Grassroots.org

Fall means back to the books, which is why we are thrilled to select the Crescent City-based Del Norte County Library from more than 2,000 eligible organizations as our October Member of the Month.

Each month, we choose one member whose work best fulfills our mission: To serve as a catalyst for positive social change by leveraging modern technologies and best business practices.

Four main criteria are used to evaluate the websites: activity, growth, creativity and navigability. With its inviting web design and effective use of our tools, The Del Norte County Library excelled in each of these categories.

“We want to see other nonprofits succeed and grow because of the services we provide,” said Shane Hankins, Grassroots.org executive director. “The Del Norte County website is a great example of how small communities can utilize technology tools.”

The toolbox lets the library create a compelling and effective online community. One of the most valuable services is the World Lingo translation tool, said library manager Linda Kauffman.

“I love World Lingo,” Kaufmann said. “We have a large Spanish speaking population in Del Norte County, so this will make our web site more accessible to anyone whose first language is Spanish.”

Before Grassroots.org volunteer Phil Schaming designed the website, the library would have paid a premium for limited web capabilities. Now, the organization has saved enough money on technology tools to purchase a new server.

“That’s reason enough to love Grassroots.org,” Kauffman said. “Society is so tech-oriented now that almost everyone has access to a computer and the Internet. Now our community can ‘see’ us online. It’s just another tool for us to help the people of our community.”