are connected with actions, showing us that when connected, our small contributions add up to a big impact) talked with the Case Foundation to learn more about the Giving Challenge. Here is one of the responses:

How has technology changed the face of giving? As it has done in many areas, technology changes the relationships between people and between the information and resources they need to take action. In the area of giving, all the activity we are seeing is still nascent. People are still learning what the technology can do for them and what they can do with the technology. Still, it’s very clear that people, especially younger people, are ready to embrace these technologies not just as ways to socialize or entertain but as tools to affect the change they wish to see and as a forum for discussion and action.

Read the interview here and let me know what you think!

Has your usage increased, too?

Published
by
amysampleward
on January 3, 2008
in reports
. 1 Comment

TechSoup conducted a web usage survey last year and has just released the results of this year’s survey. You can read more about it and download the results from the 2007 survey on their website.

The general increase of web 2.0 tools (social media / new media tools) is not surprising since there is a growing number of people and organizations providing support and education for those interested in getting started. But, there are a few things that I find interesting.

Survey respondents showed a 19% increase in use of RSS feed subscriptions. Using RSS both to distribute and to consume information online has been a topic at the new media training events I have helped put on for Meyer Memorial Trust and a topic that has always created a lot of conversation among the nonprofits I talk to. One great reference on RSS use is Marshall Kirkpatrick. RSS use will also be the topic for the Portland 501 Tech Club meeting on January 14th, with Marshall as our terrific presenter. (Let me know if you are interested in attending!)

50% said that they participated in an online event or training session related to work, which is an 11% increase from last year. I think it’s great that people are taking advantage of the great learning and engagement opportunities online, especially from organizations like NTEN.

What things have you increased your usage of in the past year? What things do you hope to increase your use of in the year to come? I’d love to hear about it!

Starting your social media over?

Published
by
amysampleward
on January 2, 2008
in community and socialmedia
. 1 Comment

As we enter a new year, many people and organizations are thinking about how the last year went and where the new year can go. Making resolutions, setting goals, and even drawing boundaries. Beth Kanter recently posed a great question:

What if I could start all my social media and nonprofits work over from scratch? What would I do differently? What lessons have I learned that will stick with me for 2008?

It has garnered some equally great responses. What would I say? Well…

1. Community is key - Talking to and talking with your community are two very different things. Asking questions, responding to answers, and seeking out connections really do make a difference.

2. Blogs are conversations and more - On a blog, you can deliver news and information, start and carry out conversations, and even provide “static” content. What does this really mean? Just as Britta Bravo explained, a blog can be your entire web site!

3. Social media tools assigned last - Forrester’s POST method is one of the best, and simplest, assets for nonprofits designing a social media strategy. I covered the POST method when it was first released and hope I can continue to use it to help make strategy design a less painful experience.

4. Stay optimistic - There is truly such a thing as information (or social media) overload. It is easy to get overwhelmed and walk, or rather run, away. Do not fear! If you stay optimistic and approach your social media strategy and usage calmly (and use the POST method!), you can have the patience to filter out the noise and hear the important conversations.

What lessons have you learned and what lessons do you hope to play by in 2008?

Creating Community: Thanks, Beth!

Published
by
amysampleward
on January 2, 2008
in community and otherblogs
. 3 Comments

Beth Kanter has honored me with her Bloggers Who Create Community Award! Thanks, Beth!

Beth said: “Amy Sample Ward is writes about nonprofits, technology, and social media. She’s based on Portland. She’s well-known in her local community of nonprofits and the one on her blog! I appreciate her thoughtful writing and community spirit!”

This award is perfect to showcase one of my 2008 resolutions: To create even more community online! It will be a fun adventure and learning experience and I hope to have all of you (and more!) along for the ride.

What are your resolutions about technology with/for/about nonprofits or nonprofit work?