2nd December 2012
Digital evolution, local action
By Martin Wilson, Go ON UK Director of Policy, Research and Insight
Shockingly, a whopping 20% of charities don’t have a digital presence, and many don’t perform even the most basic of tasks online.
Last week I joined a panel at Digital evolution, local action, an intimate conference all about how digital technology can – and is – changing community action.
Lots of conferences these days promise ‘interaction’, ‘sharing’ and even the dreaded ‘networking’, but this one was rather different – with a refreshing air of commaradarie and determination. These were people who want to take action for their communities, and to make technology work harder for them and the people they support. These delegates talked. They didn’t sell their wares. They didn’t use acronyms and buzz words. They asked questions. They shared their experiences. They made new contacts. They left with new ideas, and they were going home to actually DO THEM.
What’s more, they’ve now got a helping hand with the launch of the new ‘Community How To’ site, a joint project from Online Centres Foundation and Nominet Trust. Bringing together a host of ‘digital tools’ to help non-profits find new ways of doing things, sharing their ideas, and rating their favourites, I believe Nick Hurd described it best: a ‘smart, user-led platform that speaks a language everyone can understand.’ Big stuff.
The proof, however, is in the pudding. Now it’s out there, Community How To needs to be used, and built up by its users. I have no doubt the delegates of dela2012 will do their bit, but I’d highly recommend everyone to join them. Want a little inspiration? Just take a look at some of the case studies on there. If you want to inspire, add your own.
- Whatever you do, take a look at www.communityhowto.com