If you're an avid follower of the Grassroots.org blog, you already know that over the next few months, our staff will be reviewing one web tool each week. Each tech tool comes from this list of Web Development Best Practices from Grassroots.org founder Mike Mann. So check back and read this weekly series for advice, insight and information on the web’s best technologies for nonprofits.
What kind of service is Ning?
Ning is a free tool that allows you to create your own social networking site specific to a topic of your choice. With 1.8 million networks and 39 million registered users, Ning can offer lots of exposure to new audiences. Users are granted roles (such as "administrator", "member", etc.) that will limit their abilities in your network. Members in your Ning community will be able to post and reply to discussions, post pictures, and write blogs. As an administrator, you will have privileges of a member as well as the ability to ban users, change the appearance of the site, send broadcast messages to all users and more.
How have we used Ning at Grassroots.org?
At Grassroots.org, we decided to use the tool to create an online community for nonprofits to share ideas and information with other nonprofit professionals. So far we have attracted nearly 150 members who have contributed discussions, pictures and blogs to our Ning community. It has helped increase our web presence and has even attracted new members to our site.
In September, we used the tool to reach out to the AmeriCorps VISTA community. VISTAs, who volunteer for nonprofits across the country, have brought a number of opportunities to our Ning community. Because they are young and technologically knowledgeable, they have contributed to the Ning community and many of their sponsor organizations have become Grassroots.org members since then. Check out our Ning community.
How should nonprofits use Ning?
This is a free tool, so there is no risk. The tool can be very helpful to create discussion, inform people of your cause and become more informed yourself. Having a Ning site will increase your organization's web presence and can be a nice addition to your organization. It can be used as a place for you to post many forms of content such as videos, images, blogs, etc. Outside of creating your own network, you might be able to find other networks that are relevant to your cause.
How can my organization sign up for Ning?
It is easy and free to sign up. Simply go to http://www.ning.com, then pick a name and web address.
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