Non-profits using Social networks to reach young volunteers

September 27, 2007

by David MullingsNon-profit organizations tend to lack much in the way of young volunteers and a number of Jamaican ones have turned to the web as a means of promoting their causes and projects.

Social networking sites like Facebook.com allow groups to be formed and organizations like Upliftment Jamaica and United for Jamaica have created a presence. These groups allow people to interact and share ideas, offer help, coordinate hurricane relief and recruit new members.

I work closely with three organizations to help formulate and execute marketing strategies, especially ones designed to bring younger members on board for projects and ensure the continuation of the organizations.

The Upliftment Jamaica group I maintain has helped to spread the word about the organization, its history, its achievements and its future plans. People who have joined have contributed to hurricane relief in Jamaica after Dean and have volunteered to help with projects in Jamaica.

More and more non-profit organizations will realize the value of social networks, even though so many do not have functional websites to allow interested parties to track progress or the use of their donations.

Social networking is perfect for non-profit organizations and I expect to see many more from all over the Caribbean taking full advantage of such free services to boost donations and visibility.

It doesn’t hurt that it makes your organization seem a bit ‘cool’ by being on the cutting edge either.