Summary of Activities for Planning Madison Nonprofit Day
Update: 17 June 2009
*Where We Are At…*
We're rapidly approaching the end of the first month of organizing and planning for August's Madison Nonprofit Day; so now is an appropriate time to assess where we are at and where we need to be. First off, the word is spreading and people, nonprofits, and business are very interested in Nonprofit Day. This is all happening before our official press release, save the date, and approach to recruit organizers, participants, sponsors, and donors.
*Workgroups*
At the first meeting, back in late May, we set-up eight working committees, aka as workgroups. Since then we have reduce the workgroups from eight to six: i) purpose, ii) sponsors & donors, iii) logistics, iv) media & toolkits, v) activities & participation, vi) speakers & experts. Three of the five workgroups are up and running with leads. We are looking for leads for the remaining two: activities & participation and sponsors & donors.
*Efforts by Workgroups*
*Purpose:* The primary component of the purpose statement is complete: "To celebrate and promote awareness of the city's nonprofits, the work they do and the communities they serve." The secondary component is still under debate, but for most purposes this workgroup should be closed by the end of the month.
*Media & Toolkits:* Steven Potter has taken the lead for this workgroup. A number of volunteers have been recruited—photographers, videographers, writers, editors, graphic artists, and other media professionals. The logo has been completed, a press release template is underway, as well as save the date cards and our initial press release announcing the day and associated events.
*Activities & Participation:* While this group has no official lead, a number of people have submitted ideas for events, activities, and workshops that are under consideration. The current front running ideas include:
Art in the Park—a picnic/potluck celebration, most likely to be held in Wirth Court Park (near Goodman CC). The idea is to provide a fun filled way to showcase local arts organizations, possible with the focus on entertainment arts (dance, theatre, other performances). A small showcase of 5+ nonprofit programs, coupled with food, and fun. Food ideas include approaching neighborhood restaurants—Monty's, Bunky's Dobhan, Africanna, Salsa Thai, etc. to donate some food, that would act as a starter, and encourage participants to bring a plate of food or non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy while watching performance; meeting neighbors, etc. This would provide an entertaining showcase for participating organizations/programs.
Nonprofit Neighborhood Tours—a walking or riding tour to neighborhood nonprofits. Original plans include tours for Atwood-Schenk and Willy Street nonprofits (separately). The program is easily replicable so any neighborhood could decide to take the effort on, and announce their tour which we would help coordinate. We would work to have lemonade/beverage and cookie/snacks at a couple of the locations, and allow people to visit their local nonprofits and learn more about what they do.
Nonprofit Film/Video Showcase—this was an out of town idea submission; but the overall idea is to provide access to local/regional PSAs, documentaries, etc. done by or for local nonprofits. Additions to the idea were to highlight shor their t clips 2-8min, make available via YouTube were people could watch independently, or as ongoing TV sitting area at Goodman for during the day, as a workshop break, etc.
Other Ideas—allowing nonprofits to showcase programs or services already in place. An example idea is working with Olbrich to include one or more garden tours on that Friday, 21 August. The tours could be just the regularly, available by request guided tour or could join Olbrich with the Eastside Historic Society to include tidbits about the neighborhood, Michael Olbrich, etc.
Similarly, conversations with Goodman CC's Food Pantry have been initiated about doing a 'Cooking with Kids' programs on the day, etc. The primary goal is to provide a very low barrier entry point for nonprofits to participate in the day. We'd offer the website were people could pre-register, some promotion, etc. This would contribute to the overall number of events for the day, highlight various programs at participating nonprofits, and involve very little risk for the involved organizations.
Educational Workshops—some ideas for educational workshops have started coming in, including an idea on 'developing and managing great volunteer programs'. The goal is to get a mix of nonprofit management, development, technology, and social media workshops going. Primarily to be held at Goodman CC, but possible spread around to other sites if needed.
A lead for the Activities & Participation workgroup would really allow us to explore which ideas are feasible, and start developing a schedule of opportunities.
*Speakers & Experts:* Rachel Bauer has taken the lead for this workgroup. She's just started, but already has her eyes on targeting individuals of influence in various nonprofit communities—art, seniors, disabilities, etc. The goal is to gather a list of recommended speakers and experts in various areas, so that 'Activities & Participation' can put together workshops, panels, and more.
*Sponsors & Donors:* This workgroup has no lead as of yet. If you know an affable, charismatic sort who might be interested, point them my way. Meanwhile, despite no lead, I've talked to an organizer of Craigslist Foundation's Nonprofit BootCamp about how they do their 'Sponsorship Opportunties' and we are considering a modified approach. Basically, the goal would be to set-up web-pages where potential donors/sponsors can forgo giving funds for 'ad hoc' services/products. Example, we'll need lemonade/beverages and snacks for the Nonprofit Neighborhood Tours; any individual, nonprofit, or corporation could come to the site, select that opportunity and make that contribution.
Some opportunities may require some persuasion, such as getting Madison Metro to donate poster space inside buses to promote the day, etc. This doesn't obliterate the need for some cash donations, but would hopefully insure most items are taken care of in an 'in-kind' or 'service' related manner.
This would also work with donations of professional services, in which we can offer receipts for time/energy that can be used for tax purposes; as well as provide recommendations, etc.
*Logistics:* Lastly, I'm taking the lead for Logistics, and currently we have one secondary committee member—Peter. Peter and I would love some additional helpers. There's an amazing amount of things to coordinate. So if your a behind the scenes kind of person, we're the workgroup for you.
Currently on our plate is:
(1) compiling a to-do list of all major milestones (that we can think of… when does the website need to go live, what events need to be confirmed by 'press release' when does the first press release go out, who receives first press release, etc., etc.);
(2) activities and workshop needs. For example 'Art in the Park' is a wonderful idea, but requires food, equipment, licensing, photography, sound systems, etc. The logisitics workgroup will help coordinate any effort to make a workshop, activity, or idea feasible for the day.
(3) website. The website will hopefully go live next week, with basic features, then additional features will be added during month of July. We're looking for a javascript and advanced php developers to assist.
(4) volunteers. We are handling the recruiting of professional volunteers for any committee (i.e. photographers, javascript developers, writers, etc.)
*Social Media/Education* One component of the pre-event education campaign is the idea to use social media sites to share facts and information about Madison regional nonprofits. Things like how many nonprofits, how many workers, economic contribution, range of services, details of safety net issues, details on civic engagement, arts, seniors, libraries, more. The website will host and 'education/discover' area where people can learn more about the nonprofit sector, etc. But I'm also hoping to start Twittering 1-2 facts per day, intermixed with links, and 140 character profiles of local nonprofits, starting sometime on July.
Our Twitter account @nonprofitday (http://twitter.com/nonprofitday ) is already starting to get followers—110 as of today. My thoughts are if we start distributing info before August, then we can build a stronger audience of individuals willing to participate in the pre-event media campaign —providing testimonials, sending letters to the editors, etc.
There are already a few local media outlets following the account on Twitter and Steve and I and anyone else who wants to contribute, can come up with a plan to make sure the account is active, engaging, useful, and try to increase followers to 500 or more by the 6 August, which is when I estimate most of the pre-event campaign work will begin.
Similarly, getting the event announcements created on Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites will also be beneficial, to do early as well.
Alnisa Allgood
*Where We Are At…*
We're rapidly approaching the end of the first month of organizing and planning for August's Madison Nonprofit Day; so now is an appropriate time to assess where we are at and where we need to be. First off, the word is spreading and people, nonprofits, and business are very interested in Nonprofit Day. This is all happening before our official press release, save the date, and approach to recruit organizers, participants, sponsors, and donors.
*Workgroups*
At the first meeting, back in late May, we set-up eight working committees, aka as workgroups. Since then we have reduce the workgroups from eight to six: i) purpose, ii) sponsors & donors, iii) logistics, iv) media & toolkits, v) activities & participation, vi) speakers & experts. Three of the five workgroups are up and running with leads. We are looking for leads for the remaining two: activities & participation and sponsors & donors.
*Efforts by Workgroups*
*Purpose:* The primary component of the purpose statement is complete: "To celebrate and promote awareness of the city's nonprofits, the work they do and the communities they serve." The secondary component is still under debate, but for most purposes this workgroup should be closed by the end of the month.
*Media & Toolkits:* Steven Potter has taken the lead for this workgroup. A number of volunteers have been recruited—photographers, videographers, writers, editors, graphic artists, and other media professionals. The logo has been completed, a press release template is underway, as well as save the date cards and our initial press release announcing the day and associated events.
*Activities & Participation:* While this group has no official lead, a number of people have submitted ideas for events, activities, and workshops that are under consideration. The current front running ideas include:
Art in the Park—a picnic/potluck celebration, most likely to be held in Wirth Court Park (near Goodman CC). The idea is to provide a fun filled way to showcase local arts organizations, possible with the focus on entertainment arts (dance, theatre, other performances). A small showcase of 5+ nonprofit programs, coupled with food, and fun. Food ideas include approaching neighborhood restaurants—Monty's, Bunky's Dobhan, Africanna, Salsa Thai, etc. to donate some food, that would act as a starter, and encourage participants to bring a plate of food or non-alcoholic beverages to enjoy while watching performance; meeting neighbors, etc. This would provide an entertaining showcase for participating organizations/programs.
Nonprofit Neighborhood Tours—a walking or riding tour to neighborhood nonprofits. Original plans include tours for Atwood-Schenk and Willy Street nonprofits (separately). The program is easily replicable so any neighborhood could decide to take the effort on, and announce their tour which we would help coordinate. We would work to have lemonade/beverage and cookie/snacks at a couple of the locations, and allow people to visit their local nonprofits and learn more about what they do.
Nonprofit Film/Video Showcase—this was an out of town idea submission; but the overall idea is to provide access to local/regional PSAs, documentaries, etc. done by or for local nonprofits. Additions to the idea were to highlight shor their t clips 2-8min, make available via YouTube were people could watch independently, or as ongoing TV sitting area at Goodman for during the day, as a workshop break, etc.
Other Ideas—allowing nonprofits to showcase programs or services already in place. An example idea is working with Olbrich to include one or more garden tours on that Friday, 21 August. The tours could be just the regularly, available by request guided tour or could join Olbrich with the Eastside Historic Society to include tidbits about the neighborhood, Michael Olbrich, etc.
Similarly, conversations with Goodman CC's Food Pantry have been initiated about doing a 'Cooking with Kids' programs on the day, etc. The primary goal is to provide a very low barrier entry point for nonprofits to participate in the day. We'd offer the website were people could pre-register, some promotion, etc. This would contribute to the overall number of events for the day, highlight various programs at participating nonprofits, and involve very little risk for the involved organizations.
Educational Workshops—some ideas for educational workshops have started coming in, including an idea on 'developing and managing great volunteer programs'. The goal is to get a mix of nonprofit management, development, technology, and social media workshops going. Primarily to be held at Goodman CC, but possible spread around to other sites if needed.
A lead for the Activities & Participation workgroup would really allow us to explore which ideas are feasible, and start developing a schedule of opportunities.
*Speakers & Experts:* Rachel Bauer has taken the lead for this workgroup. She's just started, but already has her eyes on targeting individuals of influence in various nonprofit communities—art, seniors, disabilities, etc. The goal is to gather a list of recommended speakers and experts in various areas, so that 'Activities & Participation' can put together workshops, panels, and more.
*Sponsors & Donors:* This workgroup has no lead as of yet. If you know an affable, charismatic sort who might be interested, point them my way. Meanwhile, despite no lead, I've talked to an organizer of Craigslist Foundation's Nonprofit BootCamp about how they do their 'Sponsorship Opportunties' and we are considering a modified approach. Basically, the goal would be to set-up web-pages where potential donors/sponsors can forgo giving funds for 'ad hoc' services/products. Example, we'll need lemonade/beverages and snacks for the Nonprofit Neighborhood Tours; any individual, nonprofit, or corporation could come to the site, select that opportunity and make that contribution.
Some opportunities may require some persuasion, such as getting Madison Metro to donate poster space inside buses to promote the day, etc. This doesn't obliterate the need for some cash donations, but would hopefully insure most items are taken care of in an 'in-kind' or 'service' related manner.
This would also work with donations of professional services, in which we can offer receipts for time/energy that can be used for tax purposes; as well as provide recommendations, etc.
*Logistics:* Lastly, I'm taking the lead for Logistics, and currently we have one secondary committee member—Peter. Peter and I would love some additional helpers. There's an amazing amount of things to coordinate. So if your a behind the scenes kind of person, we're the workgroup for you.
Currently on our plate is:
(1) compiling a to-do list of all major milestones (that we can think of… when does the website need to go live, what events need to be confirmed by 'press release' when does the first press release go out, who receives first press release, etc., etc.);
(2) activities and workshop needs. For example 'Art in the Park' is a wonderful idea, but requires food, equipment, licensing, photography, sound systems, etc. The logisitics workgroup will help coordinate any effort to make a workshop, activity, or idea feasible for the day.
(3) website. The website will hopefully go live next week, with basic features, then additional features will be added during month of July. We're looking for a javascript and advanced php developers to assist.
(4) volunteers. We are handling the recruiting of professional volunteers for any committee (i.e. photographers, javascript developers, writers, etc.)
*Social Media/Education* One component of the pre-event education campaign is the idea to use social media sites to share facts and information about Madison regional nonprofits. Things like how many nonprofits, how many workers, economic contribution, range of services, details of safety net issues, details on civic engagement, arts, seniors, libraries, more. The website will host and 'education/discover' area where people can learn more about the nonprofit sector, etc. But I'm also hoping to start Twittering 1-2 facts per day, intermixed with links, and 140 character profiles of local nonprofits, starting sometime on July.
Our Twitter account @nonprofitday (http://twitter.com/nonprofitday ) is already starting to get followers—110 as of today. My thoughts are if we start distributing info before August, then we can build a stronger audience of individuals willing to participate in the pre-event media campaign —providing testimonials, sending letters to the editors, etc.
There are already a few local media outlets following the account on Twitter and Steve and I and anyone else who wants to contribute, can come up with a plan to make sure the account is active, engaging, useful, and try to increase followers to 500 or more by the 6 August, which is when I estimate most of the pre-event campaign work will begin.
Similarly, getting the event announcements created on Facebook, LinkedIn and other sites will also be beneficial, to do early as well.
Alnisa Allgood
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