NPower Seattle welcomes Alison Carl White as Executive Director, effective March 10. Alison has a proven history of successfully directing teams in the areas of program expansion and implementation, operational management, and diversifying funding support – all in an effort to address critical community needs.

Alison has served for the past six years as the Executive Director for Seattle Works, a nonprofit that helps people in their 20s and 30s get involved in the community. During her tenure at Seattle Works she led teams of Board members, staff and volunteers who positioned Seattle Works as a thought leader in the areas of volunteerism and generational leadership. She also revamped programs to achieve 20% growth and created a new fee for service program to leverage staff expertise that raised over $300,000 in 5 years.

A graduate of Leadership Tomorrow, Alison currently serves on the board of directors for United Way of King County and City Club.  In 2007, she was appointed by Governor Gregoire to serve on the Washington Commission for National and Community Service and by Secretary of State Sam Reed to serve on his Seattle Advisory Board. She was selected by the Puget Sound Business Journal as a 2005, 40 under 40 award winner.

Alison has the talent, skills and passion to lead NPower through its strategic refocus and into the future. She brings solid nonprofit management experience in program management and fundraising. Alison also understands the contribution that NPower makes. As a client of NPower Seattle while at Seattle Works, Alison appreciated the dedication and support that NPower’s team provided. She understands capacity building and how to describe the role that NPower Seattle plays in advancing our customers’ abilities to meet their missions.

As we welcome Alison, we bid farewell to Gregg Johnson, our interim ED since October. Thank you Gregg for leading us through this transition time and setting the stage for our continued success!

Last week, I linked to a study which questioned if nonprofits are using social networks to their fullest potential. Today, I came across a very informative report which shows actual statistics of how nonprofits and their fans are interacting on social networks, and it provides good advice on how to use that data for yourself. This report would be great for organizations debating which social networks to start using and to figure out how to set them up once you do.

In addition to the Nonprofit Social Media Benchmark Study, you may also be interested in this post which boasts “20 Mind Blowing Social Media Statistics“, which shows information about how many people are using Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn and how much they have grown recently.

While volunteers can be a great resource for maintaining or updating technology at nonprofits, they also can present unique challenges for nonprofit staff. We usually spend some time whenever we are helping a nonprofit set up a volunteer project to make sure that it is set up in a way attractive for modern volunteers, but that is only the beginning of making sure that the relationship works well.

Our colleagues at TechSoup recently updated their great manual for helping nonprofits use volunteers effectively on technology related projects. This is a great resource for anyone considering recruiting tech volunteers.

I wrote up a tip sheet on this theme a while back that may also be helpful for nonprofits considering volunteers for a tech project. The NPower tip sheet is something that I wrote up as I first started coordinating our volunteer program here, and is advice based around what I was seeing from the projects posted to our site.

If  you are looking to recruit a tech volunteer, consider NPower’s Volunteer Matching Service. Open to all members, this program allows nonprofits to post tech projects to our website to be reviewed by our volunteers. We do not have any opportunities currently posted, so your project will have their undivided attention. Here you can learn more about this program and post a project. Feel free to email me at volunteer@npowerseattle.org if you would like to talk about the program.

Happy New Year!  Hope that 2010 is off to a good start for everybody.

Before all the decorations are packed away and the last of the eggnog has been drunk, here are December’s most viewed posts from the NPowering: Nonprofit Technology blog:

• The Hierarchical Nature of Data: Discussion on how to take advantage of data hierarchy when using accounts and campaigns in Salesforce.
• Snow Day: Here are Suggestions for readying yourself for a work from home day due to inclement weather.
• Choosing a Future of Rejuvenation: Takeaways from Paul Light’s presentation at October’s Nonprofit Governance Conference in Tacoma.
• The Path to End of Year Fundraising Success: Resources and advice for improving the message and strategy of your end-of-year appeal.
• Windows 7 Evaluation & Upgrade Resources: Online nonprofit resources for evaluating and planning a Windows 7 upgrade for your organization, including guides from TechSoup, TechFlash, and Lifehacker.

P.S. Remember to check us out on Facebook.

I came across a poem over the holidays that made me chuckle and also caused me to appreciate the idea of “average”:

New Year’s Day

Everything is blossoming

I’m feeling about average

If you like me are heading back to the office today after some holiday time, you might have some high expectations of yourself and your technology infrastructure — you’ll get all caught up, you’ll launch new projects for ‘10, AND your email and internet access and your network and your computer and your database and your website content management system will all cooperate in making you a lean mean nonprofit production machine. Is that average or is that a tyrannical set of expectations and a recipe for over the top stress?

I’m going to go with feeling about average. One step at a time. Which means that I start with gratitude for the technology that enables me to create this post from my kitchen as I wait for my daughter to get ready for school. From here, the rest is gravy.

When was the last time you wished someone an average day? Join me in trying it out for yourself, and let me know how it goes. (And if that technology infrastructure is not cooperating with your plans, be sure to give us a call!)

P.S. Seems I’m in good company with setting a focus for the year. Kivi Leroux Miller at Nonprofit Marketing Guide suggests picking three words to guide you for 2010, following the example set by Chris Brogan. Kivi’s 3 words are Enough, Ease and Leap. See what they mean to her. Chris’ 3 words are Ecosystems, Owners and Kings. See what they mean to him.

Oh the weather outside is frightful,
But the fire is so delightful,
And since we’ve no place to go,
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

If there was still any room for denial that winter is upon us, the recent cold spell has certainly caught our attention.  In our house, that has resurfaced fond memories of last year’s snow and the prospect of more snow days.  Unfortunately, the grown up realities of work take away much of the associated magic.  In fact, a snow day can actually turn out to be a stressful affair when there is work to be done back at the office and you cannot get there to do it.

So what can be done to help prepare for this possibility?  Borrowing from the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, an “ounce of preparation can prevent a pound of frustration.”  Below are some suggestions for readying yourself for a work from home day:

• Get Ready: Before you actually need it, make sure that you are setup for remote access to your work’s network and have the instructions for how to do so.  If you are unsure about either, check with the IT manager, network administrator, or whoever wears that proverbial hat within your organization.
• Trial Run: Once you are setup and know the process for connecting remotely, give it a try … preferably before you actually need it.  This will allow you to work out the kinks, especially if there is any assistance or support you need to get it working.
• Be Prepared: Now that you have successfully connected to your office remotely, make sure that your essential work is accessible, including email, documents, and databases.  Also, make sure that you have access to any applications required for working with your data.  If you have a laptop, make sure that you have all the accessories available, in particular a power adapter and/or extra batteries.
• Know the Policy: Before the snow arrives, make sure that you know your organization’s inclement weather policy.  How will an office closure be communicated?  What is the expectation for working if the office is closed?  What if the weather is fine at your house, but not at the office (or vice versa)?  Are there any exceptions or restrictions to the policy?
• Communicate: If your office is closed due to weather, do not necessarily assume that your customers or partners will be closed also.  So start the day by confirming or rescheduling any meetings or appointments on your calendar.  To make this easier, make sure that your contact list is readily available.  Keep in mind that everybody might not have access to email, so you might want to make a phone call instead.
• Have Fun: Despite your best effort to be productive, sometimes it’s just not in the cards.  No power at home?  Unable to connect to the office?  About to go stir crazy?  Put the keyboard down, grab your kids, spouse, partner, neighbor, and/or dog, and reacquaint yourself with the fun and promise that a snow day once held.

In which case, get out the sled, build a snowman, or enjoy a cup of cocoa in front of the fire … and let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!

In the spirit of Thanksgiving leftovers, it’s time for the monthly review of the top posts from the NPowering: Nonprofit Technology blog (based on page views):

• Choosing a Future of Rejuvenation: Takeaways from Paul Light’s presentation at October’s Nonprofit Governance Conference in Tacoma.
• The Path to End of Year Fundraising Success: Resources and advice for improving the message and strategy of your end-of-year appeal.
• Windows 7: Discussion on evaluating and planning for the upgrade to the latest version of Microsoft’s flagship operating system.
• 7 Ways to Change the World Video Contest: Announcement of Microsoft’s Windows 7 video contest.  The contest has ended, but you can read more about the winners in this updated blog post.
• Windows 7 Evaluation & Upgrade Resources: Online nonprofit resources for evaluating and planning a Windows 7 upgrade for your organization.  Includes guides from TechSoup, TechFlash, and Lifehacker.

Happy Holidays!

Your help matters

We kicked off our end-of-year appeal today and we’re getting the word out about the opportunity to donate to NPower Seattle as you plan your year-end giving for 2009. If you’d like to play a role in supporting nonprofits, giving to NPower Seattle is a great way to leverage your donation to reach the 400+ nonprofits we serve every year. Please consider renewing or initiating your support for NPower Seattle. You can donate online or mail a check to us at NPower Seattle, 403 23rd Ave S, Seattle WA 98144.

For some examples of why your help matters, take a look at our “Who Changes the World?” video and peruse our library of Tech Impact profiles.

Why does technology matter even more now?

According to the 2009 Nonprofit Sector Economic Impact Report recently released by the Executive Alliance, more than 47 percent of Washington nonprofits reported that resources have decreased relative to the demand for their services or programs. Now more than ever nonprofits are seeking paths to more efficient and effective operations, and technology plays a key role in reaching that goal. Thanks to your support of NPower Seattle, Washington state’s nonprofits will be better equipped to respond to challenges and take advantage of new opportunities in 2010.

If you have any questions, or would like to schedule a time to see our work in action, please do not hesitate to contact Peg Giffels, Interim Director of Development, at 206-957-7726 or pegg@npowerseattle.org.

Thank you!

The top seven have been announced in the Windows 7 Ways to Change the World contest.  Congratulations to the winning agencies, including two with local connections:  Mid Puget Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group and Boys & Girls Clubs of South Puget Sound, Bremerton Branch.  To read more about these organizations and view their videos, check out Microsoft’s Unlimited Potential blog.

P.S. You can also find NPower Seattle’s entry, Who Changes the World?, posted on the NPower Seattle Media Network.

I had the good fortune to hear Paul Light speak at the Nonprofit Governance Conference in Tacoma at the end of October. (Thanks to the event organizers at The Nonprofit Center for the opportunity!)  Light is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institute, an author, and longtime cheerleader/critic/advisor of the nonprofit sector. He proposes choosing a future of Rejuvenation for the nonprofit sector, and he issued a challenge to each one of us to do things differently to claim that future. Here’s my rendition of Paul Light’s take on Rejuvenation and how technology fits in.

4 Possible Futures for the Nonprofit Sector

In Paul Light’s view, there are 4 potential outcomes of the current economic downturn:

1) Miraculous rescue (still waiting?)

2) Whither (organizations take a series of steps designed to keep going — cut programs, shed employees, reduce pay and benefits — resulting in a gradual erosion of morale and effectiveness)

3) Winnowing (15% of small businesses have gone under during this Depression. If the nonprofit sector mirrors that, it means the loss of 100,000 nonprofit organizations through mergers, dissolution or mothballing.)

4) Rejuvenation (we take action to get engaged, be more effective, find a voice as a sector, take the opportunity to clarify value proposition, and other proactive steps)

4 Things to do to claim a future of Rejuvenation

If you, like Paul Light and the rest of the nonprofit leaders in the room on 10/30, choose Rejuvenation over the alternatives, Light suggested 4 things to do next week to position your organization for a robust return:

1) Scrub down your organization in a meaningful, deliberate fashion. Look at programs and positions that have been added over time and reexamine the need for them. This is not withering — show courage, be deliberate, emphasize productivity over efficiency. Cut to produce more versus to cost less. Identify metrics, hold yourselves accountable, be diligent.

2) Talk about brand identification. Be clear about your theory of change and your value proposition. Look with a fresh eye at whether  it’s reflected in what you say to the world about what you do. What does your Web site say — does it reflect the theory of change? Measure results to make the case about your success. Only 11% of donors surveyed in March 2008 believed that nonprofits spend money effectively. Let’s make it clear what we’re up to.

TECHNOLOGY NOTE: Web sites are critical for brand identification and to fundraising. And databases and other technology tools are critical for measurement and tracking of results.

3) Make sure your organization has the resources to succeed. Shake the poverty mentality! Make investments for the long term, rather than spending from savings simply to close a revenue gap. Work together — where is our voice at the state capitol?

TECHNOLOGY NOTE: Nonprofits need and deserve gear that works. For one thing, “Generation Nexters” or Millenials insist on it. If we want to attract young talented people to the sector, and retain them, we must provide the technology tools for them to function effectively.

4) Develop pride. Reinforce your mission statement every time you meet internally or externally. Say it out loud: “We’re out there to make a daily impact.” Teach Board members to show thanks to staff and respect for the mission and accomplishments of the organization at every meeting. Create esprit de corps through conversation about why you’re there, why the work matters to you. Talk about faith in the possible, pride in the organization. Say it out loud: “I’m nonprofit and proud of it.”

Try it right now: “I’m nonprofit and proud of it.” Louder, I can’t hear you…