Posts Tagged ‘EngageSD’

Rural Learning Center launches Engage:SD

July 19th, 2010

When I talk to people about rural communities developing a social media strategy, I often have Miller, SD’s Facebook Page in mind.  Over 1100 people have “liked” their page, and people comment on it regularly.

Although one might not notice, the page is administered by the On Hand Development Corporation. It’s a great example of how a rural, nonprofit organization can use a social media platform, like Facebook, to engage people and create a sense of community.   

We’ve enjoyed spreading the news on ReImagine Rural about how Miller and other rural communities (like Ord, NE, and Clinton County, OH) are using social media.  It’s been a good first step in building awareness about how rural organizations and communities are taking advantage of social media. 

But we’ve also been looking for an opportunity to do more.  Today, the Rural Learning Center is excited to announce Engage:SD.

 

What is Engage:SD?

Engage:SD is a “capacity building” project intended to help South Dakota nonprofits learn how to use social media effectively. Thanks to support from the South Dakota Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Enhancement Project, the program is free to all South Dakota nonprofit organizations. 

Here’s how it will work.

First, nonprofit employees, board members, and volunteers are invited to participate in a series of 8 free webinars (view the list of webinars here.)  Intended as an introduction to social media, participants will learn how to engage their constituents with social media. 

Second, participants will learn the skills necessary to operate specific social media tools like  Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, WordPress, and Delicious at a one-day, “hand-on” workshop.  To make travel easier, we’re offering one workshop in eastern South Dakota, and the other in western South Dakota. Dates and locations are still pending.  Participation in the webinars is not required, but it is encouraged.

And finally, we’re offering an opportunity for five nonprofits in the state to receive in-depth technical assistance in developing a customized social media strategy that works for them.  In addition, these five organizations will receive $2500 grants to develop branding materials with branding extraordinaire Bobbie Gaukel of One8y Creative.  Selections of these organizations will be competitive, and nonprofits will be required to provide a $500 match to be eligible. 

 

Stay connected and learn more

People seeking to learn more are encouraged to check out the details at www.EngageSD.com.  The webinar series will begin July 27, and online registration is required. 

If you’ve got questions, Lindsey and Mike are responding to messages sent to engagesd@rurallearningcenter.org, as well as sharing resources on their Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/engagesd.

It should be a lot of fun, and we’re hoping you will participate.

 

Note:  A special thanks is due the South Dakota Community Foundation and the “South Dakota Nonprofit Enhancement Project” for making Engage:SD possible.

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Posted in Community Development, Community Engagement, Economic Development, Rural | Comments (1)