September 2008 Newsletter
Nonprofit Neighborhood
Product Enhancement
NEW Advocacy Software Module Features
We've recently made a significant upgrade to our advocacy software. Below are some highlights of the new features. You can also learn more by visiting our Advocacy Software Module page on our website.
Features
- More options when selecting target contact methods and order of rollover
- New delivery method for target message: Phone call
- New delivery method for target message: Web form
- Activist may select which targets are contacted and can customize the suggested message differently for each one
- Activist can choose to use multiple contact methods, e.g. email + phone call
- Option to CC: selected targets
- Activist can CC: the target message to themselves
- Action page defaults to edit target message in order to encourage personalization
- Action page defaults to "rapid signup" making it easy for first-time activists to take action and sign up to receive future alerts in one step
- Changes to back end user interface, making frequently changed items easier to access
- Ability to customize instructions on the action page
Rollout
All new clients who choose the Advocacy Software Module are being set up with the newest version. We are in the process of converting all users of the previous version, which will be completed by the end of October. There is no charge for the change and it will not adversely affect action alerts created under the previous version. Please contact your account representative with any concerns you have about the conversion.
Training
To get the most out of these new features, we recommend registering for one of our special Advocacy Software training sessions on October 14 or October 15 . These hour long training sessions are free for clients of thedatabank.
New Clients
Conexion Americas - Conexión Américas was founded in 2002 to address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities created by recent demographic changes in our region as an increasing number of Latino families come to Tennessee in search for a better quality of life.
Family Tree Clinic - Family Tree Clinic's mission is to provide quality, affordable, confidential reproductive and sexual health care services to diverse communities. Located in the heart of St. Paul, Family Tree Clinic has provided low-cost, patient driven health care and education services to men, women and teens since 1971.
Midwest Challenge - For over 30 years, Midwest Challenge has been bringing the Good News to the afflicted, binding up the brokenhearted and proclaiming liberty to the captives.
Reflecting on a Decade
"The Times They Are A-Changin"
by thedatabank Co-Founder Chris Hanson
Those of you as old as me will certainly recognize the title of Dylan's classic 1964 anthem. Here we are 44 years later with what seems to be the year of political "Change". Both of the major party candidates are spending millions of dollars in an effort to convince you and me that they are the best option for change. Here at thedatabank, we sell our service as "Technology for Change". Outside the long, hot days of summer have begun to change to crisp, dewy mornings that foretell of the coming autumn.
Back in 1964, Dylan was writing about the seismic cultural shifts that would transform the United States. These shifts would result in landmark legislation like the Civil Right Act which gave equal rights and protection to millions of Americans who were victimized by gender and racial prejudice. For someone like me, who grew up in the 1960s, it's remarkable that today we have an African-American running for President, a woman that almost became the Democratic nominee, and another woman who is the Republican VP candidate. For my children, who grew up in the 80s and 90s, this is not so remarkable. In fact, it seems quite natural to them. Yes, as we have too vividly seen in the year of political "Change", racism and sexism still exist in our land. Some people cling to the security of old ways. This is only natural. But as the Poet wrote and sang 44 years ago:
"Come mothers and fathers
Throughout the land
And don't criticize
What you can't understand
Your sons and your daughters
Are beyond your command
Your old road is
Rapidly agin'.
Please get out of the new one
If you can't lend your hand
For the times they are a-changin'".
Thank you Mr. Dylan!
Peace - Chris
Meet the staff
Mark Paquette, President & Co-founder
At thedatabank since: 1998
What he likes best about his job: The great people with whom he work s , brainstorming designs to improve the system, researching better technologies to get things done. What gets him up in the morning : know ing that so many inspiring organizations rely on our system to improve the world every day ; seeing good things happening out there and know ing that his work had a small part in making them a reality .
What he does in his spare time: He says he doesn't have any "spare" time, but like s to cook, ride his bike, travel, and be with his family who provide endless amusement. He is also fairly obsessed with politics right now.
Famous person he would like to have lunch with: Although he died in 1984, he would really have liked to pick the brain of Stanley Milgram, the experimental psychologist whose work Obedience to Authority teaches so much about how easily good people can be manipulated to do terrible things. Mark give s Mr. Milgram credit for helping him end his first career, testing nuclear missile guidance systems, and start his second, producing kids' educational software. (thedatabank is his third career.)
Featured Resource
Green Solutions' Revive Program
In a time of ever increasing challenges comes a breath of fresh air - Green Solutions North America (US), Inc. Green Solutions exists to do the right thing, and through its Revive Program connects those who have with those who have not by redirecting no longer needed corporate assets into the hands of charitable organizations in need. Read the Full Article
Tip du Jour
From our blog: Searching Contact Histories for Click-Thrus
Along with the recent changes to how Contact History is entered and displayed in your Databank, we standardized all click-throughs that are tracked and recorded there. Contact Type is "clickthru" and the Contact Note will follow the pattern "clickthru: [name of the tracked link appears here]"...Read more on our Blog
Karen's Blog
Imagination
My 2 1/2-year-old son has discovered the world of make believe. I overhear him having pretend phone conversations or navigating his magical flying tractor. Last night there was a "kitten" in our house: meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow, meow.if you've ever spent time with a little kid you know how quickly this can go from adorable to tedious. Soon I was inspired to point out a mouse - in a different room.
Our clients have also been using their imaginations lately. For example, here are a few creative ways they are using the Databank:
- Voting. One organization is using an action alert to ask members to vote for delegates to a mock convention. This is possible with the new checkboxes that let an activist select a Target from a list presented on the action page. Votes are automatically counted in the action alert Results.
- Promoting online videos. A few organizations have used PowerMail to drive traffic to their YouTube channel or to a video embedded on their own web site. (We found out that while it is possible to embed the actual video in a PowerMail message, this is impractical since many email programs will block it.) What a great way to tell your story using multiple media.
- Getting members to complete a feedback form for a legislative committee - and tracking the results. This is also possible with the new version of our Advocacy Software Module, which can be set up to direct activists to a web form, provide instructions or tips, and track whether they filled it out.
Please let me know if you've found an imaginative way to use your database and communication tools in the Databank, so that I can share your story with others.
On the other hand, if you want to pretend you're a kitten, I will NOT pet you.
Karen
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