When we are crafting opportunities for engagement and leadership development, we need to think about the context for the programs we create. Are there clear paths to deeper engagement? Are there opportunities to expand connection of an idea or mission so that it permeates the overstimulated minds of our audiences meaningfully, but organically? by Esther D. Kustanowitz (This is the first in a two-part series on how second-screen experiences relates to Jewish leadership and programming.) Today’s attention span, the availability of personal online devices, and indeed, the pace of business, demands that we do multiple things at once, like reading our email in meetings and checking Facebook and Twitter throughout the day via desktop browsers and mobile apps. It’s barely even considered … [Read more...]

Start with content marketing, activate intellectual capital and go from there. by Caroline Avakian Content marketing has risen to the forefront in recent years as an important tool in the nonprofit communication toolbox. It’s about creating great content: on your blog, through social media messaging, your newsletter, annual reports, case studies, whitepapers, etc. At its core, content marketing is about communicating with your supporters without selling and asking for a donation at the end. The nonprofit, social enterprise or organization is providing value by creating and sharing information, innovative ideas and insights that makes your supporter smarter and in the know. You become a resource. The result, much of the time, is that you earn the trust and loyalty of your supporters … [Read more...]