"Remember when you were in college and you just could not understand covalent bonding in that Chem 1A class? All you had to do was stop by your TA's office hours for a little extra help and you were on your way to a sterling GPA... Now that you're a grown up, you're often on your own. If you need help configuring the security settings on your new server, or deciding which email vendor to use, you don't always know where to turn for advice..."  (from the NTEN website)

NTEN provides an online chat room, for informal Q&A related to nonprofit technology.  People with expertise in a particular area sign up to answer questions, and it's easy to pop in and get some help.  The calendar gives a good idea of who will be online and when.  If you have some questions about websites, offsite backups, or just about anything you can find someone willing to give you a bit of free advice.  Check it out on the NTEN website.

CNTC group is working with Colorado nonprofits and nonprofit
support organizations.  This year, we will be hosting monthly
educational and social events, as well as meeting with other related
groups, to see how we can best facilitate, support, and encourage
connections.

If you're working with nonprofits and technology in Colorado, you're probably aware of these resources. As we begin 2009 with a new political direction and a new set of economic challenges, they're worth a quick review to see how they can help you make the best use of your resources and knowlege.

• TechSoup - Deep discounts from all major software vendors, loads of reviews and good information. If you're not buying your software through here you're probably spending too much.
• Idealware - Idealware has great product comparisons, checklists, and guides for technology planning and decisionmaking.
• NTEN Research - NTEN surveys and compiles extensive information on nonprofit technology across all sectors and org sizes. Find out how other organizations feel about their CMS, CRM, donor database, or technology vendors. Compare your IT staffing and budget levels against those of your peer organizations.

And, don't forget these great local organizations:

• Teaming 4 Technology - T4T provides information and referrals for free and reduced-cost computer hardware, software, training courses, and technology consulting services. They offer low-cost computer training courses in Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs, and they also grant computer hardware and tech planning assistance through the TechLaunch program.

• Colorado Nonprofit Association (CNA) - Formerly CANPO, the CNA is a statewide nonprofit membership coalition connecting nonprofits of all sizes, missions and geographic locations. They provide tools for communication, networking and administration, and host a regional nonprofit conference/expo each fall.
• Community Resource Center / NPower - The CRC provides tools and strategies for Colorado nonprofits, including technical services and training.

Join us Tuesday September 30th, at 6:00 p.m. for a panel discussion on Social Networking and Nonprofits, followed by informal chat time with fellow Front Range nonprofit tech and communications folks! We have two excellent presenters: Steve Kessler and Justin Perkins.

Social networking websites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, and MySpace are a popular topic among nonprofits these days. There is appeal in the potential to quickly and easily reach a large, global community of supporters, but how well does it work? How can an organization decide what to pursue, and evaluate effectiveness? How can we get started?

Audience: NPO staff who have little or no experience promoting their cause through social network sites, but want to know more. Also, anyone with experiences and lessons they'd like to share, from promoting their cause in this way.

Expected Technical Geekiness: Light

• Tuesday, September 30th, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm
• Teaming 4 Technology / United Way
• 2505 18th St. Denver, CO, 80211 (click here for a map)
• RSVP here (appreciated, but not required) 

Steve Kessler is the owner and lead consultant of Denver DataMan, a computer training company serving metro Denver. Steve speaks both English and geek. He is an active speaker and trainer in the Colorado nonprofit tech community, working regularly with several groups, including Teaming 4 Technology and KidsTek. 

Justin Perkins is a Director of Nonprofit Services & Business Development at Care2.com.  He is a new media marketing expert who develops partnerships with nonprofits and customizes strategic campaigns for them to reach Care2's online network of 9.5 million civically active adults.  Justin also started frogloop.com, Care2's blog for nonprofit marketing professionals, and he frequently blogs and speaks about social media trends.

We have gathered some information on the interests and background of the group, and will continue to do so. Here's a summary of our initial findings from the online and paper questionnaires. Thanks for repeating yourselves in some cases, we'll try to keep that to a minimum. Read the full summary here...