Difference between revisions of "Online Social Networking"
From NGO Handbook
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But, are social networks actually effective in carrying out these goals? Which network or networks are best used? These are two essential questions being raised by organizations today. This article seeks to help NGOs answer these questions through a compilation of data, articles, and information collected from a variety of NGO resources. | But, are social networks actually effective in carrying out these goals? Which network or networks are best used? These are two essential questions being raised by organizations today. This article seeks to help NGOs answer these questions through a compilation of data, articles, and information collected from a variety of NGO resources. | ||
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==Overview of Social Networking Sites== | ==Overview of Social Networking Sites== | ||
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The following are some more advantages in setting up an online social network: | The following are some more advantages in setting up an online social network: | ||
| − | + | *They are great for target marketing to find volunteers, employees, and supporters from diverse backgrounds and groups. | |
| − | + | *Professional networking sites, such as LinkedIn, allow NGOs to build professional credibility. | |
| − | + | *Social networks help similar NGOs connect and work together. | |
| − | + | *Blogging websites, such as Twitter, can tell people what the day-to-day operations of the NGO are as well as what major events will be taking place. | |
| − | Choosing the Right Network and Getting Started | + | ==Choosing the Right Network and Getting Started== |
It is difficult, but very important, to choose the right social network for an NGO. There is not one network that is necessarily better than another. However, the more popular a network is, the more likely an NGO is going to reach a lot of people. | It is difficult, but very important, to choose the right social network for an NGO. There is not one network that is necessarily better than another. However, the more popular a network is, the more likely an NGO is going to reach a lot of people. | ||
The following is a list of websites that are helpful in deciding which online social network to use: | The following is a list of websites that are helpful in deciding which online social network to use: | ||
| − | + | *Beth's Blog: How Nonprofits Can Use Social Media | |
| − | + | *Mashable: The Social Media Guide | |
| − | + | *10 Ways Twitter Will Change American Business (This article speaks to businesses and corporations but it seems that Twitter can do much of the same things for NGOs as well). | |
| − | + | *Tech Soup: The Technology Place for Nonprofits | |
| − | + | *Nonprofit Organizations and Online Social Networking | |
| − | Conclusion | + | ==Conclusion== |
People, organizations, and governments worldwide are experiencing new innovations of technology almost everyday. The development of this technology can greatly support NGO work, especially through social media and networking websites. Many websites have been created, and many conferences have already taken place, that address what kind of services and advocacy social media can provide for NGOs. Many NGOs and nonprofits have already created an influential niche of organizations interested in how social media and technology can benefit and impact their work. This article provides many resources that will hopefully help expand this small community into something larger. | People, organizations, and governments worldwide are experiencing new innovations of technology almost everyday. The development of this technology can greatly support NGO work, especially through social media and networking websites. Many websites have been created, and many conferences have already taken place, that address what kind of services and advocacy social media can provide for NGOs. Many NGOs and nonprofits have already created an influential niche of organizations interested in how social media and technology can benefit and impact their work. This article provides many resources that will hopefully help expand this small community into something larger. | ||
| − | References | + | ==References== |
| − | http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/8005/online-networks-produce- | + | *http://philanthropy.com/news/updates/8005/online-networks-produce- |
| − | http://www.ngopulse.org/article/ngos-and-social-media-challenges-and-opportunities | + | *http://www.ngopulse.org/article/ngos-and-social-media-challenges-and-opportunities |
| − | http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/archives/page9215.cfm | + | *http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/internet/archives/page9215.cfm |
| − | http://www.coyotecommunications.com/outreach/osn.html | + | *http://www.coyotecommunications.com/outreach/osn.html |
| − | http://www.commonknow.com/html/white-papers/NonprofitSocialNetworkSurveyReport.pdf | + | *http://www.commonknow.com/html/white-papers/NonprofitSocialNetworkSurveyReport.pdf |
| − | http://commonknow.com/html/white-papers/SocialNetworksForNonprofits.pdf | + | *http://commonknow.com/html/white-papers/SocialNetworksForNonprofits.pdf |
| − | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites | + | *http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_social_networking_websites |
| − | http://mashable.com/ | + | *http://mashable.com/ |
| − | http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1901188,00.html | + | *http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/completelist/0,29569,1901188,00.html |
Latest revision as of 17:06, 8 September 2009
Since the early 2000s, online social networking sites have experienced explosive growth, becoming a major phenomenon in the new millennium. Online social networking allows people to connect and share information and ideas with others via the Internet. These online communities were created as a means for members to socialize and are often seen as a fun diversion from work. Recently, however, online social networking has become a popular work tool among NGOs (nonprofits, charities, civil society organizations). These organizations are increasingly embracing social networks in order to, among other things, promote awareness, recruit followers, and raise money.
But, are social networks actually effective in carrying out these goals? Which network or networks are best used? These are two essential questions being raised by organizations today. This article seeks to help NGOs answer these questions through a compilation of data, articles, and information collected from a variety of NGO resources.
To read the rest of the article, please log in using your WANGO membership username and password (using the log in at the top, right-hand corner of the page). Not a WANGO member, but would like full access to the articles in the NGO Handbook? Join WANGO (http://www.wango.org/join.aspx) as an organization or individual member or purchase a year subscription for $30.
