Social media for social good, with a side of bacon

This Friday marks Social Media Breakfast - Minneapolis/St. Paul #17. Social Media Breakfast, with local chapters across the nation, is a networking and learning opportunity for local social media users to talk about using social media and social networking tools in their business or careers. The July 2009 #SMBMSP topic is, "Nonprofits & Social Media," and I will be speaking on a panel with several other folks who work in Minnesota's nonprofit sector. Our conversation will run the gamut on a wide variety of issues stemming from our use of social media for organizational outreach, fundraising, and communications.

Unfortunately, SMBMSP 17 sold out within an hour after it was announced (there are a lot of do-gooders in the Twin Cities, as my last post evinces). Those who can't join us in person can follow our video stream: http://www.livestream.com/smbmsp on Friday morning from 8:00AM-10:00AM. You can also check out our panelists' podcast, recorded late last week, to provide a brief glimpse into our upcoming conversation. Hope to see you there or get your feedback here!

Nonprofits & Social Media
Nonprofits and social media have been a popular discussion topic recently. Mashable launched the The Summer of Social Good in June, an online charitable campaign to raise funds online through the power of Social Media and the Internet. Groups like Social Media for Social Change (SM4SC) been created around this concept and coordinates fundraisers around the US. The first Social Good Conference will be held in New York this August focusing on the topic of “Social Media for Social Good.”

What are local nonprofits doing to harness the power of social media? Has it helped to increase awareness, funds, volunteerism? What role does it play now and in the future? Join us and our panel to explore these issues and more.

Moderator:
Meg Canada, Senior Librarian, Hennepin County Library

Panel:
Sarah Burt
Systems Administrator, Office of Congressman Ellison

Lindsi Gish
E-communications marketing manager, Second Harvest

Dania Toscano Miwa
Development associate, Great Plains Institute

Ashley Schweitzer
Marketing Coordinator, Nonprofits Assistance Fund

Diane Tran
Staff Consultant, Catalyst