Networked Nonprofits: A Definition + Challenges & Trends

Based on the reading, Surfrider is defined as a Networked Nonprofit because it is more like a social network than a "tradtional stand-alone organization." I thoroughly enjoyed the comparison of surfers and other ocean enthusiasts to unherded cats. As we have seen with the other text (SCfN), a major aspect of networking nonprofit organizations stems from the social media revolution. By utilizing mediums such as blogs, Facebook, and Twitter, the organization is able to reach out to-and obtain support from-a more diverse demographic of people who share similar interests. The characteristics of a Networked Nonprofit is different from our experience with Safe Harbor in several ways:

• Safe Harbor and other organizations like it have a slightly more firm grasp on their logos/brandings, messages/messengers, and services offered than that of a NN. For example, with our class projects (Homecoming, guest speaker, Chick-fil-A fundraiser, etc.) projects, it was necessary for us to go through both Claiborne and Julie to get the ultimate approvals for our ideas.
• Though Safe Harbor is getting more fans/followers on their Facebook/Twitter pages everyday, they still have a long way to go before they are on the social networking status of a NN. In fact, NN's typically utilize social mediums to accomplish most of their communication amongst supporters or members, where as Safe Harbor raises awareness primarily through educational seminars/speeches/tools.

Part of our job(s) with the class projects is to help raise awareness for domestic violence to our peers, as well as the programs offered by Safe Harbor. Because our generation constitutes a large majority of those using social media, one of the primary objectives of each group is to raise awareness via social mediums. On Twitter, Safe Harbor is now up to 283 followers and on Facebook, 659 fans. We are well on our way to accomplishing the numbers we originally set out to reach, but I believe by inhabiting several practices of Networked Nonprofits, we could go above and beyond our original goals.

The second chapter of the text focuses on challenges and trends amongst Networked Nonprofits, both of which I found fascinating. The unfortunate effect of our economic recession on organizations is an issue that almost all nonprofits face at some point or another, forcing them to either downsize or shut down completely. There are other aspects that lead to the success-or not-of NN's, such as the presence of Millennials and Free Agents. This reading was my first interaction with the idea of a Millennial, which is comparable to the Baby Boomer generation. I found this section particularly interesting because my mom is a Baby Boomer and I would be considered a Millenial, so it was cool to see the comparison of the two generations and the effects each had/has on society. Going back to the social media revolution, Millennials are considered "digital natives," in that we were brought up with ever-increasing amounts of technology being thrown at us. We are far more adaptable to the introduction of new mediums through which to communicate, Facebook and Twitter being a prime example. Therefore, my generation will utilize a variety of different mediums through which to promote an organization, which ultimately changes up the scope of nonprofits as a whole. Another aspect of Millennials that was interesting was the fluid nature of support for a cause/organization. Thus enters a problem for Networked Nonprofits in that they must constantly mold and reshape into an appealing factor for consumers to gain their support.

In contrast, Free Agents might be considred allies for NN's in that they are capable of attracting large groups of individuals and getting news/questions/etc. to mass amounts of consumers. However there is also a list of "rules of engagement" necessary to follow when working with free agents. Some of these include becoming familiar with FA's, or those using Facebook, Twitter, or writing blogs. Though not entirely related, I can't help but think of the PR blunder that took place with The Bloggess that Claiborne showed us in class...