I am in the process of writing a social marketing plan for GoodDogz.org. We launched our new website about 2 weeks ago and, without any type of promotion, started immediately receiving blog comments, new NING community members, new LinkedIn group members, etc. It was truly amazing to see how quickly the new social aspects of the site snowballed. Adding these tools to a non-profit site was easy, cheap and effective. Here’s what we added:
That’s it. By adding those 4 tools, we were able to quickly gain more interaction with our audience, more interest and ultimately better resources for our users.
The next step is to create a strategy for promoting and using these tools. Although we were lucky enough to have “built it and they came”, a strategic plan is important to not only establish engagement but maintain an audience of loyal users who will come back often and participate in the conversation. More to come on that and I would love to hear the ideas of others on getting the word out.
As we ramp up our social media campaign and prepare to launch our new website, I’ve discovered a number of non-profit communities in the space. Here’s what I’ve found:
Change.org - Change.org encourages non-profits to create a profile and a “change” or campaign for an active initiative. The site also allows for non-profits to take donations online. From what I can tell, the donations seem to be pretty low. And as far as I know, our organization hasn’t been approved yet. The site is undergoing an overhaul and will be re-released in the fall. It will be interesting to see the enhancements.
Changents.com - I’m very interested in how Changents can help us. This is a really cool initiative that enables thought leaders in the non-profit industry to engage in conversation and create “ripples”. Your ripple builds as you work with change agents, nominate change agents, invite others to join, etc. As you do more to help your cause and the causes of others, your ripple grows. I’ve set-up an account and am anxious to see what I can create with this service. Very interesting concept.
Idealist.org - Idealist is a huge community for non-profits to exchange ideas, share resources and stories, locate supporters, post/search for jobs, etc. It’s free and contains excellent resources.
Care2.com - Care2 is an enormous network of folks who want to live healthier and happier - site content predominantly reflects environmental change, human rights, health, etc. There is also a center for making donations and creating/signing petitions. Lots of good stuff here - check it out.
If you have any suggestions for other sites to review or want to share feedback on these services, please join in the conversation.
Many thanks to WeTV.com for giving me the opportunity to blog about animal welfare. My new blog just launched and it looks great. Fantastic job WeTV! Check me out!
I’m very excited to let you know that GoodDogz.org is BETA testing our new online NING community! We are in the process of a re-design and the social community will be a huge, new offering for dog lovers. Exciting stuff. Please leave a comment if you would like an invitation to test!
Posted on May 02, 2008 under Animal Welfare, Non-Profit Specific |
We’ve been in the process of selling our house and buying something with more land for our pups. So, posts have been a little sporadic. Please hang in there - as things slow down, I’ll start writing more!
In the meantime, here’s part of an email I received from a good friend about the animal welfare efforts in Maricopa County, AZ. This is one way to “git ‘er done”!
Maricopa County was spending approx. $18 million dollars a year on stray animals, like cats and dogs. Sheriff Joe offered to take the department over, and the County Supervisors said okay. The animal shelters are now all staffed and operated by prisoners. They feed and care for the strays. Every animal in his care is taken out and walked twice daily. He now has prisoners who are experts in animal nutrition and behavior. They give great classes for anyone who’d like to adopt an animal. He has literally taken stray dogs off the street, given them to the care of prisoners, and had them place in dog shows. The best part? His budget for the entire department is now under $3 million. Teresa and I adopted a Weimaraner from a Maricopa County shelter two years ago. He was neutered, and current on all shots, in great health, and even had a microchip inserted the day we got him. Cost us $78.
The prisoners get the benefit of about $0.28 an hour for working, but most would work for free, just to be out of their cells for the day. Most of his budget is for utilities, building maintenance, etc. He pays the prisoners out of the fees collected for adopted animals.
Posted on Mar 26, 2008 under Animal Welfare |
May 4-10 is Be Kind to Animals Week sponsored by American Humane! The 2008 Be Kind to Animals Week marks the 94th annual observance of the oldest event in the nation celebrating the companionship, friendship and love that animals bring into people’s lives.
They are seeking caring kids who exemplify what it means to show kindness and compassion for the animals in their community. This year marks the first year that American Humane will recognize teens by opening up the contest for youth up to age 17.
American Humane is seeking nominations of kids, ages 6-17, who are working hard in their communities to improve the lives and welfare of animals. Kids who volunteer to help at their local shelter or go the extra mile to help animals in need should be nominated. The 2008 winners will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week.
Here are the rules - No purchase is necessary. Contest rules and nomination forms can be found at www.americanhumane.org/bkaw. Nominations must either be submitted online by April 15, 2008, or postmarked by April 15, 2008. Nominees must be between the ages of 6 and 17 at the time of nomination and will be divided into two age groups: 6 to 12 and 13 to 17. One grand prize winner and two runners-up will be selected from each group. Grand Prize winners will each receive $2,000. All winners and runners-up will be featured in American Humane press materials and on American Humane’s website. Winners will be announced during Be Kind to Animals Week, May 4-10, 2008. For more ideas about celebrating Be Kind to Animals Week and for the complete contest rules, visit www.americanhumane.org/bkaw.
Posted on Feb 13, 2008 under Animal Welfare |
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI0xStNQSnU&rel=1]Tammy Grimes is a good friend and is being unjustly convicted of the crime of caring for a dying animal. Please let Pennsylvanian’s Judge Elizabeth Doyle and District Attorney Richard Consiglio know how you feel about this ridiculous situation. And please help Tammy by sharing this story with other animal lovers in your life.
Read the entire story here.
Posted on Jan 24, 2008 under Animal Welfare, Fundraising |
Homeless Dogs Need Your Help!
By making a $10 online donation by February 1, 2008, you can help GoodDogz.org receive up to $50,000 from the Case Foundation. All proceeds raised by this and all fundraising campaigns will help GoodDogz.org provide responsible dog ownership education to the public to help dogs stay in loving homes - and out of shelters. Go to Facebook.com and make your secure, online donation today! Donate now!
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Beth consults with businesses and non-profits on social media tool selection and strategy and helps her clients find effective ways to leverage these new mediums to meet business goals.