Published by Kerry on 29 Sep 2009
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Help send WiserEarth to Atlanta, Georgia next spring! We’ve entered four panels for the Nonprofit Technology Conference 2010. Please vote for your favorite idea! › Continue reading… |
Published by Camilla on 28 Sep 2009
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“Reveillez l’entrepreneur social qui est en vous’ (see above for my translation of this French title) was the name given to this inspiring one day event for social entrepreneurs which I attended yesterday at la Ruche in Paris. A one day workshop where inventors of sustainable solutions to socially responsible start-ups came together to exchange ideas, connect and re-energize. › Continue reading… |
Published by Angus on 24 Sep 2009
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The WiserEarth blog has been running for six months and we thought it was time to find out what you think. So we’ve got a simple poll for you. Let us know what you would like to see more of in the future. And whatever other feedback you want to leave, positive or negative, just make a comment. Thank You. Angus, Bowo, Camilla, and Peggy › Continue reading… |
Published by Angus on 23 Sep 2009
Issue #3 of our community newsletter focuses on collaborations which are moving WiserEarth closer to its goal of global accessibility: the launch of a novel Parisian community event; translation of WiserEarth into new languages; and the debut of a new search experience to make finding people, groups and events that much easier.
Parlez-vous le français?: [...]
Published by Angus on 22 Sep 2009
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Let’s face it, it’s easy for a nonprofit to get seduced by the latest web technology and distracted from their actual mission. This is even more the case with open source tools like Joomla!, Drupal, and Plone that promise free social websites at the touch of a button. What many people don’t realize is the cost of customizing some of these so-called free tools often runs around $40,000 in consultant fees and staff time. On top of that you are saddled with ongoing maintenance and hosting costs. Running your own souped-up website appeals to many because it implies control and ownership. But does this really help you in today’s social web? Here is a checklist to review before you take the plunge. › Continue reading… |
Published by Angus on 21 Sep 2009
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The folks over at The Monitor Institute have been working with The Packard Foundation to explore this question. Their conclusion? Don’t worry so much about the social media tools and instead realize that you are building a social network. To do that you need a ‘networked mindset’ characterized by ‘openness, transparency, decentralized decision-making, and distributed action’. We encourage you to read the full paper ‘Working Wikily 2.0′ but here is a summary of the more important points for people working in the social sector. › Continue reading… |
Published by Angus on 15 Sep 2009
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We are always on the look-out for good advice on how to build stronger online communities. Recently, we read ‘18 Rules of Community Engagement’ by Angela Connor. In less than 90 pages she shares plenty of hard won tips and advice. Angela is the Managing Editor of User Generated Content at WRAL.com. In the 18 months after launching their online community, GOLO, she grew it to over 11,000 members. It’s well worth the short read, especially if you manage a community – online or offline. › Continue reading… |
Published by Angus on 14 Sep 2009
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Clay Shirky says the world has moved on from the old model where non-profit called you a member, you gave them money, and they gave you a newsletter. This was a one way communication approach, with the organization at the center like a star, broadcasting light to its members. Now smart nonprofits are moving to convene small groups of members interested in specific issues thereby fostering lateral links that function independent of their organization. › Continue reading… |
