January 2010 Newsletter
Nonprofit Neighborhood
Get Ready for the 2010 Legislative Session
In preparing for your states 2010 session, think about all the ways you will use your Databank.
- This is a great time to send a preview message (using PowerMail) to your activist list. Share your legislative priorities for 2010, tell them how often they can expect to hear from you, and offer other ways to get involved, such as a volunteer sign-up.
- Build your list, with contacts you already have. Send a PowerMail message to your volunteers and donors, inviting them to sign up to receive action alerts this year.
- Don't forget to ask your activists to support your important advocacy work with their donations. You can drop a donation link right into your action alert, or use PowerMail to send a special appeal.
- Start signing people up for your Lobby Day, using the Meetings and Events Module.
Make sure to take advantage of our free training, video tutorials, and support center to get the most out of your advocacy software.
- Just released: a new video tutorial on creating and sending an action alert.
- We are compiling a wait list for those who missed the live Advocacy Module training last week. Contact your account rep to be added to the list, and receive notification when another training session is confirmed.
Product Upgrade: New Menu Launched
On January 1st, we launched a new menu in The Databank. This updated interface allows users to navigate their system more easily. The old text menu has been replaced with a grey menu bar with icons. There is also a header indicating which page the user is viewing, and the amount of white space at the top of the screen has been condensed in order to show more information above the fold.
New Clients
ATU Local 689 - ATU Local 689 is a labor union representing 6,000 Metrobus and Metrorail (subway) operators and mechanics in metropolitan Washington, D.C.
Vermont League of Conservation Voters - After using our action alert system for their statewide environmental coalition for several years, Vermont LCV is launching a new Databank to manage all of their advocacy, fundraising and communication efforts. VLCV seeks to make environmental protection a top priority for elected officials, candidates and voters. Its sister 501c3 organization, the Vermont Conservation Education Fund, will also use the Databank in its education work.
Featured Resource
Using the Support Center
Our new video tutorial covers the features of thedatabank's Support Center. Topics include: sending a support request, tracking your support request, user forums, rss feed, and more. Click here to watch the video.
Staff Profile
Bryan Kirby, Sales and Account Representative
Bryan joined thedatabank in April 2009 as a Sales and Account Representative. Among his many roles here are showing potential clients how The Databank can help their organization achieve its goals and helping clients get the most out of their Databank investment. Bryan recently reflected on his initiation to advocacy:
"Several things happened together, my young son’s food allergy put him under threat of anaphylactic shock, we discovered that ambulances in Minnesota did not have epi-pens to deal with it and 5 of us decided to change this for our kids.
We threw ourselves into the legislative process, gathered all the support and tools available, lined up the legislators and turn the states ambulance association from adversary to ally. (We achieved 100 percent voluntary compliance.)
I said that if given the chance again, I would do something to help bring positive change. That’s why I am with thedatabank, providing the tools to great organizations to Git ‘R Did."
Tip du Jour
Send an Action Alert in 6 Easy Steps
Haven't sent an action alert since last spring? Print this out and tack it on your bulletin board for quick reference. There's also a 7-minute video version. Our full Advocacy Module User Guide can be found under the Help Menu in your Databank.
Karen’s Blog
Cost Cutting
Last month I attended an economic briefing with the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits. In the current conditions report that was handed out during the presentation, the headlines were grim:
Increase in need continues to be coupled with declining revenues
Cash flow issues are common across activities and sizes
Nonprofits predict that 2010 will be tougher than 2009
I raised my hand. "Have any nonprofits been immune to this, and if so, what makes them different?" A panelist answered: "No one is immune."
The stakes are high, and you need to make every penny count. If you are using another software package, one way you might be able to stretch your budget right now is by getting out of that expensive contract and coming to the Databank. By switching from other web-based software to the Databank, many organizations can even get MORE features and BETTER support for LESS than what they are currently paying. Even if you bought and installed traditional software, take a minute to add up your ongoing maintenance, training, and support costs - you might be surprised at how favorably a subscription service compares.
Talk to one of our account representatives if you would like a detailed cost comparison.
Karen Graham
Director of Business Development
thedatabank