Social Media and the Non-Profit Sector: Happy Bedfellows in 2011

In being asked what I see, or 'predict’ to happen in the world of social media in 2011, I hit a blank wall. Why?I mused on how many others will be asked the same question. Loads, I imagine, and we all have our own thoughts on developments in the coming year; so I thought I’d detail my thoughts on social media in the coming year for a particular group: the non-profit sector.Whilst looking into my crystal ball, I saw further growth in the numbers of community groups, charities and others in the non-profit sector adopting social media as part of their communication strategy; they’ll further come to realise how social media has the potential to help connect with their current supporters and allow them to use such tools for supporter acquisition.With the proliferation of social media sites, charities have a larger platform to talk about the work they are doing and connect with their audience. In 2011 I’m sure more charities will be using such resources as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Digg – you name it. It’s out there and will be picked up by this sector.YouTube in particular will become more widely used, with organisations able to actually show the work they are doing – it will also allow supporters to share their experiences of being associated with the organisation.More will use Facebook as a way to ‘diary’ the work being undertaken; groups will see it as a cost-effective and potentially hugely beneficial in being able to reach many people in a short timeframe. They may be able to reduce, or perhaps even entirely cut out expenditure on other communication methods.Perhaps we’ll see organisations such as World Vision further develop applications for the likes of iPhone and Android. World Vision did well in 2010 with its 40 Hour Famine iPhone app, this can only further grow opportunities for them - and others - in the coming year.In general, the non-profit sector as a whole will begin seeing the full potential of social media and the opportunities it gives them; more will start really ‘talking’ (blogging) and sharing their stories.We’ll also see more generosity come through by way of offers to help non-profits; this will come about not only through new supporters in the financial sense, but businesses using social media that may have skills and resources will now have another way to make these available to groups.Already Danny Brown has put forward the idea of building “ … a database of social media consultants and agencies, either with expertise in the non-profit sector or working with clients that donates funds to non-profits, and look at how we can use their skills.”  This is a brilliant idea, and we will see more of this in the coming year, different business sectors offering their particular skills and resources – really building on community collaboration through the use of social media.There are bound to be other opportunities for non-profits to take advantage of the benefits social media affords them; but for now that’s my take on the vision in my crystal ball.

Previous
Previous

2011 will see people choosing quality over quantity in social media

Next
Next

2011: The Year of Social Feedback