Effectively using the internet for not-for-profit organizations

It’s very important in any not-for-profit organization to make sure you are effectively using communication to achieve your mission. So many things go into making a organization successful at reaching it’s target audience and successfully compelling that same audience to become involved. A few months back I was interested in volunteering in the St. Louis, Missouri area so I went to google and began looking up ways for me to get involved. I quickly became frustrated at the lack of online presence from most not-for-profit organizations. It’s important for organizations to remember that people don’t want to spend a lot of time just trying to find out basic information about what they can do to help. Once I began to call some of the organizations asking about donating items like coats, blankets, clothes, and other items people need I was told that they weren’t accepting donations of any items at this time. Most of these places were shelters where people are able to stay when they are going through a hard time, domestic violence, or are homeless. I was shocked that the people answering the phones were so quick to say no to help from donated items. Then when I asked about volunteer options I was told to go online and read the volunteer options on their website about upcoming events.

I quickly felt defeated and like I couldn’t help or that my help wouldn’t matter or maybe wasn’t even needed. I know that none of that is true but the organizations communication wasn’t effective at helping me become involved in their mission.

I understand that non for profit organizations have limited people working with them in offices and this may lead to workers not wanting to spend time on the phone discussing the organization because their time is limited and there is a lot to get done. It’s important though for not-for-profit organizations to remember that communication is their biggest tool in motivating people to become active in their organization.

As volunteers, we also have limited time available to give to a organization. We want to feel first that our time is greatly needed. Turning away help of any kind is discouraging to someone who may not have the money to donate but has the time or may not have the time but who has items someone else could use.

Organizations then must remember that today the internet is a huge place where people get their information. Often times a caller may have already looked up the organization before they make the phone call to find out more information. Effective use of website and social media presence is a great way to advertise and promote things happening within the organization. A way to be effective on the internet is to remember people want their information fast and easy. Organizations should make sure the mission is clear along with areas and events volunteers are needed for. Social Media can then be used to excite and encourage community involvement.