My friends at Ruralnet are running a couple of workshops next month to introduce UK nonprofits to the collaborative possibilities of Web 2.0 tools - although sensibly enough they are not using that term. They are starting off with some fairly basic tools that offer immediate benefits.
For those taking part in the project, there will be an online 'sandpit' where they can have a go at using the tools beyond the face-to-face activities and share their experiences of using them. There are also a limited number of places available on follow-up workshops focusing on practical ways technology can improve work efficiency and productiveness. Planned workshops include how online tools can help when organising an event, tricks and tools to help with finding and getting funding, and how technology can help to keep track of projects, people and resources.
There's an open invitation to register through the I-See-T project web site, that will also provide information and support.
The taster workshops will give attendees a chance to find out how technology can help with collaborative working. Novices are especially welcome - the tools being showcased - including shared calendars, 'weblogs' and news feeds are there to help, not hinder!
I suspect that this fairly cautious approach is appropriate, because in my experience many staff in UK nonprofits are generally, well, under-confident in the use of new tech tools. They are often pretty hard-pressed, with limited tech support and senior managers who aren't high-end users themselves. Of course, there are exceptions, and I hope to learn more about the current state of play at next week's annual NCVO conference where I'll be joining a workshop discussion with the challenging title "Are voluntary organisations relevant in a digital society?". I think fellow panelist will be warning that unless nonprofits do embrace new technologies they may find they are being bypassed by supporters and service users who increasingly expect organisations to provide online options offered by public and private sector.
If, like me, you enjoy using computers and the Net, it is easy to be a bit sneery about people who don't. Urging people to try harder, and scaring them with tales of being overtaken by the competition, doesn't work if they are in a field that values a culture of face-to-face communication, and the rewards of being tech-literate are not obvious.
David - I don't see a specific reference to it, but it sounds like wikis would be a focal point. If you have something descriptive along those lines, I'd like to give it a plug on Wiki That!
Kris
Posted by: Kris Olsen | February 15, 2006 at 02:10 PM