NNP chapters 1 & 2

The first chapter in NNP describes that networked nonprofits are easy for outsiders to get in and insiders to get out… this made me think of the Susan G Coleman breast cancer foundation. If you want to help or donate or have an event (because they are everywhere) it seems fairly simple. But the more I read, networked nonprofits are completely different. They aren’t worried about losing control of a piece or program because people still here the message and get involved and want to help. Safe Harbor could widely benefit with the social media trend, the book describes them as a new way of life, not a trend or fad. That is why I think the REP project is so important. People are turning to the internet now more than ever, and if Safe Harbor doesn’t have an easy to navigate site for someone young, they may give up. That being said, there also needs to be a face-to-face connection there for both kids looking for answers to adults looking for solutions.   http://measuredoutcomes.net/blog/best_practices-resources/top-7-reasons-why-nonprofits-fail-and-how-to-avoid-them-2/   is a great website about understanding what is needed to keep a nonprofit afloat, but it lacks one important thing. Social media! Yes it mentions a website, but nothing about Facebook or Twitter.

I also found it interesting that my age group is called Millennials, which are people born between 1978 and 1992 and we could be the demise of nonprofits. For reasons of social media being so accessible they will jump from organization to organization as they see fit. I completely understand, I worked with the Red Shoe Society for two reasons, one, because I know friends and family the RMH has helped, and two because of the networking capabilities (I know, I am horrible but if you met my boss at the time you would understand). Once the purpose was served I went on to Paws for a Cause because I have rescues and the fact that I worked with Petsmart. It is an example of how my generation will move from organization to organization depending on their passions for specific causes. I guess you could also call our class free agents when it comes to Safe Harbor, I think that once the tasks are complete, and there will not be too many people who continue to help with fundraiser or organize events once the class is complete. I love the fact that Safe Harbor has embraced the fact that we are here to help for a short period of time, which also goes to show that they are learning to adapt to the Millennial generation.

Chapter 9 and 10

Chapter 9 focuses on selecting an appropriate spokesperson, either a celebrity or someone within. Though with celebrities, with one slip you could have a major fiasco on your hands. Take Tiger Woods for example. As soon as details about his “sexcapades” came into the public eye, all of his endorsements dropped like a ton of bricks! And what about Michael Phelps, his marijuana accusation made Kellogg yank the cereal promotions off the shelves.    There is also trouble with having the CEO of your nonprofit being the elected spokesperson, but as long as you cover all your bases, it should be much easier to handle than a Michael Vick eruption. The chapter then delves into on and off the record, and to sum up what it means: never speak off the record unless you want your words to magically appear in print. I found a funny and interesting blog that talks about the issue: http://blog.braudcommunications.com/?p=43 Also, looking good in front of the media is always a plus, and that includes getting your message across. It may sounds obvious, but repeating your message, sticking to a guideline of what to say, speaking in complete sentences, be genuine and memorable, and remembering to say your organizations full name all play a huge part in successful media coverage. Also, know who you are up against, if you are invited to speak in front of the public, just expect that an opponent will be present. Putting a face to the problem always helps raise awareness to the issue… and example I have used before is the Humane Society commercials:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1Xh-tZrzwk whether you are a dog lover or not, these commercials put a face to a larger problem. (And if this doesn’t pull on your heartstrings there is something deeply wrong with you). Safe Harbor does an excellent job of inspirational true stories from victims of domestic violence, and their success.

Chapter 10 talks about partnerships, working with other companies and nonprofits to boost your organizations message and work. The section on Media Working Group gave me an aha moment when it talked about serving food and making meetings worthwhile. Every campus event I have seen via email has always had the promise of pizza or some sort of refreshments offered before or shortly after a presentation. I guess it works! Getting a little off topic, but a strong point the chapter made was to keep the communications strong. Hold communication meeting with everyone in your organization, from the intern to the CEO.  If everyone understands the communication plan, there is less likely to be a problem when combining forces.