Everyone’s Blogging

These slides from the training session for the Brighton & Hove Chamber of Commerce last week. Let me know if you want us to come to your event or run a bespoke event or Masterclass.

More details on our Social Media for Good course soon (looks like next date will be Oct 3 in Brighton).

Covers a bit of an introduction to social media and blogging, plus some questions to get you thinking about your own context, opportunities and challenges.

Some good thinking in the room and animated conversations. Quite a few organisations ready to get blogging and exploring integrated social media in more depth.

A few of you made pledges are you walked out the door about your goals and intentions, so let me know how you get on!
Thanks to all for your warm feedback and to those who helped make it a positive event, especially Lorraine Bell (BCP), Tania “Radiance” Fullerton (Brighton Steiner School) and Fay McDonald.

Scholarships available for next course

30 June, 2008

5:00 pm

Our Social Media for the Third Sector course is starting soon. Keep 11 July free for the group learning day, and make a commitment before early July so we can work with you on your learning needs analysis.

That’s if you want a taste of a truly educational, capacity building package, and not just a quicky training day.

We are looking for two motivated people / organisations to award 80% scholarships for Part One (and potentially, Part Two).

If you ‘get’ that social media is essential knowledge to:

• build stronger relationships with your stakeholders
• get attention online and in real life
• raise funds
• collaborate creatively and build innovative approaches to social and environmental challenges

.. then apply here.

Find out all about the way we give and support real learning here.

Any questions, just pick up the phone and talk to Libby on 07968 687 107.

As of today, there are still places available, and we won’t decide on the sponsored places until 30 June. But the earlier you apply, the better.

Pros & cons of blogging - for social entrepreneurs

Some interesting analysis and discussion around this question at Social Edge - the Skoll Foundation online space for social enterpreneurs. Check it out, join in and subscribe to Social Edge is that’s your area.

See other Nodestone posts on blogging.

Social Media for the Third Sector

Learning Package: Social Media for the Third Sector

New dates coming soon…

Your chance to get > share > use radical knowledge for positive impact. More information…

Opportunities & Risks for Third Sector & Online Communities

A thoughtful piece of research from Megan Griffith, David Wilcox and many other fine folk at NCVO.

While it concentrates on community and volunteer organisations, the implications are there for others in the Third Sector, including charities and social enterprises.

We were impressed by the clarity of their executive summary - looking at the risks and opportunities presented by the rapid growth and expectations of online communities - along with other web 2.0 behaviours (eg. the expectation of participation and dialogue).

To download or purchase a printed copy of the executive summary (2 pages) and full report, click here.

Their suggestion is these trends apply to younger stakeholders, but it is also interesting to note the increase in social media uptake by the 50+ group.

“Boomers, silver surfers, 50+, third agers, the mature market - whatever you call them, they’re a group that can’t be ignored. They have good incomes, great social networks and they’re getting online like never before.” New Media Knowledge

They also have more time on their hands and are closer to the age when bequests and other forms of giving and participation become more poignant.

Coming soon… latest analytics on who is actually online, what they are doing and how the trend forecasters are suggesting we look ahead. Important stuff to share and consider.

Third Sector - Is The Internet Friend or Foe?

Despite what some might think, even Africa is getting online.
(Click the image to access individual site links.)

Nick Aldridge, CEO of MissionFish helps charities raise money on eBay. He also writes inspiring, informative pieces about the potential and pitfalls of social media and web 2.0.

On the Social Enterprise Magazine website, Nick talks about why social enterprises (and by extension you could add other Third Sector organisations - charities, non-profits, community organisations and other social/eco innovators) should be thinking hard about how to handle the new paradigm emerging.

Authenticity, yet again, is seen as a priority. Something we need to explore more in practical ways. In essence, think “do what you are”, “be who you are”. A congruent, human, appropriate identity emerges.

“The fundamental idea is that the Internet is now a huge forum where people can interact with each other and generate their own content. A bundle of technologies, such as blogs, feeds and widgets (check Wikipedia!) have grown up to catalyse and spread user generated content.

“The result is that customers or donors are no longer passive recipients of marketing messages, which many now actively and vociferously challenge…

“This undoubtedly makes things more complicated for social enterprises, but also more exciting. A real-life supporter or client talking authentically about your work to a large network of friends is worth a dozen beautifully crafted press releases.”

Thanks for your perspective Nick. Thanks to all at Social Enterprise Magazine for putting together a great publication and website.

As an aside… Would be good to see some appropriate social media / interactivity come into Social Enterprise Magazine. I know this is going on in other places (eg. UnLtd World and Ammado), but there is still a chance here to engage on your specific content, even just to the degree that the Guardian, Times and client-specific publications like the RSA Journal are doing… but different. Perhaps focussing interaction between readers not between readers and editors.

Continues on the Social Enterprise Magazine website here…

Other items you might find useful:

Social Media for the Third Sector - at Shine Unconference 08

Social Media for the Third Sector

Gra Sutherland and I ran a session at the Shine Unconference for social entrepreneurs yesterday in London. What was billed as Authenticity in the Online World became Social Media/Web 2.0 for the Third Sector on Day Three, as the event unfolded and our awareness of what might be most useful came into focus.

Given it was one of the last sessions on a sunny Sunday afternoon, after nearly three days of the great shiny “happening”, we were delighted by the number, passion and knowledge of the people in the room.

Many were there to start scratching the surface of this new paradigm, this new way of making things happen in the world, others had already begun to engage more deeply and several were card carrying members of the converted and critically aware. Perhaps half were actively making part or most of their income directly through engagement with the social media space, which might explain the vested heat in the room. All were passionately involved in the debate that unfolded, whether they were talking or listening.

Questions People Asked

Initial questions asked included:

Why bother? Is it worth the 3rd sector getting into social media (back question here is about what is relevant to 3rd sector)

What is the current diversity of the internet? Who’s online.

Data on growth of social media for various groups, 3rd world, stakeholders of 3rd sector

What about reputation issues. How can we put stuff out there without losing our rights, our control of our message?

How do we build trust in each other online?

What are the sensible things to do in social media? How to start, put a toe in the water etc?

Why is there so much pressure to get onto facebook etc?

What will be left when the social media hype is over?

How can you make introductions safely online. How to replace the 20 min face to face ‘intuitive trust’?

Essence & Consensus

The key points we wanted to get across follow. Consensus was not sought, but to a large extent was experienced.

1. Web 2.0 / social media is a new paradigm emerging, not another internet fad or buzz word. It is changing the way we do things - potentially for the better. The pace of change is speeding up. New ways of collaborating, new economic models, new ways of building engagement and participation (think: fundraising, recruitment, contracts), new ways of communicating.

2. There are challenges and opportunities. It’s not utopia (yet). There are significant gains to be made, with wisdom and caution. Some often overlooked opportunities are for individual and group learning, collaboration and innovation. But it can be as simple as building dialogue tools into your website and partcipating in key online conversations that matter to you.

3. There is essential learning and initial or further exploration to be done by third sector people - leaders, communications/ fundraising people, HR and others. Case studies and other elements in a body of knowledge are already emerging to help in this (see UK Catalyst Awards for example). Professionals from a range of backgrounds are emerging to help.

4. The tools will keep changing but the key conceptual space is already starting to become clear (see We Think and CommonCraft for simple animated examples). Learning needs to focus on concepts first, tools second. This knowledge can be learnt and experienced without undue risk or brain drain, but a commitment is required to build capacity and embed the knowledge in specific contexts. There are no magic bullets or one size fits all.

5. Authenticity has never been more important.

6. Experimenting with tools like blogging, forums, flickr, facebook, YouTube, MySpace twitter, discussion lists etc is essential. You need to get your hands in there having real life experiences to get a feel for things. That doesn’t mean you have to be on facebook nor reveal all, anywhere at anytime.

7. We can now more easily be thinking and connecting with words, images, music, videos, photos, animation. It’s good to explore when and how to use a range of media to communicate. Different tools are more or less supportive of different media.

8. It can all be very confusing and time consuming! Even for seasoned specialists.

9. Small steps might be all it takes. One step at a time. As long as the path is clear.

10. Social media should work in support of, not as a substitute for, face-to-face, “real world” interaction.

We are well aware real consensus cannot be achieved in such a short time, nor was this an intended outcome of the session. To ensure your views at this point become clearer to yourself and others, participate in the ongoing debate.

Who Was There

Some of the people and organisations represented in the discussion included the very knowledgeable Dave Dawes (Foundation of Nursing Leadership), David Wilcox (Social Reporter. Much involved with building up social media around the Shine event and very active in this space. Do check out his blog and coverage of the event), Angela Walker (Neru - Brand & Marketing), Parag Shah (Art Switch), Alison Coward (social entrepreneur), David Floyd (Social Spider), Chris Prior (Franklin Waugh), Eszter Kun (social entrepreneur), Ben Matthews (Bright One Communications),

In the true spirit of the unconference and web 2.0, we collaborated with whoever turned up, rather than delivering a one-way, “we have the knowledge, sit there and eat it” presentation. Which of course can be very useful and inspiring to receive. But not empowering, nor making the most of the opportunity rare “face time” offers for deeper human interaction.

Social Media for the Third Sector Video

We see our job as offering time and cost effective training and ongoing support to help the Third Sector find out what is really worth knowing and doing within their own context.

To find out more about the approach we are offering in our next learning programme in Social Media for the Third Sector, view this short interview David Wilcox invited me to do.

At the end?

We were all intent on making sure the Third Sector (social enterprise, charities, non-profits) are not left behind in gaining this knowledge, if it can be used in meaningful ways that lead to genuine social impacts. No-one’s in it just to get “friends” in facebook or waste their time, to be sure.

How will we create these impacts? Well, we might need to dip a toe or two in the water. Maybe even plunge in at some point.

Let’s continue the conversation…

…in our social network to explore these ideas further… If your questions need expanding or clarifying, if you want answers or to help others find them, get in there. All with an interest are welcome. There are already many posts and discussions in the Ning that start to cover some of the question above.

Never joined one before? No time like now to experiment… You can watch for a while, explore when you are ready.

Catalyst Awards & Social Web Innovators Connecting

I rarely repost other people’s blog posts here, but this one needs sharing. David Wilcox recently came into focus when Tessy Britton invited him into our new online social network for social innovators.

David is what we call a “node”, a hub, a connector and maven. In other words, a kindred spirit. I haven’t even met him yet, back very much look forward to.

Here he writes optimistically about the new Catalyst Awards, about how change agents are using the social web and getting together. The Catalyst Awards are brought together by some great people with real form in this emergent area - like Mark Your Mark, UnLtd, NESTA and the Minister for the Third Sector.

“We’re looking for inspiring stories of people who help their community by using social technology* in new and exciting ways. Can you or someone you know show how technology is already enabling people around them to connect with each other in new ways and do good things?”

So glad there is such a large amount of energy coming into this space. Makes our job of creating and sharing a body of knowledge and positive practice a lot easier.

Spread the word about the awards, enter before 16th June 2008. and consider using them as a point of reference for developing your own best work.

A wealth of other information on David’s blog around this space. Check it out. Will definitely be adding David and Dr Dan to the blogroll on the new site.

Free School Joins Dots

Really enjoyed (as you can see) experiencing Free School this week. Congratulations to Seb Mary and all from School of Everything for making it happen. Some fine folk took a short course in Advanced Raving & Merriment to be sure. We also learnt and taught some very tangible things about…

• Public relations and marketing (thanks Heleana)
• Social media, authenticity and learning
• Taking egalitarian education to the streets.. cafes.. anywhere, anytime.

Find out more here.

Better still, try getting along to the next one.

I Am An Activist - Tribute to Anita Roddick

I am a big fan and sometimes apologist for Anita Roddick. I am also an activist.

I have grown up with Anita’s strong voice and heart, strong actions, in my life. She is like an inspiring, very sympatico Aunty, always there, always putting the fire in my belly.

The day she died was a day I remember well. It was a shock that hit me in the guts. I had no idea Anita was even sick. I happened to be joining with Sarah James, a fellow activist, to begin a new initiative. We dedicated our meeting to her memory.

I dedicate large chunks of what I know and am to Anita.

I only met her once. She came to talk at a Business School I was teaching at in Australia. I hate allocated seating and, like my young daughter, usually sit right at the front if I can. I know it’s rude, I know it’s not fair. But as a kid, the older I got, the more I knew what I wanted to know. The more passionate I was about finding out about it. If (and I mean if) I went to class, I sat at the front. I worked hard. I listened.

So when Anita came to talk, I sat right next to her… where no-one else dared sit.

I wanted to see her hands. That’s what really mattered at the time. I thought I could see inside her soul and find out if she was true, and real and worthy of my sometimes teenage adoration, if I could only see her hands. At the risk of sounding like a tosser, I have to say - they were beautiful. They were the hands of a worker, but still somewhat refined. They had balance. I’m not saying she was perfect, or a saint by any means. She made tough decisions, was perceived to be in control of stuff that was way outside her control, but she did her best. She got under people’s skin, one way or another. The way she fanned her own fire sparked countless 1000s more to ignite. She made things happen. Good things.

When she died, I realised I would not be working with her - as I had planned . We moved to Brighton in 2005, birthplace of Body Shop store No. 1 and close to Anita.’s new base and mother. A place for activists. When friends asked “why are you moving back to the UK, to Brighton. What will you do?” I said casually, “Oh, I think I’m going to be working with Anita Roddick. Now she’s out of The Body Shop, I think she’ld be great fun to work with. She’s got doing loads of good stuff and someone’s bound to introduce us to each other. It’s destiny.” I was only partly tongue in cheek. Stranger things have happened, and she did live just down the road - and we do have friends in common.

Alas, it was not to be. In one sense. In another, we are all working together - towards similar goals, wherever we are. Social justice, sustainability of life on earth, human and animal rights. The work needs doing, so we unite to do it. With or without Anita, her spiritual forebears or descendants. We are one point in the continuum, all linked going through time and space. We are not alone. There is bamboo.

Here are some tributes given during the I Am An Activist event on 23 October 2007, when “thousands of thinkers, artists, activists, and other heroic saboteurs of the status quo gathered to celebrate the remarkable life and legacy of Dame Anita Roddick.”

“[Anita was] the human equivalent of a flag, a claxon, a torch, a flare, an alarm clock. … Uncompromising, inspiring and visionary, an active world citizen, but still funny, sexy, and overflowing.”

Alan Rickman, actor and activist

“Beethoven said, ‘If it comes from the heart, it goes to the heart.’ That quote speaks volumes about my mum. I believe it is the reason my mum touched so many people. Whether you agreed with her or not, or whether you liked her or not, the one thing that is really non-negotiable, the one thing that is not up for discussion, is that all she did as a parent or as an activist, it really all did come from the heart.”

Justine Roddick

My mother treated life like each day was her last, and this gave her the permission for incredible bravery. … Tonight I am personally pledging that I Am An Activist, and within that, I also will have a lot of fun, and I also will be silly. I will not be polite and I will never, ever, ask for permission.

Sam Roddick

“Many have the resources Anita had, but few have the moral fortitude to use those resources to achieve the only truly important goal of social and environmental sustainability.”

Herman Wallace, member of the Angola 3 Louisiana State Penitentiary, Angola

“She was, in my opinion, one of the world’s greatest communicators.”

Adrian Bellamy, Chairman of The Body Shop

“Watch and listen to figures from Amnesty International, Greenpeace, Reprieve, The Body Shop, as well as family and close friends, as they laugh and cry and ultimately take to the streets to launch a new movement in activism inspired by the one and only Anita Roddick.”

DVD of the I Am An Activist event available here at, what was, Anita’s blog.

Reposted from the community blog at Authentic Blogging’s online network. All activists welcome to join.

I think, you think, we create (better) together

“We’re here to make a positive difference through blogging - and other social media - for ourselves, for our organisations, for others.”

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