Handling social media for your organization can sometimes feel like a component of work that is difficult to control and too time-consuming to do well. New trends and tools are constantly popping up, as are comments and conversations that require responses.

Google+ is the latest social network offering from the search-engine giant. While it remains to be seen whether it will gain the popularity with individuals to rival Facebook or Twitter, organizations are considering whether to invest in setting up an institutional presence.

Will Google+ be another tool for nonprofits to leverage the power of the internet to achieve their missions? Several important voices in the nonprofit community have offered their advice for social change organizations that are thinking about taking the plunge.

Beth Kanter and Allison Fine's book, The Networked Nonprofit, is now out and starting lots of conversations. But what's everyone talking about? Below I've shared some excerpts and resources to get you started and ready to join in!

Getting Started

Let's start at the beginning: what is a "networked nonprofit" anyway? As Beth and Allison explain:

Help Beth Kanter and Allison Fine celebrate the release of their book, The Networked Nonprofit, at their book party online or in San Francisco! At the event, you'll be able to buy a copy of the book, get the authors' signatures, and ask them questions about the book and their work.

As social media becomes increasingly embraced by mainstream employers, how can you write a social media policy for your organization that both celebrates the positive side and addresses the negative side of social media?  The March Net2 Think Tank asked for examples of effective social media policies and this round-up has some great examples to get you started creating a social media policy in your organization!

The Social Media for Social Good collection from NTEN and NetSquared calls for your case studies in leveraging social media tools in your program work.

Social Media for Social Good

Everywhere you turn, you’re hearing about social media. Especially when it comes to fundraising. But at NTEN and NetSquared, we know that social media is good for a lot more than raising money. We know that social media can be used to change the world. That’s why we’re launching the Social Media for Social Good case study collection!

Happy Birthday!

Today we are throwing an online surprise birthday party for Beth Kanter, and you’re invited!