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: