Yet another great NTEN project is happening, spearheaded by Beth Kanter, to develop a Social Media toolkit for Nonprofits. It’s called “WeAreMedia.” I have been really slow on the uptake with this project (it started while I was on vacation, and I never caught up after I got back,) but I hope that I will be able to keep up, and participate more fully in it as it evolves and grows. The first set of modules, on the “Strategic Track” are already done. The next set of modules, that are more tool based (with case studies) are next to be developed. The project took a short break to catch its collective breath, and Beth has some thoughts and ideas that came out of that conference call.
I’m excited about this project – it’s gathering the knowledge and expertise of a great group of folks, and it will provide a free source of information and case studies so that nonprofits can best figure out how to step into the frothy waters of social networks.
A note: Most people will notice that I have pretty much lost my curmudgeonly approach to social media. A year ago, I was bear-ish on Facebook, and said I wouldn’t Twitter. Now, I tell my clients that they really have to think about a Facebook strategy, and that nonprofit staff can gain a lot from networks like Twitter. I’m up to 1,700+ updates on Twitter, and keeping up with my lifestream on FriendFeed is about as difficult as knowing where I’m moving to next.
No, I didn’t go soft in the head (well, some people might think so.) What has happened is basically a sea change in the landscape. Not only are Gen Y and Millenials engaged in these social networks, but a wider and broader range of people are. It’s fairly clear to me that going forward, increasingly, social networks are a major way people are interacting on the web – and nonprofits need to understand how to engage their constituents given those changing realities.
Of course, I’ve been a wiki fan since the very beginning, and I haven’t lost the desire for true data portability, and open source alternatives to the current social networks. however, as you all know so well, I’m a realist.
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It’s healthy to be a skeptic when new technologies appear on the landscape or else you end up with shiny object syndrome.
BTW, do you know of or have an example from your clients where they have thoughtfully considered a facebook strategy or using these tools and it really wasn’t the right fit? The first module is a “don’t drink the koolaid” module – another words – how to identify when social media isn’t right for your organization.
I’d love your thoughts on this – particularly looking at the questions that folks suggested
http://www.wearemedia.org/module+1+worksheet+1
Actually, I do – I have a client whose activities and donor base suggest that they have a lot of other work to do before they delve into social networks. I think I can write something up.
Great michele ..
And, if you’re up for it any quick advice, have any for MHAUS?
This is sort of what I meant by the living curriculum – the fact that people could come and find others with expertise
http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2008/08/wearemedia-what.html