Technical Tips for Small Nonprofits and Social Change Groups 


We want to allow activists with a minimum understanding of computers to learn more about how they can be useful within social change groups. This page is designed as a "front end" to help you locate the resources you need quickly and easily even if you don't have lots of time to surf the web.

The first tip is a glossary of some of the basic computer words used on this page; the other tips contain advice from people with years of experience working in activist groups and in technical support.

In order to implement some of the suggestions here you might need an assistant with a technical background. We have provided a tip on finding technical volunteers to help you find that person.

We are constantly updating this collection. You can send ideas for new links, resources, or edits to this page to techtip @ organizenow.net

 

Tips for beginners

Glossary of terms used on this page

Set up a list serve for my group

Research foundations over the Web

Access a database of organizing targets

Seven tips on avoiding SPAM

Tips on backing up important data

Designing an Effective Email Action Alert

Tips on finding a technical volunteer

Get inexpensive internet service

Acquire an inexpensive Macintosh computer

Acquire an inexpensive PC computer

Tracking Membership Using a Spreadsheet

Download free virus protection for a PC

Download free virus protection Mac OS9*


Note: items in italics are links to resources or websites created elsewhere.
*Macs are less susceptible to viruses than Windows machines, and as of 8/2002,
no viruses had been discovered for Mac OS X. For Mac OS9, try
Norton or Virex.

 

Tips for intermediate users

Database Usability and Maintainability

Send a mail merge letter via email

Web fundraising and credit-card processing

Controlling email overload on your group's listserv

Membership database cleanup [see section C-2]

Organize simultaneous actions using email

Set up a small computer network

Get fast internet service for a small office

Methods of generating labels

Purchase a voter database via the web


Note: we welcome volunteer help in creating the resources that are unfinished.

 Last Updated August 21, 2002

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