New measure could give state regulators more control over charities

State regulators seek greater conrol

For my nonprofit friends...

You can only access the full article through a subscription to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, but here is an eye-opening beginning paragraph and link to a draft of the measure he is talking about:

By Mark J. Fitzgibbons/ Chronicle of Philanthropy

State regulators are trying to persuade lawmakers to pass a dangerous new measure that would give them greater control over how a charity uses its money and other resources.

Regulators are pushing a new model law in the hopes that all states will adopt the same version of a new Oversight of Charitable Assets Act.  Below is a link to the draft.  It bears looking into for nonprofit boards and management staff.

http://www.law.upenn.edu/bll/archives/ulc/ocaa/2010feb5%20meeting%20draft.pdf

Respectfully,
DCR

Develop a social media plan...and do it today.

Hi friends,

No social media to go
with your traditional
marketing...yawnsville

If your nonprofit hasn't jumped on the social media bandwagon that has been rolling along for quite awhile now...you are missing a huge opportunity.  Social media, for the most part, offers free avenues to promote your mission, events and vision.  What is better than free marketing?  

Does the idea of getting on to facebook or twitter or YouTube terrify you?  Do you lack staff to devote to developing it?  Surprise, I imagine there are quite a few members of your staff who are experts at it and would be excellent resources for your social media team.  Yep, it takes a team of people to create a social media plan for your organization.  The main thing you should know...this is the new communication and marketing system--if you aren't using it, your organization is already a step behind.  Ideally, your organization will have a blend of traditional and social media marketing.  

Locally, as in Kern County, CA, if you want to learn how to do it yourself, we have social media classes available at the Art's Council of Kern's Tech Arts Academy,  https://www.facebook.com/techartsacademy?ref=ts

For expertise to pull it all together for you, check out Project Social Media at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Social-Media/175603195811144?ref=ts.  They can set up your fb and twitter, YouTube accounts and maintain them or you or teach you how to do it.

Another good source -- The Chronicle of Philanthropy. I have attached a link that provides good info on what other np's are doing.  Great food for thought.  http://philanthropy.com/article/Using-Social-Media-for-Annual/126201/

It really doesn't matter if your organization is large or small -- develop a social media presence -- and do it as soon as possible.  You will be giving your constituents, your organization and your investors a big, big boost.  It is bang-for-the-buck, friends.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact me, toll free - 800-811-9444.  

Best wishes,
DCR