Community Building
The growth of the Internet has made community building a popular activity in the nonprofit sector. Because of this new technology, nonprofits are taking a renewed look at community building as a tool for advancing their mission.
Through discussion lists
and message boards, the Internet provides a tremendous opportunity
for building alliances among groups and individuals who are socially
and geographically separated. Creating a virtual community of people
to rally around an issue can be powerful, particularly when it consists
of people who may not otherwise interact. An online community can
also support fundraising efforts and help publicize your organization's
activities to the public.
Technology makes
virtual community building fairly inexpensive. It also makes experimentation
possible with very low risk. When appropriately resourced, online
communities can flourish and enhance your organization's activities.
Tools
& Resources:
Use
these how-to articles and tip sheets to help your nonprofit build
an online community.
Building Online
Communities, Transforming Assumptions into Success
Before you start planning your own virtual community, read this
article by community builder Victoria Bernal to learn about what
an online community can and can't do for your organization.
See also Victoria's list of additional
community building resources Resources
for Facilitators and Moderators of Online Discussion
An
annotated list of articles and other materials to help you set up,
maintain, and have a successful experience with online dialogue.
Return on Investment:
Can Your Community Pay the Bills?
This online discussion hosted by Web Crossing, Inc. will feature
online community experts sharing how to make the most of an online
community and how to build online relationships and stimulate discussion.
The event will take place July 19-27, 2001.
Dot
Org
Recently launched by nonprofit technology consultants Marc Osten
and Michael Stein, Dot Org is an e-publishing initiative that will
focus on providing guidance to nonprofits on how to make the most
of the Internet. Their most recent issue deals with creating successful
online events.
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Features to Consider When Choosing Forum Software
See
this article from the Online Community Report to learn which features
(such as file sharing capabilities or e-mail notification) you might
want from your community forum software or service.
Remotely
Hosted Applications: Bulletin Boards
Interesting in creating an online community on your site? Check out
this list of free message boards and forums.
Profiles:
For inspiration, read these stories and lessons learned by other nonprofits that have built online communities.
Words of Wisdom for Creating Online Communities
Three organizations, all recognized for their Web savvy by Web Business 50, share the success stories behind their online communities, including the American Cancer Society, O'Reilly & Associates and K2.
Online
Discussions: Benton's Lessons Learned
As part of our commitment to practice what we preach -- in this case our belief in the value of sharing lessons learned from direct experience -- we share with you our experience hosting online discussions for Helping.org.
Building a Virtual
Support System: The Evolution of QuitNet
See how this smoking cessation organization uses its Web site to
support a community of quitting smokers in their quest to stay smoke-free.
What to Watch:
These articles discuss the latest trends in community building.
Storytelling on Radio Builds Community, On-Air and Off
Both public radio and the Internet offer the opportunity for users and listeners to experience a diversity of voices. Transom.org's Jay Allison talks about how public radio and the Internet have the opportunity to help citizens tell their stories in their own voices and in doing so build community in their area.
Online Community Report
A twice-monthly email report on current events and trends in online community building. The report includes information on jobs, events, software, and legal issues related to online communities.
Community Building Offline
In order to build stronger communities and
engage citizens in problem-solving and civic life, journalists are
reexamining their roles in the community and rethinking traditional
newsgathering and reporting methods. Several national models have
emerged that provide tools and resources for journalists and organizations
interested in rebuilding communities, including the Pew
Center for Civic Journalism and the Benton Foundation's Sound
Partners for Community Health.
Last updated: 16 October 2001 mff
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