Steve AlbertsonONE/Northwest & TechPartners.org

(albertson@tcn.org)February 25, 2000

Using Technology to Protect the Environment

(and other misadventures of a former .com person)

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What I’ll Say Today

• About ONE/Northwest

• Technology and Nonprofits Today

• “Philanthropy” and .com People

• Questions, Answers & Discussion

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ONE/Northwest

• Helping the Northwest nonprofit conservation community get online since 1995

“Online Networking for the Environment”

• Six permanent staff members, 1-2 “network trainers”• 1000+ groups in 5 states/1 province (BC)

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What We Do

• Networking Projects– Equipment, LAN installation, consulting, support

• Network Trainers (Anchorage, Boise, B.C.)• Technical Assessments• “Web University”• Customized Internet Applications

– www.extinctionsucks.org

• Consulting, Support & Email lists – 420 lists, 19,000 individuals

• Volunteer Matching

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Where We Work(A Typical Nonprofit Office)

What We Do(ONE/Northwest in Action)

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“Online Organizations”(Where We’re Trying to Take Nonprofits)

1) A Network (duh!)2) Desktop Internet access3) Identified/Available Technical Resources4) Integration of Technology into Planning5) Email Addresses for Key Constituencies6) Protection of Electronic Resources7) An Organizational Web site

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Technology and Conservation Nonprofits

• 202 conservation groups in Seattle area– 50-60% “online” (at least one email address)– ~ 30% with Web sites

• Some Characteristics:– Few LANs– Little formal training or identified tech resources– Equipment needs– Infrequent planning for tech work ($$)– Wide variety of hardware & software in use

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Project Example:Washington State Audubon

• 26 Chapters, all over the state (mostly volunteers)

• Few technical resources

• 20,000 members

• Protecting wetlands, habitat and birds

Our Goal: Give each chapter access to email and the Web, and the training to use these tools effectively.

American Goldfinch(our state bird)

Audubon: Where We Went

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Audubon: What We Did

• Provided new & upgraded equipment to 20 chapters

• Extensive group and one-on-one training

• Consultation on communication plans

• Ongoing technical support

ONE/Northwest consultant Argon Steel trains Shirley Muse (Blue

Mountain Audubon, Walla Walla)

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Audubon: The Ongoing Impact

• 20 chapters “online” & trained

• Chapter participation in Audubon email lists

• Email between chapter boards, volunteers, & members

• Plans to develop and nurture the network

Thankyou!

“We believe the benefits of the network will have far-reaching effects, for Audubon and for the conservation community at large.”

- Jeff Parsons, Executive Director Washington State Audubon

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“Philanthropy” & .com People

• Perceptions of High-Tech People– Everyone is wealthy– Everyone is complete focused on career and the

acquisition of wealth– Few are giving back to the community – Only gazillionaires are “philanthropists”– Everyone is wealthy (did I say that already?)

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“Philanthropy” & .com People

• The Reality– Many are wealthy, but young, busy and

invested– “Philanthropy” is becoming cool– Focus on measurement and accountability– Broad “venture philanthropy” initiatives (esp.

Seattle, Silicon Valley)– Not just the “retired” or the super-wealthy

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Local Philanthropy Initiatives

• Social Venture Partners (www.svpseattle.org)– “Giving Circle” supporting kids and education– $5,400/yr. for two years; volunteering w/grantees– 232 “partners”, ~$700,000/yr. donated

• A Territory Resource (www.atrfoundation.org)– Focus on “root causes” of problems; progressive– Growing high-tech individual participation– 400 donors / $1 million in grants

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Local Nonprofit Technology

• ONE/Northwest

• NPower (www.npower.org)– Nonprofits in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties– Training and consulting emphasis

• Technology Access Fdn. (www.techaccess.org)– Focus on “communities of color”– Youth training programs, tech projects

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Final Thoughts

• Do Well in your career

• Do Good with your skills & experiences

• Keep an eye open for interesting opportunities

• Give back to your community (time, money, expertise, influence)

• It’s easy, fun and rewarding

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Staying Informed (ONE/Northwest)

• Subscribe to The Connection– Quarterly email newsletter about the work we do

– On-the-ground insight into how we help nonprofits

– Subscribe via our web site

• Subscribe to ONEList– Monthly email newsletter about technology

– Review past editions & subscribe via our web site

• Regular Events– Brain Trusts, fundraising events

Nickerson Marina Building

1080 W. Ewing Place, Suite 301

Seattle, WA 98119-1422

info@onenw.org

206.286.1235

www.onenw.org