Tech4Good October 2011

In this month's newsletter for nonprofits, we have searched the internet to bring you advice from experts on what technology skills are essential to the success of your organization. We also found great articles on some of those strategic technologies, including cloud computing and social media. We know it's also important to have the basics down. So we wanted to share some tech bits and bytes that you can use in your day-to-day work. Having the fundamentals, although often taken for granted, will help give your nonprofit the right foundation for success. So read on, and don't forget to tell us what you think.

BYTES

• Strategic Technologies
Research and analyst firm Gartner issues an annual report on strategic software. How many of these technologies do you use in your nonprofit organisation?
Gartner Identifies the Top 10 Strategic Technologies for 2011

• Cloud Computing
As one of the strategic technologies mentioned in the Gartner report, consider how cloud computing could assist your organisation.
The Future of the Nonprofit Office: Working from Home v2.0

• Digital Storytelling
If you aren't using video yet to tell your story, you're missing a great opportunity. Check out Microsoft's Movie Maker and read more about the ways nonprofits can use video to get stories out there.
Windows Live Movie Maker 2011
Eight Tips for Telling Your Story Digitally

Interested in reading these articles in another language?
Try Bing Translator:
www.microsofttranslator.com

 

LEARN

• Cloud Computing - Online Constituent Relationship Management
Read about how nonprofit, Big Brothers Big Sisters, uses constituent relationship management (CRM) software, to manage their contacts.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Canada

• Training Roadmap
At the same time as staying on top of the strategic technologies, it's important to maintain and upgrade your day-to-day skills. Here's a training roadmap that will help you with Microsoft Office products.
For more information, click here.

• Online Training
And when you're ready for training, try these resources.
For more information, click here.

• Use of Social Media Amongst Colleagues
The use of social media will only continue to grow, and sites like Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook will become part of employees' every day jobs. Here's a tool that works with Microsoft Outlook that allows users to Tweet from Outlook.
For more information, click here.

 

ATTEND

• NetSquared
Do you want to get together with like-minded people to talk about technology for social change? Find out more about your local NetSquared meet-up.
For more information, click here.

Do you know about a technology-focused event in your area that would benefit your nonprofit peers? Let us know. Email us at rhqcam@microsoft.com