Marissa Mizer of AppalCORPS (Athens, OH) says that partners, especially those in higher education, may have the tools and expertise you need to get started. Tell them how you'd like to utilize technology in your program and see if they can help.
E-mail and Web sites are great tools for day-to-day operations. But social networking sites, message boards, and other technology-based tools can help you build your program and member capacity for the long term. Below, program directors offer tips for some of these easy-to-use and often free tools.
Click on each tool for more information on how programs use them to connect their members.
Social Networking Sites
Liz Carroll of Notre Dame Mission Volunteers - AmeriCorps (Baltimore, MD) uses a Facebook group to connect with her members, who are spread across the U.S. in 16 communities. According to Liz, the page helps:
Recruit new membersClick play to hear how Liz uses Facebook to recruit new members.
Allow potential members to chat with current members
Connect members to the program's big picture
Share photos, videos, and information
Keep alumni involved and informed
Advertise events, contests, deadlines, etc.
Discussion Boards
Marissa Mizer, AppalCORPS (Athens, OH), uses a discussion board to:
Prompt discussion on hot topics, such as citizenship
Poll members on subjects
Follow-up after trainingClick play to hear how Marissa uses discussion boards to build on trainings.
Allow members to connect and share ideas
For a list of free discussion board providers with reviews, visit Free Center.
Technology and Youth Programs
Podcasts, blogging, text messaging - these modes of communication are commonplace for most of today's teens and tweens. Click here for an in-depth look at youth and technology, and ideas for how your program can use technology to engage youth.
Go on to Tools of the Trade