1. Tech Tip of the Week
A. How To Support Your Computer and Internet Systems

2.Technology Resources

A. Community Services Network
B. National Recycling Coalition
C. Share the Technology

3. Conferences and Trainings

A. "E-marketing Basics:Maximize Your Website and E-mail"
B. "Developing an Effective Internet Communications Plan"
C. Urban Bridges at St. Gabriel's

1. Tech Tips of the Week (Coyote Communications Technology Tech Tips)

A. How To Support Your Computer and Internet Systems?

How does a not-for-profit organization or public sector agency, with limited resources and, often, a staff doing a LOT more than their job description defines, support their computer and Internet systems? Who solves problems? Who evaluates the system and suggests when or when not to upgrade? Who identifies training needs of the staff?
* Somebody on staff full time or part time?
* Volunteers showing up on a regular or on-call basis?
* A service agreement with an outside vendor?

Even if your agency has the budget to pay an outside vendor for support, or has a reliable volunteer that shows up regularly to help with the system, choose one staff person to become your internal "expert." This person should be given the time and resources to learn basic trouble-shooting, perform basic trouble-shooting, and assist staff. This point person's time and priorities should be respected -- technology support will NOT be their only role at your organization. This person will NOT learn everything there is to know about your computer system -- that's impossible for one person to know, particularly a person who has many other job responsibilities.
Who should be in this role? Ask the staff for their input -- often, there is someone on your staff doing this unofficially already. It could be the Development Director, it could be the Receptionist it could be a Teacher -- the person should already have an interest in this area and already at least dabbling in technology, either at home or at the organization.
Tim Mills-Groninger, chair of the Technology Resource Consortium (TRC) http://www.igc.apc.org/trc/, Associate Executive Director Information Technology Resource Center (ITRC) npo.net http://www.npo.net in Chicago,
and one of the wisest posters on the soc.org.nonprofit newsgroup says:
We recomend that agencies develop a cadre of Computer Responsible Person (CRPs, pronounced creep) at the ratio of one to every team or 10 staff. The CRP's first job responsibility is to know what they don't know and where to go for help. Over time they will develop trouble shooting skills, provide opportunistic training ("I see that you've hit the tab key five times, let me show you how to set tabs"), and escalate more serious problems to outside support or internally.
CRPs should be their own team within the agency, and have time to meet, learn, and do their support functions. When things are messy a CRP can work 1/2 time on support functions; when things are under control it may be more like two hours per week.
Next up the support ladder is the Computer Coordinator, often 1/2 time if there are around 20 computers in the office, full-time if there are more than fifty. This person takes the support problems the CRPs can't answer, does hardware configurations, troubleshoots the network (you_should_have a network by now), manages vendor relationships, files all the lisencing paperwork, and basically does the infrastructure plumbing.
Next is outsourced technical support. No Computer Coordiantor will have seen every problem - there just won't be the diversity of trouble in your shop until you pass a hunred or more PCs. Technical support providers see these problems all of the time and can offer solutions much faster than having your own staff futz around looking for the chance fix.

2. Technology Resources

Here is a brief list of general technology resource gateways for nonprofits that we have found helpful:

A. Community Services Network: An online network for Philadelphia nonprofits meant to increase collaboration and information sharing http://www.csn-phila.org/ [no longer current]

B. National Recycling Coalition: Offers a list of computer and electronic refurbishing/recycling centers in Pennsylvania
http://www.nrc-recycle.org/Programs/electronics/search/getlisting.asp
C. Share the Technology: This is a national exchange network for computer hardware and software.
http://www.sharetechnology.org/

2. Conferences and Trainings

A. TITLE: "E-marketing Basics:
Maximize Your Website and E-mail"
WHO: Bill Kleintop, Ph.D. and Brian Niles
WHEN: July 18, 2001, 9:30AM-4:00PM
WHERE: La Salle University, Holroyd Computer Lab
19000 W. Olney Ave, Philadelphia
FREE PARKING!
COST: $85
This session covers the nuts and bolts of marketing - applied to the Internet - specifically for nonprofit organizations. Topics will include: e-mail marketing basics; effective web design and measurement; uses of the web for nonprofit communication and fundraising; and building an effective e-marketing strategy for nonprofits. No special technical or marketing experience is required to participate in this workshop

B- TITLE: "Developing an Effective Internet
Communications Plan"
WHO: Leanne Bergey
WHEN: July 20, 2001, 9:00AM-4:00PM
WHERE: Temple University Center City Campus
1616 Walnut Street, Philadelphia
COST: $85
Learn how to best integrate the power of new media with traditional media to communicate more effectively with your clients, members, funders, and more. This full-day workshop will teach you how to create an Internet communications plan that's right for your organization. Issues discussed include: budgeting concerns, how to decide where to allocate resources, and developing a plan that reaches your nonprofits goals.

C. Urban Bridges at St. Gabriels

Introduction to Computers:
This class explains the workings of a computer and teaches some computer theory. You also learn how to use the mouse and keyboard and typing fundamentals.
There are 4 sessions $ 36.00
Classes for Seniors (55+) $32
Classes are held Mondays 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
July 9,16,23,30
August 6,13,20,27

Introduction to Windows 95/98
This class teaches the basics of using Windows and how to solve common problems. You can also learn how to navigate through the technology path of your computer system.
There are 4 sessions $ 36.00
Classes for Seniors (55+) $32
Classes are held Tuesdays 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
July 10,17,24,31
August 7,14,21,28

Introductions to Microsoft Word
This class teaches you how to create documents, add borders and graphics. You also learn the how to use the widely used Microsoft programs.
There are 4 sessions $ 36.00
Classes are held Wednesdays 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
July 11,18,25 August 1

Introduction to Microsoft Office
This class teaches you how to create publications, memos, templates, Business forms and more. You can also learn about what tasks Microsoft office can work for you.

There are 4 sessions $ 36.00
Classes for Seniors (55+) $32
Classes are held Wednesdays 6 p.m.-9 p.m.
August 8,15,22,29

Internet Basics
This class teaches you to explore websites, search engines, email and file attachments.
You can also learn how to find helpful information.
There are 4 sessions $ 36.00
Classes are held Mondays 1-4 p.m.
August 6,13,20,27
Classes are also held Thursdays 6 p.m.-9p.m.
August 9,16,23,30

For more Information Please call Urban Bridges at St. Gabriels (215) 329-2420

Amy Oommachan
Teaming for Technology VISTA
TEAMing for TECHnology
United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania
Seven Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Phone: (215) 665-2514
AmyO@uwsepa.org
www.uwsepa.org/teamfortech/
www.uwsepa.org
Partnering For a Stronger Community