Check This Out!

If you haven't used blogger lately, then you haven't used blogger! If you've been reading this blog over the weekend, you will have noticed that it's been a couple of different colors, it's been a couple of different styles - and now there are new labels added, to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for!

Blogger has gone Beta!

So far, I LOVE it! It's easy to use, it works great and, after going back in and adding labels to my posts, (I'm glad I only had 40 and not 400), I can say that I'm even more of a fan!

For the time being, I'm sticking with this one - these colors and this format. Let me know what you think. And if you don't already have a blogger account, get one!

Did you ever play a game called "telephone" when you were little?

Do you remember that game? It was usually played at parties when I was growing up. Everybody would sit or stand in a circle, and one person would whisper a "secret message" in the person's ear who was standing next to them...and that person would whisper to the next person, and so on and so on...

Today we have a new version of the game - it's called social networking. Places like "myspace", You Tube, even the badly maligned "friendster."

But it works on the same concept - I tell you something, you tell someone else who tells someone else, and so on and so on.

Does it work? I'm going to try an experiment to find out. Here's how: I've created a very unscientific poll on the Activist Guide Website. (You can find it here: http://www.activistguide.com/sept11.html ).

I ask the question - Did 9/11 have an effect on your life in terms of you wanting to make your mark or make a difference? Do you volunteer more now?

So, I'm inviting you to play the new version of telephone with me...go take the poll, and then tell just one person about it.

Pass it on...

Progress - the blogs are listed

Well, that was fast - which proves these methods work, I guess! The blogs - even the wordpress one that I quit posting on a month or so ago - have both been indexed in the search engines.

Not the Website yet, and neither blog has a google pagerank. Plus, I haven't optimized for my keywords. But - still, not bad for 24 hours.

So - why is it important that you get started blogging and working on a content Website for your nonprofit organization?

Because you want people - and not just any people - you want the RIGHT people to find your site and take action.

It all goes back to strategy. (Or at least, the chapter in the book on "Harnessing the Power of the Internet" goes back to strategy). What are the top 3 reasons you want to drive "targeted" traffic to your Website?
For example, you might want to:

• Inform your local community about your issues
• Recruit volunteers for an upcoming event
• Publicize your program, or attract donors

The thing is, you start there. Figuring out what you want to do, and why.

Then, every word you write needs to accomplish one of those three purposes.

And your next step is to begin optimizing your keywords - based on your strategy. That way, once people start doing a search for your keywords - they find you.

Pretty simple, right?

Well, guess what? There's a catch. If you do it wrong, one of two things could happen.

1. Nothing. Nobody notices, nobody comes, nobody does anything.
2. You could get banned from the search engines. It's called "black hat" SEO (remember SEO stands for "Search Engine Optimization"), and it's not only wrong, it's stupid. Why go to all that work, and take chances on getting your Website banned, when you can use "white hat" SEO, and go after the "long tail" searchers.

Well, more about that later. I'm going to go and start doing my keyword searching. And this afternoon, I've got to write my first press release. Wanna watch?

So, where do you start getting traffic to your Website?

Okay, basically, there are some pretty simple things you can do. First of course, is getting links to your site. So, for example, if my blog was ranked or getting traffic, I'd put a link to the Website - http://www.activistguide.com

Or, vice versa - put a link to the blog from the Website. Unluckily, neither of them are known.

So, what I started doing instead is posting on some sites that are ranked. For example, I have a blog (okay, tonight was my first post) on "My Space". I added a link from there to here and to the Website.

Why "My Space"? If you remember from a post I did a while back, social bookmarking sites - myspace, U Tube and the like, are the places where people go to hang out, talk about their lives, their loves and (on U Tube right now) Lonelygirl 15...

So...if you've got an event, get somebody to tape it - and post the "movie" on U Tube. Create your own blog on My Space. Start getting the word out about your program, and your organization.

How To Get Your Blog or Website Listed on the Search Engines

Okay folks. In my book, "The Activist's Guide to Changing the World - for VISTA Volunteers" there's a chapter on "Harnessing the Power of the Internet". I give you some basic information about using blogs, RSS feeds and "white hat" SEO tools, to help you publicize your Websites, gain exposure for your programs and get the word out about what you're doing.

I've had some great teachers. And I've learned a lot. (I hope.) Why? Because it's time to put my money where my mouth is.

I'm in what is called the "prelaunch" stage of promoting the Website, and my book. Neither the blog or the Website are ranked yet, and they're not bringing any traffic.

So, I'm going to use the tactics I teach you in the book (and in some cases the book bonuses, written by experts in their fields), to see if I can get listed in the search engines and also, get the information out to the people I'm trying to reach - namely YOU.

And, I'm going to tell you what I'm doing and how I'm doing it. And together, we'll see if it works!

So if you want to get publicity for your program, your projects or your organization - stay tuned!

Ooops! My mistake!

I just wanted to say "Thanks" to beggs909, for letting me know that it actually WASN'T a power point presentation that was used to create the movie you can see here...it was microsoft movie maker, and if you don't have it, you can download it by clicking on this link:

So now you don't have an excuse not to get out there and create something wonderful about your project - and when you've got it done, upload it onto "You Tube" and then make sure you post about it here, so we can all check it out!

Update - Link Fixed for VISTA Recruiting Webinar

Hi all,

This seems to be the day for updates. A few days ago I posted about a training video that you could view to get some ideas not only for using video but also for webinars, and training ;-0 - but it turned out the link didn't work.

So I contacted Drew Carberry, and he sent me a new link with instructions:

First, click here for the link, and then read below for instructions:

Step 1: On the left side of your screen, click on the “play recording” button
Step 2: Enter Name and Email if prompted
Step 3: Enter Password: vista2
Step 4: Click the “play" button/arrow on the top left-hand side of the new window that opens up.

For this recorded session, you will get audio and visual content at the same time, so please do not use the 800 number referenced on the recordin.

Note from me: by the way, you may have to download a plug-in in order to view the Webinar! Good luck and let me know what you think!

Update - Conference Date Changed!

Resources Now! National Institute
NOTICE- Dates changed to October 10-12, 2006!

You are invited to attend the Resources Now! National Institute in
Providence, Rhode Island from October 10 to 12, 2006 to learn skills and
strategies for advancing national and community service initiatives.

During the three day training, each participant selects 4 out of 16
comprehensive workshops and coaching sessions related to: Individual
Giving, Corporate Giving/Partnership, Uncovering the Resources in Your
Community and Asking Clinics. Every participant walks away with
practical materials from all workshops.

For more information, call Campaign Consultation, Inc. toll free
1.877.243.2253 x37, email Cook@CampaignConsultation.com or register
online at http://www.regonline.com/99765.

Registration deadline is now September 15, 2006

Sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS),
the Resources Now! National Institute is designed, developed, and
facilitated by Campaign Consultation, Inc. - the training and technical
assistance provider for CNCS and its Resource & Fund Development
Initiative.


Laura Cook
Project Coordinator
Campaign Consultation, Inc.
2819 Saint Paul Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21218 USA
T. 410.243.7979 X37
Toll Free 877.243.2253
Cook@CampaignConsultation.com

How to Write a Letter to the Editor

In my chapter on grant writing, I ask you to imagine the man who is reading all of the grants submitted to his foundation. I always imagine him sitting in a tiny, windowless room, where the only light is coming from an uncovered bulb dangling on bare wires from the ceiling. There are piles of grants on his small desk, tilting dangerously into each other, that threaten, with the slightest breeze or brush against them, to tumble to the floor - where are are more stacks of grants piled on top of each other. The garbage can is too full and it's tipped over from the weight of all the discarded grants, and...well, you get the idea.

Now I want you to imagine that you're the editor for a major newspaper...you're sitting in a tiny windowless room...

Okay. So how do you decide which letters (out of all the hundreds of letters you receive - and have to read each and every day) you're going to publish?

Actually, the answer is pretty simple, according to an editor friend of mine who left a big city paper and moved to a small town to run a newspaper there. According to Ken, you choose the ones that are short, to the point and "punchy" and that are the first to discuss the issue.

So if you want to write a letter to the editor, what are the 7 Best "Insider's Tips" you should know?

1. Write and send your letter the same day - or don't bother.
When you're reading an article that grabs your attention, try and write your reponse right then, while you're still sputtering into your coffee. Keep your letter about two paragraphs long. Don't wait and try editing or re-editing your letter - because the odds are, once you've cooled down, your "inner editor" will talk you out of sending the letter, or edit it to death. If you're in the same town as the paper, why not hand-deliver it, or have someone else do it for you? (By the way, check with the paper to see what their rules are for faxing or emailing - some editors actually prefer emailing, because they can cut and paste without having to retype your letter - but ask first!)

2. Unless your name is Zorro and you routinely wear a mask to hide your true identity, make sure you identify yourself, and if you've got specific credentials that make you especially qualified to comment on the issue, list them. (By the way, when I say credentials, I don't mean you need a Ph.D. behind your name. Being a VISTA Volunteer working on poverty issues is a great credential!) So put something like, "I am A VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America) and I've been working with 40 homeless families over the last 6 months" or
"As a volunteer youth coordinator working with teen mentors..." Also, make sure that besides incuding the fact that you're a VISTA Volunteer, that you get your project's name in your letter as well. (If for some reason you can't work them into the body of the letter, include them after your signature.)

3. Make your opening sentence "pithy" (as my fourth grade English teacher used to say), to grab the attention of the editor and compel him read the rest of your letter.

4. KISS (Keep IS Short and Simple) your letter. Ken gave me some very valuable advice that I want to share with you. First of all, just because the piece that ticked you off is long, doesn't mean your response has to be. In fact, a short, two-paragraph letter shows confidence and mastery of your subject. (Plus, think about it - would you rather read a l-o-n-g, letter that wastes time pointing out every minute error - or something short and slightly sacastic that makes your point quickly? (Plus, long letter make you sound whiny and nit-picky, and no one likes a whiner!) Also, newspaper editors do their editing from the bottom up - so put your best stuff at the top!

5. When writing, try to make your point with humor, wit and (whenever possible) brilliance. To get some ideas, check out some of the political or current event blogs. When you see something that catches your eye, try to figure out why - chances are, it's because the other person proved their point with caustic humor, or dry wit.

6. Pay attention to the style and format of the paper you're sending your letter to, and try to mimic that as closely as possible. You want your letter to match the flow of what readers are used to seeing.

7. Check and recheck your spelling and grammar. And then have someone else check them too.

Here's a general template for letters (adapt it to fit the situation):

To the editor:

Your July 15 editorial article (give brief description of the article), was completely off base (or missed the point, or was one-sided - you get the idea.)

Second Paragraph: Now explain why - make sure you back up your reasons with facts or short examples.

Close with a pithy one-liner or tag line. "Every child deserves a home." "Quality health insurance shouldn't just be for the rich."

Make sure you put your name, your title and your direct telephone number - or cell phone number - at the end of your letter. If they decide to run your letter, someone will usually call you with questions, to verify your facts or discuss proposed changes.

Timely Tip: Make sure that you've got the paper's submission deadlines listed on your media contact card in your rolodex. And check a couple of previous issues, to make sure you're not rehashing the same information. And sometimes, no matter how great your letter is, it won't get published for a variety of reasons - too many comments on the same issue, not enough room, something else happened that took precedence. The main thing is, don't give up!

Habitat for Humanity - Jackson, MS 5/2006

Don't have a video camera, but still want to something? Use pictures and create a powerpoint presentation...
don't you love this song?

Ideas for Using Video

Hi all,

In the chapter on media relations, I touch on some of the different ways you can use multi-media to get the word out about your program.

The ideas are really endless - and chances are, even if you're using multi-media in your program, you've probably only touched the tip of the iceburg...

In this post, I want to talk about using your own homemade videos. With all the tools available on the internet today, it's amazing what you can do - and it doesn't have to cost a fortune. In fact, with just a little creativity, you can come up with some really great, professonial looking stuff.

Here are just a few ideas:

1. Create a video to recruit volunteers. Think about your target market - who are you trying to reach? If you're trying to reach kids, what about using a popular song in the background, and show pictures of some of your other volunteers working on projects? (You could even get your volunteers together and create your own rap song...)

2. Create a video to showcase your community. Take a video tour of some of the neighborhoodds, pictures of kids (get parents permission first, or only shoot from the back and fuzz out faces), your local food bank or homeless shelter.

3. Create a video for training purposes. This can be anything from teaching people how to use a computer, learn a new software, fill out forms or paint a wall.

After you've created and edited your video, what do you do with it?

One of the best resources today is called "UTube" ( http://www.utube.com ) Post the video on utube, and share it with others. Put it up on your Website. Email the video to others - community members, funders, potential partners or volunteers. Send the video to your state office and post it on member's pages or blogs (Like this one for example!)

I found a video on utube that I'm going to share with you in a minute, as an example of what you can do! Watch for it!

technorati tags:VISTA, Volunteers, Americorps, Utube, multi-media, videos, recruiting

VICTORY Tutorial Program

Here's one great example of what can be done! Watch this, and I'll bet you get lots of ideas! (This is a great video, too!)

Upcoming Training/Conferences in August

	Click the links to get more information about each workshop or conference! 1st Annual Mentor Center of Palm Beach County Mentoring Conference 2006
	Date(s):	August 2, 2006 - August 2, 2006
	Location:	West Palm Beach, FL
	Third Annual Urban Service-Learning Institute: Enriching Urban Education Through Service-Learning
	Date(s):	August 2, 2006 - August 3, 2006
	Location:	Nashville, TN
	The Commission Café
	Date(s):	August 8, 2006 - August 10, 2006
	Location:	Omaha, NE
	Getting Started with Service-Learning
	Date(s):	August 14, 2006 - August 15, 2006
	Location:	South Portland, ME
	Law Enforcement Conference
	Date(s):	August 14, 2006 - August 17, 2006
	Location:	Phoenix, AZ
	Summer Service Learning Institute: Preparing Communities through Service Learning
	Date(s):	August 14, 2006 - August 15, 2006
	Location:	East Stroudsburg, PA
	Approaching Donors in an ABCD Way
	Date(s):	August 16, 2006 - August 16, 2006
	Location:	National
	AmeriCorps Program Start-Up Institute
	Date(s):	August 21, 2006 - August 23, 2006
	Location:	Hotel Contessa, San Antonio, TX
	Five-State Cross-Stream Conference
	Date(s):	August 28, 2006 - August 31, 2006
	Location:	Plainsboro, NJ

PSO Training - Rants and Raves

Some of you have just finished your PSO training. What did you think? What did you like the best about it? What did they do really well? What really needs to be changed?

This post is for your comments, rants and raves! (Keep it rated “G” though, okay? Please?)