Creating a Networked Nonprofit
Allison Fine, author and social media pro, encouraged about 200 representatives of more than 150 local non-profit organizations to bravely wade into social media waters because of the opportunity the tools provide to connect with the community and raise awareness of important issues.
Ms. Fine’s appearances at a community luncheon and breakfast, held on September 5 and 6 at the Rachel D. Murrah Civic Center in Winter Park, were sponsored by the Winter Park Health Foundation (WPHF).
The WPHF invited Ms. Fine to speak to its Board of Trustees because it was interested in exploring how tools like Facebook and Twitter could be used to raise awareness and connect with the community on important issues affecting the health and well-being of local residents. It also wanted to share the information with colleagues, grantees and other community leaders.
Ms. Fine, the author of the books “The Networked Nonprofit: Connecting with Social Media to Drive Change,” and “Momentum: Igniting Social Change in the Connected Age,” made it clear that while some may view tools like Twitter, Facebook as a passing fad that can be ignored, social media tools are here to stay and have proven worth.
She also pointed out:
–It is important to understand a tool such as a Facebook page, and think about why you are using it, before rushing to set one up,
–Social media tools enable organizations to let down their walls and create a two-way conversation with those outside the organization,
–It’s important to listen and respond, rather than just sending out information, when using social media tools,
–Social media tools are not difficult to use, but they require regular practice to get comfortable with them,
–It is easier for organizations to start small, using one tool, so they don’t feel overwhelmed, and
–There is no need to fear experimenting, “Pushing a button online won’t blow up a missile in Moscow,” she said.
Click on this link, to view her Powerpoint presentation:
If you want to read more about Allison, you can purchase her books,”The Networked Nonprofit: Connecting with Social Media to Drive Change,” and “Momentum: Igniting Social Change in the Connected Age,” on Amazon.com. You can read her blog at www.allisonfine.com/ and, if you are really daring, you can follow her on Twitter at @afine
