Has social media peaked?

I just got a flyer from the local appliance store touting their latest deals AND encouraging me to follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Now, they are very nice folks and have a great reputation in the community. In fact, I bought a dryer from them 2 years ago and it is probably the first place I will go when my dishwasher dies. But, follow them on Twitter? Friend them on Facebook? To exchange messages on how to get the lint out of my dryer? To get the latest tips on how to keep my freezer frost free?

Continue reading.

Apply now for 2010 Technology Innovation Award
Now in its sixth year, the Technology Innovation Award (TIA) recognizes local nonprofits whose innovative use of technology enables them to more effectively fulfill their missions. Two nonprofits will each receive an NPower Technology Assessment, Microsoft software, and an Apple iPad or a Dell laptop. The deadline for submitting applications is June 11, 2010. To learn more about the Awards and obtain tips on how to write a strong application, nonprofits can take the FREE 30 minute webinar on Tuesday, May 25 at 2:00pm.

Click here to register for the webinar. Questions can be directed to julie@npowergdcr.org or call 202.234.9670. Click here to apply online today!

Is your organization’s technology driving you crazy? Maybe it isn’t the technology! Find better ways to manage your data, time and processes. If you are interested in learning firsthand about how you can create a technology plan that will move your organization forward, then we have the workshop for you. Join NPower’s Director of Technology, TJ Rainsford, to learn how to create a technology plan that supports your organization’s mission, goals and strategies. We will also talk about how to sell your plan to your executive director, board and staff. The Workshop will be held at the Center for Nonprofit Advancement on June 10 from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The Center is located at 1666 K Street, NW, Suite 440, Washington, DC 20006. Registration Fee—$49 for Center members; $89 for all others.

Register Now!

In case you missed it, we co-hosted the NGO Day at Microsoft’s offices recently. More than 150 nonprofits joined us to learn about the financial benefits of cloud computing from Microsoft cloud guru Stan Freck. Here's a picture of Microsoft's Head of US Community Affairs Andrea Taylor, co-host ED of the Nonprofit Roundtable Chuck Bean, and NPower’s Julie Chapman. NPower is working with many local nonprofits to bring them to cloud community. For a copy of our presentation featuring 3 local nonprofits—Volunteers of America Chesapeake, American Israel Political Action Committee and DC Primary Care Association, email sheryl@npowergdcr.org.

If you are looking to get your creative juices flowing, you might want to check out IGNITE! a conference on transforming business with creativity which the Montgomery County Creative Arts Council will be conducting on June 4, 2010 from 12PM – 5PM at the Universities of Shady Grove in Rockville, Maryland. It will be followed by a SchmoozeFest Networking Reception from 5PM – 6:30PM.

This half-day conference kicks off with a keynote address by business visionary, Seth Kahan, author of Getting Change Right: How Leaders Transform Organizations from the Inside Out and author of Fast Company’s expert blog Leading Change (SethFast.com). There are six interactive sessions led by pioneers in the field of creativity and business, including Sam Horn, author of POP; Dr. Win Wenger, author of The Einstein Factor; and Michelle James, CEO of the Center for Creative Emergence and founder of the Capitol Creativity Network. Click here to see the conference website and click here to register.

Compass DC provides pro bono consulting services to nonprofit organizations using teams of volunteers, most of whom have an MBA from a top business school. Consulting projects focus on Board Development, Strategic Alignment, or Funding Strategy assistance. This year, Compass has added a 2-year Strategic Planning option. (Note: Projects begin in the fall of 2010.)

CLIENT ELIGIBILITY
Compass clients must meet the following criteria:
• Have 501(c)3 status
• Have a minimum of three paid staff members and minimum budget of $750,000
• Offer services that specifically benefit the Greater Washington community
• Do not promote a specific religion, or religious or political beliefs

The client application is available at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/clientapp2010-11

DEADLINE
The deadline for client applications is Tuesday, June 15, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit Compass’ website at www.compassdc.org, or contact Compass’ Executive Director, Suzanne Laporte at (202) 459-6291 or slaporte@compassdc.org.