Last Friday, Weber Shandwick released the results of its Social Impact Survey.  It reported that 88% of nonprofits are experimenting with social media, but only 51% are active users. And, 79% of nonprofits aren't sure how to demonstrate social media's value to the organization. Surprising. To me, social media oozes marketing and PR value for nonprofits. I mean, if there's one industry that can benefit from a virtual community, it's the one that already has an established community around some common interest. Social media is an extension of that community. It allows people to engage with your organization, your news, and each other on a regular basis.

Here are a few quick ideas and justifications-- 

1. An association Facebook fan page allows people to connect and converse all year round, making them more excited renew their membership, donate to causes, and attend in person events. Sure, there's still issues surrounding travel and limited continuing education budgets, but doesn't it seem logical that people who are actively engaged will make more of an effort to overcome those obstacles?
2. Twitter's fast news allows associations to put out announcements or link to industry news. Donation deadlines, keynote speakers at events, membership renewal notices in the mail, etc. The possibilities are endless there.
3. YouTube, flickr, and other photo sharing sites are cheap and easy. Flip cams are affordable and make filming conference events quick and painless. Show everyone what its like to BE there. As they say, a picture's worth a thousand words.

Got more ideas? Leave a comment and share them with us and other nonprofits.

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