Updated tracks and sessions:
Keynote
Possible session topic: Big picture about what's happening with technology in the nonprofit sector (and beyond). Use either one presenter who can incorporate the puzzle metaphor well or have 3 presenters - one to touch on each of the tracks below.
Track I: Tools. Designed for people who want to learn how to implement basic technology strategies in their nonprofit organizations. These sessions help nonprofits build a strong foundation of technology resources and planning tools.
Relating to theme: the pieces of the puzzle. What tools are available for nonprofits to use. Would be good to have resource handouts for tools participants can add to their bag of tricks.
Possible session topics: Caring for computers, software, open source, techsoup, resources (where to look for hardware, software, volunteers), assistive technology for public computers.
* Hosting options and what to look for in a provider
* How do you find, evaluate, select software?
* Google Apps
Potential presenters:
Sean Watson -
Track II: Uses/Application. Designed for people who want to learn how to use the Internet to attract supporters. These sessions help nonprofits develop online advocacy, fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and current awareness skills.
Relating to theme: finding the right pieces and putting them in place. Help participants understand that they need to know what their goals are first and then find the appropriate technology to meet those goals.
Possible session topics: Mobile applications, promoting your organization, Facebook, change.org, media stuff, Online fundraising.
*How do I use the web to market my organization?
*Importance of social media, is it right for my org?
* E-commerce - how to and options
Potential presenters:
Wayne Sutton - social media/networking
Track III: On the Horizon. Designed for people who want to learn the latest innovations in nonprofit technology. These sessions introduce cutting-edge uses of technology that nonprofits can use to share their missions.
Relating to theme: the edges of the puzzle or the big picture. Engage participants in looking beyond current needs.
Possible session topics: How do you keep up with what's going on?, Google Wave, Semantic Web, APIs, Openid, Cafe Press, Creative Commons, Publishing options (Lulu), Google Public DNS, panel comparing Content Management Systems, panel comparing Saleforce, CiviCRM and others.
*What resources do you use to keep informed?
* Volunteers and nonprofit needs
* Achieving goals within legal boundaries: who's responsible for content posted to your website/social networks, PCI compliance, etc.
* Distributing technology for social change
Potential presenters:
Paul Jones, founder of ibiblio
Mentioned presenters/facilitators -- where do they fit?
Janet Babin
Trish Perkins
Ruby Sinreich
For more details, see http://nccommunities.org/meeting-topics
Dealing with Governance: Technology in Context ... or else!
By Mark W4CHLHow many others in this area who work to enable appropriate IT for non-profits have dealt with this and consider it a huge issue:
OR put another way
Just one example: We just got reminded of this fact when the staff at a local non-profit made what seemed to those providing IT Services a complete about face in direction for IT Services. Staff suddenly insisted that the money allocated for web services and maintenance of onsite workstations and networks instead be directed toward support of their personal laptops and software solutions for their own laptops almost exclusively.
In the midst of multi-year planning for deploy of a CMS and workstation upgrades each has been provided by the non-profit, abandon all web based common tools that aren't free and upgrade Office and other Micro$oft software. Much of this driven by recent arrangements with TechSoup to get Micro$oft desktop software for pennies on the dollar compared to retail prices! Another driver: complete lack of trust for information posted to services like Google Apps for Non-Profits and Amazon Web Services.
Worth a part of a panel discussion on coping with such situations?
Thanks for the comments, all, Mark
Perhaps a panel on software options
By hallmanThis might tie in with Nancy's post on the Group page about Idealware's "Field Guide to Software for Nonprofits: Fundraising, Communications and Outreach" -- see http://nccommunities.org/node/203. Perhaps we can get someone from Idealware to come and participate. And perhaps panelists to represent Open Source, cloud computing, and represent Microsoft.