Nearly every day we see the way new technologies transform traditional models of business and advocacy. For the non-profit sector, these types of changes can be disruptive, but as I learned this past Thursday, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
At last week’s Nonprofit 2.0 Conference, non-profit employees, issue advocates, and technologists came together to explore the intersection of technology and non-profits. The result was a robust series of conversations that laid out an important frame of mind all digital advocates can embrace.
- Change Can Happen – Majora Carter, urban revitalization strategy consultant, kicked the conference off with an important reminder that things can change. At the onset of any project it’s important to remember that one person thinking differently can make a big difference. Indeed, Carter’s invocation for positive disruption set the tone for the rest of the conference.
- Commitment Means More Than Passion – In the second address of the day, Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and craigconnects, challenged the traditional notion that advocacy must be driven by passion. Instead, Newmark pointed out that commitment can have a greater impact than passion alone. While it’s important to try and cultivate a variety of advocates, putting a special effort into supporting those who will support you can have a greater pay off in the long run.
- Make Failure Matter – The unconference’s afternoon keynote, led by Director of the Social Innovation Fund Michael D. Smith, urged the audience to embrace a mindset of fearlessness. While every campaign should start with a goal in mind, Smith pointed out that setting the stakes for success high can help drive results.
- Have A Why – Throughout the entire day, the best solutions brought up in the breakout sessions emphasized the notion of authenticity throughout everything. From the adoption of new technologies to using digital storytelling tactics, make sure every decision relates back to your organization’s reason.
While the focus of the day was on non-profits, the applicability of these lessons can extend to any digital campaign, and keeping these ideas in mind as you set off on your next project could help set your efforts apart. Did you attend Nonprofit 2.0? What else stood out to you throughout the day’s conversations?
