Yet another defunct web site for an important org
12:07, 29 April 2009
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Before I move elsewhere in the USA for that perfect job opportunity that I just know is somewhere close on the horizon, I thought I would look for some pro bono consulting (otherwise known as VOLUNTEERING) opportunities, to provide my expertise in communications and volunteer management to nonprofit organizations here in Kentucky.The search for such opportunities has been incredibly frustrating, largely because so many web sites for so many nonprofit organizations, including some very large and well-known ones, have been abandoned. I won't name any names, but there have been three volunteer centers, two United Way offices and an affiliate of an international organization, each in cities I will be in in the coming weeks (or, perhaps, that I'm in now...), whose web sites stopped being maintained a few years ago, or whose web sites are riddled with broken links, broken forms, and email addresses to nowhere.
None of these organizations are defunct... yet. They still hold events and still undertake activities. For whatever reason, however, they have given up on their online presence.
These organizations will fail, eventually, without an online presence. Without even a basic web site with a working email address, and an email inbox that someone reads and responds to as often as the organization's phone is answered, these organizations will not survive, and will be replaced by organizations that do have basic web sites and working email addresses. It's true that many organizations lack the resources to engage in advanced online activities, such as blogging and engaging in online networking, but there is no excuse whatsoever for these organizations to not have at least a basic web site and working email address. To not have such says to potential donors and supporters:
- "We cannot manage basic, necessary functions required for a successful organization."
- "We are inefficient."
- "We are not transparent."
- "We don't care about connecting with donors, volunteers, clients, the media or other supporters who will not walk through the front door or call during regular business hours."
My blog today -- or any day -- probably isn't going to reach any of these nonprofits. However, maybe I can reach a supporter of such an organization.
If you are a board member, volunteer, paid staff member or donor to a nonprofit organization, go look for that organization's web site. Is it accurate? Does the web site work? Does every link work? Do all of the email addresses and interactive forms on the web site work? Is the information available in the organization's postal mailings, brochures, annual reports and other print materials also available on the web site? Look for yourself. If you don't like what you say, speak up: ask the organization what kind of message it is sending to potential supporters, the media and the general public by having no online presence, or one that provides outdated or inaccurate information. Encourage the organization to use VolunteerMatch, Idealist, local career centers at area colleges and universities, your current volunteers and the companies your board members represent to recruit a volunteer, or a team of volunteers, to get the organization's web site up-to-date and well-maintained on an ongoing basis.
And I'll keep looking for ways to donate some expertise while I'm here in Kentucky...
