NTEN Conference in DC highlights new innovations in non-profit technologies

Earlier in the Month, I attended the Non-Profit Technology Conference hosted by NTEN (The Non-Profit Technology Network http://www.nten.org). It was a gathering of top tier non-profits and technologists passionate about doing good with technology. It was refreshing and inspiring to see non-profits sending their tech people out to learn the latest web techniques applicable to their mission. The expo halls were buzzing with companies offering a variety of options for non-profits. These ranged from online fundraising software to social networks like Care2.org and Change.org. The application of Web 2.0 to the non-profit goals resounded in the informative lectures (Executive Director Katrin Verclas and team did an amazing job).

Enthusiastic techies and business executives seeking to learn from avant garde non-profits and tech evangelists were buzzing about technologies from blogs to widgets to social networks to user-generated media. Many mentioned fighting the forces of the older guard and board members reluctant to let their pushed messages leave their control. But many were also optimistic that their non-profit could benefit from the kind of participation seen on sites such as MoveOn.org and MeetUp.com. According to one participant, the cross-pollination of ideas between tech saavy non-profits and attendees was as valuable as the lectures. Will the next Red Cross campaign be on MySpace? Increasingly, volunteers today seem to be starting their involvement online. More on these emerging trends and NTEN in my future posts...