By: Dmitry Buterin
The online social networking phenomenon has been documented to death, at least at the 30,000-foot level, where it is usually described in glowing revolutionary terms. Code names such as Web 2.0 are tossed around by the initiated -- those who "get it" --but such terms are not useful to those of us down in the trenches who are trying to manage, or facilitate the management of, our communities online.
So what is the impact of social networking for existing groups and communities such as professional associations, non-profits, and other such organizations?Simply put, social networking flattens an organization and makes lateral communication easier. Instead of the top-down, one-way, command-and-control communications that are found in rigid hierarchies, social networking emphasizes lateral communications among peers. continue reading
By: Kevin Mahoney
This small, private company is a good example of how any business can share its wealth between its employees and other external parties who need help such as rural communities in third world countries.
The company was founded by an Englishman and his German wife who are risking part of their retirement savings to invest in Tanzania. They have grounded a safari lodge not far from Lake Manyara National Park. Once the business becomes profitable and has paid back its debts it will be able to donate up to 50,000 US Dollars to a single, defined aid project once each year! This is made possible by having limited overheads and a small staff of Tanzanians. continue reading
By: Kevin Mahoney
Wars fought over minerals that have their markets in the first world, children press ganged into killing machines, civil wars brought on by mad, corrupt dictators and developed into lost cause conflicts that can no longer be explained. Disease, drought, hunger and strife…
The most incredible scenery. Landscapes ranging from Mediterranean coastal strips through desert into sahel, savannah, rain forests on volcanic slopes to riparian paradise; flora and fauna in vast quantities building a rainbow of amazingly interesting diversity. continue reading
By: sunil sharma
"Where is all the help I'm supposed to get. I have been buying ezine and classified ad builders and signing up for Echecks and Virtual credit cards. continue reading
By: Bruce C. Anderson
Back in the good old days, people wanted to have churches in their neighborhoods. Churches provided a backbone for the community, a place where people could gather, and an unconscious sign that this was a good neighborhood. continue reading
By: Bruce C. Anderson
Getting in compliance with land use regulations and concurrency requirements is a key part of any church construction project. Developing land and meeting the requirements of concurrency can cost a church as much as 40 percent of your total project budget, but most churches don't think to add this expense to their total project budget projections in the initial stages. continue reading
By: Bruce C. Anderson
When planning a big project like a new worship center, children's center or church relocation, having a master plan is the key to success. A master plan is a comprehensive analysis of long-term ministry strategies and how they interface with your land and development strategies. continue reading
By: Kimberly Reynolds
If you're looking for some church fundraiser ideas, here are a dozen or so that are fairly easy to put together. These church fund raisers are low cost and take some effort, but they do a great job of raising much needed funds.
Bake Sale
Bake sales are a great way to get everyone together and strengthen the bond with your church. You can do a typical bake sale fundraiser or a Christmas Cookie box sale where you sell tickets and everyone gets to fill up a box with their choice of cookies.
Yard Sale
Doing a big rummage sale or yard sale in the church parking lot on Saturday morning is a fun way to raise funds. continue reading
By: William Hamilton
Copyright 2006 William Hamilton
Benevolence, good will and philanthropy are honorable principles to adhere to and run by, but when bills start amassing, a nonprofit or charitable organization will not be excused from payment despite its inherent noble ideals and objectives. To make certain that all expenses will be paid - to ensure that its programs and services will remain in operation indefinitely - any nonprofit and/or charitable group must raise revenues on a consistent basis. Indeed, fundraising is so important that organizations often contract with professional fundraising firms to best determine how to continuously fill their coffers.
In Post-September 11th America, the task of obtaining financial support has grown increasingly more difficult. continue reading