Why Your Nonprofit Organization Should Embrace Social Networking

If only because all 501(c)3s can avail themselves of these free programs:

1. YouTube.

2. MySpace.

3. Facebook.

4. Google. Google Grants provides free Google AdWords advertising to select charitable organizations. This program is designed to help organizations extend their public service messages to a global audience in an effort to make a greater impact on the world.

Union of Online Scientists

PR Week reports on the new-media thinking and efforts of the Union of Concerned Scientists:

Karla Capers, online communications manager at the Washington-based Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), says the reason her organization is using new media is to connect with people where they spend a lot of their time—online.

"Originally, it was just creating Web sites and providing information for people, but now that's getting even broader," Capers explains. "Now, it's making sure we have information up on our own site and on sites where people go, like YouTube". . . .

The UCS has its Hybrid Center microsite, www.hybridcenter.org, that hosts its hybrid blog, which is intended to engage hybrid owners and clean-vehicle enthusiasts.

"The blog allows people to read our latest perspective on the latest vehicle technology developments and engage with us and one another on what their reactions are to these sorts of things," she says. "We also have something called 'Who's Got Hybrids?' where hybrid owners can upload pictures, write testimonials, and talk about what they like and don't like about hybrids."