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substantive new report out from the Knight Foundation that is worth attention: Connected Citizens: The Power, Peril and Potential of Networks.  The report notes: *It's important to listen to and consult the crowd in our work *We should create environments where connections can naturally form, including between people with different perspectives *It's good practice to support collective action so grassroots efforts can grow So how can nonprofits embrace these practices? 

A website that helps NPA's find and connect with private foundations, in order to raise funds easily and gain other services. A faster way to find new donors and spread your agency's message

Interesting Funding Resource for NPOs.

This article announces the entry of cloud connect toolbars. Google is using Google docs to get access to more information and are offering some organization in return. The expected benefits of adding the toolbar are explained.

If you want to understand what the cloud platform is really about then read this. The connectivity of all computers is going to a new level. This might help you understand the vision.

Only 16% of nonprofits expect to be ready for mobile devices in 2011 so there is tremendous opportunity in 84% of nonprofits. Mobile web use increased 230% from 2008 to 2009 which indicates that many more people are impressed with mobile computing devices and it is here to stay for a while. Websites without mobile connectivity are essentially going to be out-of-date now.

This is supplementary to our first reading assignment which outlines where we are are and where we are going in nonprofit technology

A staring point on setting up an email campaign in concert with a website. It is quickly apparent how many things are connected to and or dependent on a successful website in a successful nonprofit. Email marketing can be done without a website but it is going to have more value in conjunction with the website definitely.

Although this article speaks mainly about protecting yourself on a network I think it applied very well with this class. It offers many good tips and points as to precautions to take to protect yourself. These precautions are important to consider especially if any work at your non-profit or public place of employment can be completed outside of work at at perhaps a local "hot-spot". This leads me to wonder how safe the new cellphone hot-spots are.

This looks to be a really interesting way to get people connected with Nonprofits. Using your Facebook account, you hook up with Jumo to connect to organizations you care about, and maximize your potential in doing work for them. Founded in February 2010 by one of the founders of Facebook itself, Jumo is still a work in progress. It appears to be a really streamlined way to get involved, and would be an excellent way to get volunteers for any organization.

This article suggests what the telecommunications solution should look like. A secure VPN to share files, Instant messaging to cover long distance calling, web conferencing for a more personal long distance interaction if and when needed , VoIP and PBX which might be the most prominent. Keeping the workforce strongly connected over long distances makes people more productive and happier.

I think this best represents the standard platform but there is much more available now ( look to mobile for growth )

Obama talking about the importance of investing in wireless technology in Marquette, MI, up north last Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011. This part of a new White House focus on "innovation, competitiveness and infrastructure as a pathway to jobs and 'winning the future.' The president compared the goal of extending wireless access to important successes that connected previous generations of Americans: the building of railroads and the federal highway system."

I really like the plans he is pushing for. Mobile devices is obviously the current frontier to win. The impact on nonprofit activity will be enormous. Most businesses for that matter now have to consider a mobile device plan in supplement to their initial web design plans.

Interesting, but please help me understand how this connects to nonprofit or government use of technology. Sometimes such announcements do have an impact, but if it isn't evident, please explain the connection with a comment! Thanks!

Wikipedia turns ten years old this month. Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia that is open to anyone with an internet connection to write on any topic that they see fit. IT is more of a starting place for research on things because of its open user format, but those dedicated to Wikipedia usually come in and remove any nonsense that a person, place, or event may accumulate. The founders of Wikipedia could have easily made a fortune, but in turn decided to make Wikipedia a non-profit, charitable business.

Another blog donated specifically to non-profits (mostly small ones), where employees and leaders of these organizations can connect, spread messages, and troubleshoot.

SMinOrgs Founder Courtney Shelton Hunt has created a number of resources that address some of the connections between social media and the management of human capital in organizations. 

The Coachella music festival was broadcasted live through youtube last weekend, representing a momentous change in the collaboration of music and online tools. With few glitches and little advertising, the concert was broadcasted over three days through youtube where people got the chance to pick between the three stages to watch their favorite artists. Free and easy to access is becoming more and more prevalent everyday with online tools. The streaming video was viewed over four million times. Nonprofits that are concentrated on promoting and advocating the arts and music can look at this as an innovative way to connect to an audience.

Uganda, at the insistence of its national police commissioner, has sent its three largest ISPs a memo requesting they begin blocking what they called "Tweeter" (presumably Twitter) and Facebook, in order to "eliminate the connection and sharing of information that incites the public."

Using this new program allows non-profits to connect with their donors better. It also gives donors a personalized URL so that they can track their interactions with the organization and be in communication with the organization.