Tag Archive for 'nten'

Creating Social Change with Social Media

Published in case studies, socialchange and storytelling. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

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Over the last week, technology has played an unprecedented role in bringing aid to and saving lives in Haiti. Over $22 million has been raised by the American Red Cross via text message (about a fifth of total Haiti-related giving to the organization so far). And then there’s the role that Facebook and Twitter are playing.

Those social media tools, along with dozens of others, have been used to help family and friends locate one another, to direct food, clothing and medical support to specific locations, and to help direct rescue workers to individuals alive and trapped under rubble.

That’s social media for social good, and that’s exactly what NTEN and NetSquared want to highlight with Beth Kanter this spring at SXSWi.

Of course, we don’t just want to talk about Haiti — we want to highlight some amazing work from around the sector, while also building a nice little library of case studies we can all learn from. So, we invite you to share your social media for social good story. We’ll choose three to highlight in our session, and we’ll share all the stories we can on our sites and at We Are Media.

Submit your Social Media for Social Good story today!

Published on January 21, 2010 by Amy Sample Ward. 2 Comments

Great reads from around the web on November 18th

Published in roundup. 19 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

I come across so many great conversations, ideas, and resources across the web ever day. Here are some of the most interesting things I’ve found recently (as of November 18th). You can join the conversations in the comments, or click through to the original posts to find what others are saying.

To follow more of the things I find online, you can follow @amysampleward on Twitter (which is just a blog and resource feed), or find me on Delicious (for all kinds of bookmarks).

  • 2010 Nonprofit Technology Conference | NTEN: The Nonprofit Technology Network – Have you registered yet for the Nonprofit Technology Conference? This is one of the best opportunities each year to meet others from the nonprofit technology sector, learn what other organizations are up to, what's new and what's next! I'll be there and hope you will be, too :)
  • What is your conversation strategy? | Powered by John Haydon – John Haydon has an excellent post today to get you thinking more strategically about your use of social media, and not just what tools to use but what to say once you're using them! "When most businesses and non-profits start using social media, they start with “small talk” with their communities. They politely reply to tweets, express appreciation to donors, respond as quickly as possible to customer support issues, and generally try to add value to their network. But all to often, they fail to move beyond the “small talk” and create meaningful discussions that their communities are dying to have."
  • Whuffie Webinar – "What if you had access to the latest big ideas from the corporate world, distilled into a 10 minute video that was 6.5 more memorable than other ways of learning? What if you then had access to one of the leaders in the not-for-profit world who would show you how to take these principles and apply them to your day to day activities? What if all of this was free, every month?" You do! Check out this great webinar series from Polar Unlimited.
  • Idealist.org: Imagine, Connect, Act – Idealist is trying something. They want to see what could happen if we serious commit to working together, on an offline. "It's time for the world's idealists to work together, online and in person. The first step in this campaign is to ask you to take a few minutes to read this proposal. What you'll find there is a vision for this network, a path and a timeline to build it, and an invitation to be part of this movement from the very start. Then, to share your thoughts and join the 1,361 people in 91 countries who are making this happen, please sign up here."
  • YouTube – Direct's Channel – "YouTube Direct allows you to embed the upload functionality of YouTube directly into your own site, enabling your organization to request, review, and re-broadcast user-submitted videos with ease. News organizations can ask for citizen reporting; nonprofits can call-out for support videos around social campaigns; businesses can ask users to submit promotional videos about your brand. With YouTube Direct, the opportunities to connect directly with the YouTube community are endless."
Published on November 18, 2009 by Amy Sample Ward. 19 Comments

10NTC: What do you want to talk about?

Published in events and presentation. 3 Comments Tags: , , , , , , .

NTEN’s Nonprofit Technology Conference held each Spring is always THE place to be for nonprofit techies: whether you work in a nonprofit organization or with one, are totally technical or fell into your techie job, like social media or like wiring an office.  The 10NTC will be April 8-10, 2010, in Atlanta, GA – mark your calendars now!

But, what do you want to talk about?

I have many things that I want to talk about at the NTC because it’s a one-of-a-kind opportunity to talk about ideas, get advice, or hear stories from others in real time, in one space, as fast as you can share them!  It’s truly like no other conference.  And, I always love getting to talk to people that I follow, read, and am in awe of from our sector IN PERSON! :)

The conference schedule for NTC has been developed openly and collaboratively.  Those interested were able to submit all kinds of great ideas for panels, workshops, and speaking sessions for the conference.  And now you get to vote on what you want to hear!

I am part of four different proposals and would love to have a chance to share some of the ideas and experiences I’ve had with all of you at the event (even if you can’t come in person, you know I’ll post my notes and ideas on this blog!).  Below are links to the four session proposals, and I’d love your support with a vote and comment on any that you want to have at the NTC!

There are so, so many great ideas submitted to next year’s conference line-up.  Review all of the ideas and vote on your favorites here! If you have any trouble voting or have questions about this selection process, please visit the 10NTC voting FAQ here.

See you in Atlanta for 10NTC!

Published on October 5, 2009 by Amy Sample Ward. 3 Comments

We Are Media: Webinar Series from NTEN

Published in digital learning and events. 2 Comments Tags: , , , .

We Are Media is a terrific resource for anyone looking for tips, examples, case studies and information on using social media in a nonprofit organization.  Now, the content from We Are media is available to you in a brand new “Choose Your Own Expert” format. The best part: any path you choose will be a good one. NTEN’s gathered some of the top nonprofit social media experts to help your organization devise a solid strategy as well as learn the secrets of using a variety of social media tools.

I’m bummed that I cannot participate this time around (will be traveling with my family, enjoying some offline adventures) but am already looking forward to the next opportunity!

REGISTER HERE!

The Format

This immersive, interactive webinar experience(tm) will begin with a plenary session providing an overview of social media strategy, organizational adoption issues, capacity, metrics, and strategy execution. Because we know you’d be disappointed in us if we didn’t include them, we’ll have a live question and answer and a back channel discussion.

After a ten minute break, participants will have the option of joining one of four break out sessions: Listening/Engaging; Storytelling; Generating Buzz; Online Networking. Each of the 60 minute sessions will include a drill down in the topic area, presented by an expert in field (see below). The back channel will be moderated by even more experts, who will add additional insights and answer participants questions.

After a ten-minute break, participants will reconvene as a group to grill the presenters in each of the areas.

The Flow

Opening Plenary: 45 minutes
Q&A & Backchannel: 15 minutes
Break: 10 minutes
Breakout Sessions (choose one): 60 minute
Break: 10 minutes
Final Q&A: 40 minutes

The Learning Objectives

  • Identify objectives, audience, and strategy execution to effectively integrate social media into your organization’s overall web communications plan so it supports your organization’s mission
  • Explore the organizational change management issues that social media raises and how to talk about them
  • Experience a variety of social web tools that are essential in listening/engaging, storytelling, generating buzz, and online networking
  • Have access to experts and peers to answer your specific questions via live question and answer and backchannel chat

REGISTER HERE!

More about We Are Media:
The We Are Media Project is a community of people from nonprofits who are interested in learning and teaching about how social media strategies and tools can enable nonprofit organizations to create, compile, and distribute their stories and change the world.

Curated by NTEN, the community will work in a networked way to help identify the best existing resources, people, and case studies that will give nonprofit organizations the knowledge and resources they need to be the media. The community will help identify and point to the best how-to guides and useful resources that cover all aspects of creating, aggregating, and distributing social media. The resulting curriculum which will live on this wiki and will also cover important organizational adoption issues, strategy, ROI analysis, as well as the tools.

Published on September 15, 2009 by Amy Sample Ward. 2 Comments

Nten’s Online Nonprofit Technology Conference is here!

Published in community and events. 2 Comments Tags: , , , , .

NTEN, the Nonprofit Technology Network, puts on a massive, be-there-or-be-square conference for nonprofit professionals every year (in 2009, we met in San Francisco).  The next event is April 8-10, 2010, in Atlanta, GA.  But, if you don’t want to wait until April to dive into the knowledge and expertise in the NTEN network, you don’t have to!

The NTEN community co-authored a book and is planning an online conference for this Fall drawing on the contributors to move from writing to speaking.  Here’s what NTEN says:

Information Technology is an increasingly essential element of any nonprofit’s operations. But how often is IT an afterthought, often housed in a corner with the staff charged with implementation not brought to the decision-making table? In spite of this, many recognize that an effective technology manager or a well-oiled IT department can and does help extend the reach and scope of any organization. Helping technology managers and leaders understand and rectify the critical issues at the intersection of technology and mission is the inspiration behind the new NTEN book, Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission: A Strategic Guide for Nonprofit Leaders.

Now, the authors and other top experts in the nonprofit tech field will expand on the content and theme of the book during the interactive Online Nonprofit Technology Conference: Managing Technology to Meet Your Mission on September 16 and 17, 2009.

This is a great opportunity for people to participate in a national event, but without travel expenses!  To learn more about the topics and speakers, and how to register, visit:

http://nten.org/ontc

Published on August 7, 2009 by Amy Sample Ward. 2 Comments

Net2 at 09NTC

Published in events and issues. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , .

At NTEN’s ‘09 Nonprofit Technology Conference a couple weeks ago, I participated in the Ignite Presentations which was a load of fun.  An Ignite presentation is a five minute presentation, with 20 slides that change automatically every 15 seconds.  It’s quite a rush, for the speaker and the audience alike!

I presented about an idea we at NetSquared have been tossing around and wanted to share with the public to start a conversation and see where it goes: what would it be like, how would it work, and how would it look if we moved the concept of Global Challenges on the Net2 platform into the hands of local communities to use the same process to find innovative answers to local issues.  Check it out below!

Published on May 11, 2009 by Amy Sample Ward. 0 Comments

09NTC: Let’s Connect in San Fran!

Published in events. 0 Comments Tags: , , .
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NetSquared’s Global Community Builder, Amy Sample Ward, will be at the NTC this year to connect and collaborate with friends, colleagues and new faces in the sector. Here’s how to find Amy and connect with NetSquared.

How to follow along and connect:

Sessions and Events

Sunday, April 26

Net Tuesday & 501 Tech Club Affinity Group Meeting

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm
A chance for local organizers to come together, network, ask questions, etc.
Takeaways:

  1. A chance to connect with other local organizers
  2. Clarity on the two monthly events
  3. More knowledge, confidence and excitement about organizing in your city

Monday, April 27

Lunch Time Table Discussion

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
Come chat with me about online communites, some of the topics of conversation may include:

  • What have been some changes or issues recently with your online community?
  • Do you use/how did you create your terms of use?
  • How many staff use your online community space in their work?
  • What kind of presence do you consider your online community?

NetSquared Office Hours

3:00 pm – 5:00pm
Have questions about NetSquared, Net Tuesdays or innovation Challenges? Intesreted to learn more about how NetSquared is connecting those at the intersection of social media and social change? Have questions about general nonprofit technology “stuff?” Come by the TechSoup Global booth in the expo area for Office Hours with me!

Tuesday, April 28

The Rational Pursuit of Change: How the Web requires new tactics, not the evolution of current ones

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm
The Internet has a proven ability to shift the balance of power between individuals and organizations. But for online activism to reach its full potential, we – and our constituents and supporters – need to go beyond low-hanging, traditional online tactics. It’s time to go back to basics and figure out how to effectively organize.

This session will revisit the challenges of collective action in an era of “open source activism,” and highlight how the Web can help overcome those hurdles. It’s up to us to redefine how people can participate in movements that actually do something.

Takeaways:

  1. Engagement: The paradox of tactics (such as “easy petitions”) with a low barrier to entry – they don’t drive engagement or long-term relationships. Learn how to engage people that stick around to support your mission.
  2. Action: Giving people the right tools at the right time only matters if you ask them to do the right thing. Learn solutions for moving your audiences forward on a unified front towards a shared goal.
  3. Togetherness: The dream of the Web is a model maps our influence and values to appropriate collective action that has reached its tipping point. Learn the best ways to crowdsource your mission and measure progress toward your goals.

Ignite Presentation

5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Come here about many different projects, ideas, and organizations in 5 minute rounds! If you’re familiar with Ignite, you know it’s an awesome way to show off. If you’re not, Ignite is a style of presentation:

  • Participants have five minutes to speak on a subject, accompanied by 20 slides.
  • Each slide is displayed for 15 seconds.
  • Slides are automatically advanced.
  • Oh, the excitement!

I’ll be presenting the slides below: Local is the new Global

Net Tuesdays

Every month, the NetSquared community comes together at Net Tuesday events in over 33 cities around the world to mix, swap stories and ideas, build new relationships, and reinforce the online Community. These events are great opportunities to find others working at the intersection of technology and social change, share what you are working on or ask for help, feedback, and collaborators.

Find local Meetups or start your own.

Net2 Local – Ignite Presentation

Here are the slides of my Ignite Presentation: Local is the new Global. It’ll just take 5 minutes of your time, and I’m excited to share some of the brainstorming we’ve been having at Net2. Come at 5:30 on Tuesday to the main presentation space to hear all about it!

09NTC Ignite – Local is the new Global

Are you interested in learning more? Want to keep the conversation going? How we do that will depend on how many people are intersted and where the conversation goes, so until then, please just email me and let’s connect!

TechSoup Global Talk Backs

Tell us what your biggest tech challenges are; download about budget cuts and how they affect your work; vent about your increased work load…YOU do the talking and we will listen. Help us help you – with new programs, new products and new ideas on how to make your [work] life easier. Each participant will have the opportunity to win cool raffle prizes ranging from Amazon gift cards to MP3 players and flip cameras.

The group is limited to 21 participants! Visit our vBooth or booth at the Science Fair for details and to sign up for the Tuesday Talk Back. If you want to sign up early you can email your interest to TSG here.

Published on April 19, 2009 by Amy Sample Ward. 0 Comments

Email Still Rules: A Webinar Series from NTEN to Step Up Your Email Marketing

Published in events and marketing. 1 Comment Tags: , , , .

Join NTEN for this 4-part webinar series hosted by Triplex Interactive, a division of InfoGROUP to learn how to become a more effective email marketer, communicator and fundraiser.

This is a series that is recommended for folks who can answer yes to the following questions:

  • Do you use an email tool or CRM to manage your email?
  • Do you set up campaigns?
  • Do you have a person or persons in your organization who are dedicated to online marketing?

After this series you will know how to:

  • Create an online donor profile
  • Identify and acquire new stakeholders
  • Engage in conversations (vs. blasting) via email
  • Analyze your results

Session Series includes:

> Register Now for the Series!

Presenters: Jocelyn Harmon, Director of Business Development for Triplex Interactive, a division of InfoGROUP, Alia McKee, Principal, Sea Change Strategies and Thomas Gensemer, Managing Partner, Blue State Digital (BSD).

Published on March 10, 2009 by Amy Sample Ward. 1 Comment

Help get more nptechers to the NTC!

Published in events and fundraising. 1 Comment Tags: , , , , .

Visit nten.org/scholarship and donate now to get your vote for Holly’s fate.

I mentioned before that Convio, the main sponsor of 09NTC (the Nonprofit Technology Conference from NTEN), is matching funds in NTEN’s scholarship appeal.  Holly Ross, the Executive Director of NTEN, is upping the challenge by throwing herself into the ring:

Visit nten.org/scholarship and donate now to get your vote for Holly’s fate!

Here’s the fundraising widget you can embed on your blog or website to help spread the word and raise funds to send more and more great nonprofit staff to join us at the NTC this year.  The NTC is the best place for connecting, learning and sharing with hundreds of other nonprofit staff and consultants working in the changing environment of new technologies and social media.  Novices and experts, and everyone in between, all come together and learn from each other (and have fun!).  It is truly an inspiring and unique event; I can’t recommend it enough.

Visit nten.org/scholarship and help one more person get to the NTC!

Published on February 18, 2009 by Amy Sample Ward. 1 Comment

2009 Nonprofit Video Awards: “Everyone’s Doing It”

Published in events. 4 Comments Tags: , , , .

It’s time again for the Nonprofit Video Awards from DoGooderTV, sponosored by NTEN & See3 Communications.

If you were at the 08NTC last April, then you probably remember the awards ceremony for the 2008 contest.  The Humane Society of the US won for the video “Overlooked: The Lives of Animals Raised for Food.”  The winners will be announced at the NTC again this year, and hopefully the winning video won’t be too contrary to the meal during the awards ceremony!

The DoGooderTV Nonprofit Video Awards highlight organizations that are using video to inspire and ignite social change. This year’s theme, “Everyone’s Doing It”, is meant to include submissions of all shapes and sizes, from organizational vlogs, to staff-produced web clips, to high-end, professionally produced videos. If your organization made a video—any video—in 2008, we want to see it!

Submit as many videos as you’d like without any entry fees. Prizes will be awarded to the winning entries at the Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) in San Francisco on April 26-28, 2009. Deadline for submissions is March 26, 2009.

This year, we’ll be selecting winners from the following categories:

  • Staff Videos: videos produced, shot, and edited in-house by your staff
  • Vlogs : series of “video blog” entries about an organization, issue, or event
  • Long-form Videos: any video over 5 minutes
  • Short-form Videos: any video under 5 minutes
  • Overall Winner: best of show

The contest is sponsored by NTEN and See3 Communications, a leading provider of video, web, and online strategy services for nonprofits and social causes.

Learn more and submit your nonprofit videos!

Published on February 11, 2009 by Amy Sample Ward. 4 Comments