Foundation Journal

This case study documents the solution to provide an interactive, online ability for conference organizers to collect workshop proposals, conference registrations and payments, along with sponsorship requests. My role on the project included branding, designing and building the website, as well as writing content for the conference, such as news releases, event flier, and webpage content. Additionally, my work included testing and integrating the website online payment with PayPal for registration. Overview KKFI 90.1 FM community radio and Friends of Community Media in Kansas City will host the national 15th Grassroots Radio Conference on August 18-21, 2011. The conference offers community radio producers and promoters a chance to connect with each other, learn new skills, and discuss media issues. Conference organizers agreed to work with a solution that would allow conference presenters and participants to sign up for activities online, which reduces the difficulty of man...

Class participants at recent Facebook and podcasting Communiversity courses share their struggles with social media. The spirit of Communiversity is for people with knowledge, experience, or skills to share that information with area residents. The real magic for me is to conduct the classes as more participatory than lecture format. Audio Podcasting Made Simple The podcasting class included an individual with Independent Filmmaker's Coalition of KC, a self-published author on bargain hunting, a music blogger, a hair stylist, a holistic health advocate with the KC Wellness Guide (kcwellnessguide.com), and a food sovereignity activist. The people in the class bring a variety of web skills -- from novices to seasoned surfer. This was the third time I taught the class. One thing I've noticed is how many people are active in an artistic endeavor as a musician, writer, or filmmaking -- is everyone an artist?! Each person has an interest in expressing themselves, but many of th...

Never a dull moment. That's how I would describe the second session on using social media tools for non-profits because we had lots of good questions and discussion. We covered another set of social network/media tools -- Youtube Channel, Flickr for groups, podcasting -- then showcased The Pixel Project non-profit group's global campaign to reduce violence against women. The Pixel Project uses social networking as a crucial means to fulfill their group's cause, which is why it was showcased last night. One of the take-aways from the Communiversity class is that there are different levels to using social media. The first level might be "just starting," when you're unsure of how the social networking tool works and skeptical about the value to your organization. Another level might be "one-way communication" to your group's followers. Many groups use Twitter to send information about events, but don't use it to engage supporters. The next lev...

The first session of Communiversity course, "Using the Internet for Social Change," on Feb. 22 provided a lively exchange of information on social networking from class participants. I thought we had a terrific cross-section of non-profit groups and individuals in Kansas City – health services, filmmakers, arts organizations, environment, as well as neighborhood associations. Participants in the first session shared many of the familiar concerns that organizations face with social networking – lack of adoption, plus a healthy skepticism of the “payback” to an organization. These valid concerns are cultural changes that an organization needs to work through. Another important point brought up in the session was the need to link social media with your organization’s strategy. In the first session we started a survey of a number of social media tools that individuals and organizations can use to expand their outreach and capacity. I hope to see you all again at the next sess...