The Networked Nonprofit: Connecting with Social Media to Drive Change by Beth Kanter & Allison H. Fine Chapters 1 – 3 KEY CONCEPTS

The Networked Nonprofit: Connecting with Social Media to Drive Change by Beth Kanter & Allison H. Fine

Chapters 1 – 3

KEY CONCEPTS

Shelley Jane Graff

*CHAPTER ONE—“Introducing Networked Nonprofits” =

¦ Key Differences Between the ‘Networked Nonprofit’ and the ‘Traditional Nonprofit’ =

S  The ‘Networked Nonprofit’ acts as its own small social network through the use of various forms of Social Media. 

S  Whereas the ‘Traditional Nonprofit’ often spoke for a cause, the ‘Networked Nonprofit’ has a discussion about the cause, and ultimately wishes to build a meaningful relationship with everyone who gets involved. 

S  In the ‘Networked Nonprofit’ the organization is equally important to every individual person involved, or what the authors refer to as the “free agent.” 

S  Therefore, the ‘Networked Nonprofit’ has less control over its organization in comparison with the ‘Traditional Nonprofit,’ but in return it obtains far greater reach. 

S  “Networked Nonprofits are simple and transparent organizations.  They are easy for outsiders to get in and insiders to get out.  They engage people in shaping and sharing their work in order to raise awareness of social issues, organize communities to provide services, or advocate for legislation.  In the long run, they are helping to make the world a safer, fairer, healthier place to live.” (Kanter & Fine, p. 3)

*CHAPTER TWO—“Nonprofit Challenges and Trends” =

³ Generational Differences =

v Digital Natives (definition):  “Millennials (born between 1978 and 1993) who since birth have been exposed to the Internet and a constant stream of digital technologies.”

v Millennials tend to be passionate about causes, but they are not necessarily passionate about specific nonprofit organizations.  “Because they view the world through the lens of social media and social networks, Millennials are less interested in institutions than their parents were.” (p. 15)

v “Millennials represent a potential fatal blow to the large, ongoing membership donor bases for traditional organizations.  They are highly unlikely to become lifetime members and donors to groups like their grandparents were.” (p. 15)

v “Millennials’ passions are fluid; they will support organizations at certain times when moved to do so, and then they will go away.  To adapt and survive, organizations will have to become more flexible and accepting of this reality.” (p. 15)

v “Another issue is that Millennials expect organizations to have the same fluency with social media, the same comfort working beyond the organization’s institutional walls as they do.  Thus, organizations that don’t yet work as networks experience inherent tension and conflict with Millennials.” (p. 15)

³ “Free Agents” and How They Differ from Those Involved in Conventional Activism =

v Free Agents (definition):  “Individuals working outside of organizations to organize, mobilize, raise funds, and communicate with constituents for a cause.  They are general comfortable with and adept at using social media.” 

v “In the old paradigm, organizations could dismiss free agents as amateurs not worthy of their time and attention.” (p. 15)

v “Free agents are not by definition Millennials, but many free agents are young people.  Free agents take advantage of the social media toolset to do everything organizations have always done, but outside of institutional walls.” (p. 16)

*CHAPTER THREE—“How to Become a Networked Nonprofit: Understanding Social Networks” =

Ø Breaking Down Social Network Terminology—DEFINITIONS =

] Nodes:  “People or organizations connected in a social network.”  

] Ties:  “The connections between people and organizations, or nodes, in a social network.”

] Hubs:  “Hubs are the larger nodes within networks, meaning the people or organizations that have many connections.  Hubs are the influencers in the network, the people who know everyone and are known by everyone.”

] Core:  “The inner group of people who do most of the work within a social network.”  

] Cluster:  “Groups of people within a social network who are connected to one another, but who have few connections to the rest of the network.” 

Ø Network Map Suggestions for LGBT Studies at Northern Illinois University: What to Include…

] Network Mapping (definition):  “The process of visually drawing—or mapping—the components of a social network…Strategic network mapping identifies nodes, hubs, and other connections in order to reveal opportunities to strengthen a social network.” 

] In regards to network mapping for the LGBT Studies certificate program at N.I.U., I would begin by including all administrators, or individuals with management responsibilities, as well as any other staff members. 

] Secondly, all students involved in the program, or in other words all students currently seeking the certificate.  (Possibly also include prospective certificate seeking students/current students who have actively shown interest in the program.)

] Next, all of the students who have sought the certificate in the past, as well as any employers these individuals may have currently (based on their possession of said certificate). 

] Then I would add any organization on N.I.U.’s campus that is a sister/sympathetic group. 

] I would consider any group or individual that the organization has ties with on Twitter and Facebook to be worthy of inclusion—perhaps this aspect of the mapping could be done with the assistance of a free social network analysis tool such as Mailana. 

] Finally, any organizations or individuals outside of the University that are affiliates of the program. 

Ø Defining Social Capital =

] Social Capital (definition):  “The bundle of trust, accountability, and reciprocity that exists when relationships are meaningful and resilient.”

] “And organizations need to build, nurture, strengthen, and use this capital for social change to occur.” (p.33)