There's lots of talk about how nonprofits should be using "Web 2.0" - interactive applications, two-way online communications, user generated content, "social media," etc. - perhaps so much so that it can be bewildering to smaller, grassroots organizations who are just struggling to get the word out locally and are wondering what they need with a World Wide Web. The key for these organizations to remember is to ask how each of these applications relate to their on-the-ground strategy, and how to tie it in with what they are already doing. Using video as an

Putting social media tools to work should be on your "to-do" list for 2009, although you have to take a quick look at what your communications goals are before jumping in. But once your org is using some social media tools, putting your existing volunteer base to work is the best way to build out your social media presence . This is so obvious, but less than 5% of nonprofit You know an idea is big when it bubbles up from various sources at the same time. That's what's been happening today with this one...

Social media is a free-flowing, wide-open phenomenon that needs to be handled and handled well. What social media-ing is ok to do at work, and what's not ok? Leads to a consistent, recognized voice online -- via your Web site, e-news and social media presence(s). So frame its use for your staff, volunteers and base. The clearer you are, the more likely it is that your org will make an impact with these tools  -- whether you're just monitoring conversation about your org via Google Alerts, have a two-pronged approach with Facebook fan and

I had the pleasure of interviewing Dave Evans, author of Social Media Marketing: An Hour a Day, for a social media intensive I taught recently at the Academy for Nonprofit Excellence. a social media maven and well-practiced at breaking down what often seems our ideal guide to social media. Click here to listen now or download for later listening (Right click on a PC or cntrl click on a Mac, and "save file as" to your Desktop) : Dave is

I attended a surprisingly refreshing Web 2.0 Pete Snyder of New Media Strategies, Steve Field of Edelman Public Relations (and The D-Ring blog) and Matt Goddard of R2i Digital Marketing Strategy and Operations were moderated by Stephen Radick of Booz Allen Hamilton. When promoting the business case for social media, go primal...talk seminar this morning. It was put together by PRSA.

Had a great time yesterday teaching a social media immersion class to staff members of 25 nonprofit orgs in the Norfolk, VA region. Yet the group came together as an incredibly productive learning community around social media. During my intensive prep for the class, I had to do a lot of sifting -- through tons of resources, tools and, the greatest challenge, my own perspective and experience with nonprofit use of social The organizations these folks represented are varied in size, experience, issue focus and more. This palette of tools is way too new, and changing

Social Media & Web 2. Does your nonprofit use blogging to advance your mission? Why not? What’s holding you back? Here are a few advantages that blogging can bring to what you do. If you are looking to find and start

Turn to the the We are Media Podcasting Toolbox for ongoing models, guidelines and ideas on podcasting. Nonprofit Communications Social Media Web 2. Audio, like video, is a fantastic way to enliven your content and engage your network. A podcast is audio  content that can be downloaded automatically

Twitter and Facebook and LinkedIn and YouTube are sites that are in the broad category of “social media.” Social media sites are sites that make it really easy for people to connect with other people. And social media sites often have made-up names or names with weird spelling like Plurk or Flickr . I was just on a call with fellow members of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy folks when someone asked, “Does anyone here use Twitter or Facebook ?” It appeared I was the only one.

When you do so – conveying credibility and value in a way that's easy to remember and repeat – you'll build long-lasting relationships with donors, volunteers, members, the media, clients, and more. But it’s more challenging than ever in our Web 2.0 09NTC Social Media Web 2.  As the nonprofit landscape gets increasingly complex, money is tighter than ever and your org is discussed on infinite communications channels, it's more important than ever to brand your organization, programs and campaigns. world, where your network ideally spreads the word to their