Creating Visual Content with Garrett Heath

Telling Your Story Using Photo Contests by Sarah Page

7 Tech Trends Nonprofits Should Watch by Laura Lorek

Social Campaigns with Bloggers by Kim Murray of femiNEST/Piccolo Media

Social Media Strategies by Janice Carpio

Navigating Social Media without Being Defensive – Melissa Monroe-Young

How to Build a Volunteer Blog with Form and Function by Julie Pippert

Social Media for the Sole Communicator by Jen Hatton

Getting Your NPO Started with Social Media – Jen Hatton

I Still Don’t Get It, What is So “Social” About Social Media and How Can it Raise My Non Profit’s Profile? by Aliyah Kuchinsky

We can’t wait to hear Wendy Harman, of the Red Cross, give her keynote speech and we know you’re just as excited as we are. We’re also eager to share the variety of topics our talented and knowledgeable speakers have planned for you so your nonprofit can Take Action!

Please meet…

Sarah Page with The Lower Colorado River Authority

A Moment in Time: Telling Your Story Using Photo Contests and Flickr
The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” is true. Photos can tug on our heartstrings, make us smile, or get our blood boiling. You can use all of these emotional responses to encourage support for your cause. Or create a band of empowered advocates. Or get them to want to donate money. For all these reasons, photos should be an integral part of your marketing and public relations efforts. Sarah Page has run three successful photo contests for her tourism region, the Colorado River Trail, and uses Flickr extensively. In this practical and fun session, you’ll learn: * How to use Flickr as the hub for your social media content marketing, * How to leverage photo contests to create awareness about your cause and generate engagement with your constituents and donors, and * How to keep your blood pressure low by following Sarah’s 5 photo contest lessons learned. You’ll walk away with cool ideas and practical solutions that you can put to good use right away.

Find Sarah on Twitter and LinkedIn

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Aliyah Kuchinsky with the Barshop Jewish Community Center

I Still Don’t Get It, What is So “Social” About Social Media and How Can it Raise My Non Profit’s Profile?
How I utilized Yelp, Facebook and Twitter to gain awareness, excitement and follow through for an event. Included in this session is creating a voice, carefully selecting ‘who to talk to’, being involved in the pre, current and post online buzz.

Find Aliyah on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook

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Julie Pippert with Artful Media Group, Inc.

Art & Matter: How to Build a Volunteer Blog with Form & Function
How does a bare-bones nonprofit manage to create a strong and consistent online and social media presence without spending big $$ and hiring a team? Same way it manages other projects: volunteers! But every NPO knows that even the best volunteers need support and coaching, and every volunteer project needs management. That can make it seem daunting or, worse, as a resource drain. This presentation will specifically walk-through how organizations can create and implement a plan for a volunteer-based online presence that builds connections to community, heightens cause awareness, raises funds and brings valuable rewards. Using a case study compare/contrast of two national nonprofits’ plans for blogs and social media, learn: Mobilizing and selecting volunteers Planning and tasking Organizing with schedules and deadlines Planning content Pros and cons of models: regular contributors, guest contributors I speak in takeaways. Audience members will walk away with a sense of can do!

Find Julie on Twitter.
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Veronica Laurel with San Antonio Food Bank

A Better SA
Presentation will offer examples on how to engage other non-profits, city/community leaders, businesses, etc. to join in messaging – essentially mobilizing the public to help be your voice. Show importance of building an integrated communications strategy and how to use social media platforms to share your story and to recognize your supporters.

Find Veronica on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
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Jennifer Hatton with Concept Evolution

Getting your NPO started with Social Media
This session will give participants a template of the topics/areas they should address to successfully begin social media for their NPO. Topics include: Developing executive level buy in, Importance of team participation, Platform paralysi,s  Knowing/Connecting with your audience, The value of being social face to face, Protecting yourself – Privacy, Policies & Passwords, ROI and analytics.

Social Media for the Sole Communicator
Practical tips and tools on how to survive and thrive in social media as the sole communicator. Topics: Implementing effective strategies while being budget conscious Technology tools pros and cons Platform paralysis Time management Asking for help Avoiding burn out

Find Jennifer on Twitter.
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Kim Murray with femiNEST/Piccolo Media

From Proposal to Happily Ever After: Crafting a Creative + Meaningful Social Media Campaign with Bloggers
In this day & age, it’s very difficult to break through all of the media chatter. Especially if you’re an NPO with little time & manpower. But it can be done. Successfully. This session will focus on how NPOs can plan & execute creative & meaningful campaigns (from proposal to honeymoon). And will teach organizations how to identify & collaborate with local bloggers & social media influencers who can help make their campaign a success

Find Kim on Twitter.
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Melissa Monroe-Young with Northwest Vista College

Navigating Social Media Without Being Defensive
You have a Facebook page but lately popping up on your page are not so positive comments about your organization. How do you diffuse the situation without sounding defensive and keep your clients happy? Learning how to respond to negative criticism is a MUST in your social media toolbox.

Find Northwest Vista College on Facebook.
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Colleen Pence with Social Media Mentoring, Fran Stephenson with Step In Communication, and Magaly Chocano with Sweb Development

Tools Tripping You Up?
In this Question and Answer Session, get help on specific tools that are tripping you up.

Find Colleen on Twitter.

Find Fran on Twitter.

Find Magaly on Twitter.
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Laura Lorek with Silicon Hills News

Ten Tech Trends that Nonprofits Should Watch
In this presentation, one of the region’s primary tech watchers and reporters will share what nonprofits need to watch as technology spreads into all areas of our culture.

Find Laura on Twitter and Facebook.
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Garrett Heath with Rackspace

Storytelling Is Better With Pictures: The Nuts and Bolts of Creating Visual Content

As a person at a nonprofit, you know what your organization does because you are in the day-to-day; it is easy to forget that other people might not be as intimate with your mission. While your most devoted supporters will read through paragraphs and paragraphs of text for the latest information, it is imperative to supplement that content with video and images. This presentation is designed to discuss what types of visual content to create, the nuts and bolts of getting it created and strategies for sharing it.

Find Garrett on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
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Janice Carpio with the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center

Implementing Effective Social Media Strategies?
This presentation will review successful ways to implement various social media platforms into campaign strategies for your business & organization.

Find the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center on Twitter.

Nonprofits from San Antonio and the surrounding area are invited to join us for a full-day of social media awesomeness. We want you to learn best practices, then take social media action at your nonprofit!

As you know, our ActionCamp keynote speaker will be Wendy Harman, Director of Social Strategy, American Red Cross, National Office. Wendy will share with us her tactics for building a sustainable social engagement program and how we can create a social organization.

Other confirmed session topics include:

• Telling Your Story Using Photo Contests
• How Social Media Can Raise Your Nonprofit Profile
• How to Build a Volunteer Blog
• Storytelling is Better w/Pictures: Use Visual Content
• Creating a Social Media Campaign w/Bloggers
• How to Select the Right Tool
• Social Media for the Sole Communicator
• Navigating Negative Comments in Social Media
• Turning Social Media Platforms into Campaign Strategies
• How to Get Your Nonprofit Started in Social Media

Limited space for ActionCamp is available and we’re filling up quickly. Register today to attend ActionCamp!

Also, please help us spread the word that sponsorships for ActionCamp are available. YOU and the companies you know can help the SANCouncil continue to provide this great event at a reduced cost to San Antonio Nonprofit Professionals. Learn more about our sponsorship levels.

Action San Antonio is a program of the San Antonio Nonprofit Council. We are a community of individuals interested in learning and sharing more about how to utilize social media tools for social good.

ActionCamp provides area nonprofits with a full day of social media and technology strategy and education at a very low cost. It is through the generous support of our sponsors that we’re able to keep registration fees low.

Sponsorship levels and details are below. Please contact Scott McAninch, Executive Director of the San Antonio Nonprofit Council, to secure your sponsorship.

Camp Sponsorship: (only 1 available) $2,500

• Lead sponsorship at ActionCamp, attended by approximately 150 nonprofit and education professionals
• Logo on all things ActionCamp – including swag
• Sponsored blog post on the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility
• Logo on Facebook, blog, e-blast, and included in tweets and other social media outreach
• Networking opportunity with new media entrepreneurs in a low-pressure, casual environment
• Free attendance for two staff members at ActionCamp
• Signage/brochures (provided by sponsor) and presentation (not to exceed 5 minutes) during breakfast at ActionCamp
• Our undying thanks!

Canteen Sponsorship: (only 1 available) $1,500

• Exclusive sponsorship of Happy Hour post-ActionCamp, attended by approximately 100 nonprofit and education professionals
• Logo on Facebook, blog, e-blast, and included in tweets and other social media outreach
• Networking opportunity with new media entrepreneurs in a low-pressure, casual environment
• Free attendance for one staff member at ActionCamp
• Signage/brochures (provided by sponsor) and presentation (not to exceed 5 minutes) at sponsored Happy Hour
• Our undying thanks!

Camp Cook Sponsorship: (only 2 available) $1,000

• Co-sponsorship of breakfast and/or lunch at ActionCamp, attended by approximately 150 nonprofit and education professionals
• Logo on Facebook, blog, e-blast, and included in tweets and other social media outreach
• Networking opportunity with new media entrepreneurs in a low-pressure, casual environment
• Free attendance for one staff member at ActionCamp
• Signage/brochures (provided by sponsor) and presentation (not to exceed 5 minutes) at sponsored Breakfast/Lunch
• Our undying thanks!

Tent Sponsorship: (only 4 available) $750

• Co-sponsorship of each of the three tracks offered at Action Camp, attended by approximately 150 nonprofit and education professionals
• Logo on Facebook, blog, e-blast, and included in tweets and other social media outreach
• Networking opportunity with new media entrepreneurs in a low-pressure, casual environment
• Free attendance for one staff member at ActionCamp
• Signage/brochures (provided by sponsor) at ActionCamp
• Our undying thanks!

Backpack Sponsorship: $500

• Logo on Facebook, blog, e-blast, and included in tweets and other social media outreach
• Our undying thanks!

S’more Sponsorship: $100

• Listing on our Action SA blog and shout out on social media
• Our undying thanks!

Flashlight Sponsorship: $50

• Call out thanks on Twitter and Facebook
• Our undying thanks!

The call for proposals for the 4th Annual Action Camp is now open. Presenters are asked to share knowledge and practice, as well as facilitate discussions. But, as the name suggests, presentations should include actionable items. Panel and presentation proposals are invited.

Background

Action San Antonio is managed by Colleen Pence, Fran Stephenson, and Molly Cox. Originally started as a community of individuals interested in learning more about how to utilize social media tools for social good, Action San Antonio has since grown to empower nonprofit organizations to learn about and strategically implement social media and technology into their culture.

In 2011, Action San Antonio became a program of the San Antonio Nonprofit Council. The Council is currently comprised of health and human service professionals, business professionals, executive directors, and CEOs of nonprofit agencies in San Antonio. Our mission is to form one strong collective voice for those we serve. We strive to accomplish that mission through advocacy, training, resource sharing and the strength and extensive knowledge of our combined membership.

Overview and Program Description

The objectives of Action Camp are:

• To develop and grow the skills of nonprofit professionals, volunteers, and board members as it pertains to social media and technology;
• To provide actionable items for implementation in nonprofit organizations.

Participants in Action Camp are active in nonprofits – they are currently employed or volunteering as board members and are highly motivated to adapt their organization’s practices.

Action Camp is a highly interactive day of workshops and presentations. It is a rather informal, formal day of learning. While we want participants to walk away with real information, we also want them to have fun learning. Presenters should be prepared to fill 45-minute sessions with actionable items and problem solving. Tracks will be created for Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced participants. Past workshop participants have expressed interest in these topics:

o Using Social Media for Organizing and Recruiting Volunteers
o Online Fundraising
o Creating Editorial Calendars
o How to Create Campaigns That Stick
o Time Management for the Sole Communicator
o Information Management/Technology
o Creating Dynamic Websites
o Using Videos and Pictures to Tell Your Stories
o How to Host an Online Contest (And Not Get in Trouble)
o How To Get Your NPO’s Social Media Started
o Digital Media Practices

Presentation Guidelines

Multiple submissions will be considered as long as proposals are distinct. Whenever possible, however, an applicant should try to collaborate with other applicants, so as not to compete on multiple topics.

Action Camp San Antonio is a no-pitch zone. Speakers and panelists are asked to share their experience and expertise, but service and/or product promotions are not allowed.

Please submit your proposals using the online Speaker Submission Form by 5:00pm on September 14, 2012.

You will be asked for this information when you complete the online form:

• Presentation title, name of presenter(s), mailing address(es), phone number(s), email address(es), and affiliation(s). Also include any audio-visual requests or presentation requirements on this page.
• A summary of the proposed presentation, presentation objectives, activities, and session format: single or panel presentation; advanced, intermediate, or beginner. Max. 150 words.

Timeline

• Deadline for submission of proposal: September 14, 2012 by 5:00pm
• Notification of acceptance of proposal: September 21, 2012
• Deadline to sign Action Camp Speaker Agreement: September 28, 2012
• Action Camp Schedule posted online: October 1, 2012
• Presentation materials due(relevant citations necessary): October 12, 2012
• Action Camp details: October 26, 2012

Oblate School of Theology
285 Oblate Drive, San Antonio TX 78216
9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Questions? Contact Fran Stephenson, Program Coordinator at franstep09@gmail.com or 210-557-8207.

The topic

Build it, Bless it and Don’t Burn Out will be an in-depth look at how to build a sustainable social engagement program and become a social organization. If your nonprofit organization is struggling with adapting social media into your organizational life, this keynote will help you envision a day when adoption becomes easier. Nonprofit executives will benefit from seeing their is a “light at the end of the tunnel” and that investing time in social media has real value to communities.

The speaker

Wendy Harman is a proud Red Crosser and a digital nerd. As the Director of Social Strategy, her goal is for the American Red Cross to be a social organization ready for 21st century humanitarian work. She is responsible for the national social media presence, including the listening program, social content and community engagement. She frequently speaks and writes about issues at the intersection of nonprofits, technology and the social web. In 2010 and 2011 she was named to the Nonprofit Times Power and Influence Top 50 list. Before joining the Red Cross in 2006, Wendy managed operations for Future of Music Coalition and Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, in addition to creating her own artist management firm.

During her time at the Red Cross, she assembled a cross-section of first responders, tech types, social media practitioners and government representatives to examine how social media is being used in crisis situations. The Emergency Social Data Summit has become a benchmark of cooperation and signified the Red Cross commitment to excellence in communication during times of crisis.

The location

Action Camp will be held this year at the new Whitley Theological Center at the Oblate School of Theology. It’s an amazing, tech-enabled space which is centrally located and with free wifi!

Action Camp, in its fourth year, is an initiative of the San Antonio Nonprofit Council and organized by Molly Cox, Colleen Pence and Fran Stephenson.

Mark your calendars for camp on Oct. 26.  Registration opens next week!  Watch this space for more details.

The 7 Steps to Twitter Dominance

1. Identify Your Focus (Reporter should know what they’re talking about i.e. beat reporter)  It could be your beat, if you’re a reporter. Or it could be your city or town… or it could be a topic, something you’re passionate about.

-       I tweet about ­­blank

@BrainStelter tweets about media

Andy Carvin Middle East Activism – super specific @acarvin

Damien Cave – Mexico

Nathan Cone @TPRCinema – movies/public media

2. Compile your Twitter source and Influencer list

-       Look for newsmakers around your focus

-       Dig around Twitter; look at who else your followers are following, and who else the people you follow are following

-       Focus on finding experts on the topic that have a large following

-       Sometimes it’s easier to use Google search to find a Twitter handle instead of Twitter’s search engine

3. Start Tweeting with Pace and Consistency

We are not Beyonce.

If you want a bigger following you need some consistency – does not need to be constant.

-What is Twitter? It’s a conversation.

Don’t overthink it

Watch what your sources are tweeting – tweet about it even if you don’t have a story about it yet.

Observations, quotes, etc, be human

4. Live Tweet Events

best way to get better at Twitter

1. fast track to bigger following
2. where the news junkies of the world gather
3. It will get you hooked

Storytelling tool

Live tweet a show

 5. Use Hashtags When the Time is Right

 -       Breaking News

-       Stories that run over a stretch of time (court trials)

-       Events

-       If you’re crowdsourcing for info, a hashtag will curate responses

-       Focused and Occasional

DON’T USE HASHTAGS TO SPAM

6. Have Conversations with People

 Retweet, thank for retweets, answer questions, and acknowledge feedback

7. Get influencers, sources and others to see your work

 Don’t have to leave the fate of your story to Google or strays on your site.

Mention relevant twitter handles in your tweets so that others can see you are talking about them.

• Mention story sources in your tweets
• Have your organization/station mention you when tweeting your story
• Mention influencers with big followings in your tweets
• Directly pitch stories to Tweeters with big followings
• Community sharing sites like:

Reddit

Digg

StumbleUpon

Buzzfeed

Here is a link to the NPR post on how to use Twitter and the accompanying presentation from National Public Radio:

http://editorial.digitalservices.npr.org/post/webinar-7-steps-twitter-dominance-video

http://vimeo.com/42343968

So are you dominating Twitter yet? Tell us what you have tried.

Pinterest Guide

What have you tried from the guide?

Nonprofits in attendance had their Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and LinkedIn questions answered.

Here are some of your favorite action items from our Summer Help Session on August 8:

Facebook

• Click more buttons
  • Familiarize yourself with the interface
  • FB Timeline now has the ability to let you schedule your post. Use it!
  • Pay more attention to your analytics
    • This will help you know best time for posts and the types of posts that are most popular
  • Share/Partner/Connect to other pages
  • Use your page to be relevant
  • You don’t just promote events, you should become the expert on your particular area

Twitter

• Behave like you have a large following
• Create hashtags for events, then make people use them
• Find people to follow using Google rather than the Twitter search

LinkedIn

• Create something for your Board of Directors
  • Help them log hours of service, post photos
  • Post jobs
    • Use LinkedIn to link back to postings on your website

Pinterest

• Watermark original content
• Link to where you want it to go
• Use it for promotion and contests
• Make your pins visually appealing
• Connect content to things to do/helpful tips
  • Example: You’ve got a chili contest coming up…? Pin a recipe for an awesome taco salad.

Random Musings/Finds/Awesomeness

• Statigram – http://statigr.am/
  • Helps you manage your Instagram account
• Vizify -  https://www.vizify.com/
  • Transform your online impressions into a tool for showcasing the best of you online
• Scribd – http://www.scribd.com/
  • Online library

• Schedule your posts/create content
  • Use Hootsuite

Watch for more posts this week with resources shared by our awesome table captains, including a Twitter cheat sheet and a guide to Pinterest.

We know. It’s August. Summer is dragging on and you have very little motivation to keep up your social media profiles. That’s why you need to come to the summer drop-in session.  We’re changing up the format so you can get direct help for whichever network you need.  We’ll have the usual delicious breakfast to get you going, then we’ll break up into tables for specific networks.  You can get live help for Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.  Don’t miss the summer help session from Action Breakfast. We’ll also be announcing our keynote speaker, venue and registration for Action Camp.

Wednesday, August 8

Registration and Breakfast 8:30 a.m.

Live Help 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

To Register, go here.

Oh, and don’t forget we moved to Cafe College this year.