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Newsletter, January 2004

By Karen Lemke, Client Development Manager

Nonprofit Neighborhood

Turning the Tide

Some say the past decade has been marked by disenfranchisement, political apathy and low voter turnout. Take a look at the data bank's clients, and you will be convinced that things are changing.for the better!

Here are just a few examples:

• The University of Minnesota - The U of M's Legislative Network is one of our newest e-ActionMax clients.  We were able to launch their system and send out the first alert within 3 weeks! With the energetic Mike Dean at the wheel, the network is already filling the capital with support for the U.
• Wellstone Action - What a year! In 2003, Wellstone Action grew to over 26,000 active members, launched the Sheila Wellstone Institute, mobilized impressive grassroots support for mental health parity, and ran Camp Wellstone programs all over the country. the data bank's technology helped to make it possible.

Tip Du Jour

Hang Ten.er.Eight

e-ActionMax Clients - Hang these  eight steps  on your bulletin board for quick reference on sending an Action Alert. As always, you'll find detailed instructions and illustrations in the system's built in user guide.

To be even more effective, thoughtfully consider your strategy and message. You'll want to create a timeline and make plans to follow up with your most active supporters. Familiarize yourself with applicable laws and ethical practices. Create a net to catch email addresses. And finally, when you are ready to issue an Action Alert, craft your message with the utmost care, keeping the medium in mind. For a more thorough treatment of best practices in online advocacy, e-ActionMax clients should read "Maximize Your Impact Before You Send A Single Alert" in their user guide.

Karen's Blog

Surf Report

I've been surfing the net a lot lately.  Why do I feel this sudden obsession with search terms like "advocate" and "vote"?

A new legislative session is beginning, a presidential election is around the corner, and I'm riding the wave. (Although I must admit, this metaphor is making me seasick.)

Here are a few sites worth sharing.

• National Voice: an online clearinghouse for voter education and voter engagement resources. National Voice is piloting some of thedatabank's newest online community tools, including interactive event calendars and online libraries.
• Advocacy Resources: free online training from NetAction. It's a useful primer on the principles of online advocacy.
• Utne Reader: one of my favorite alternative press publications.

I hope you'll join me in making citizenship a priority for 2004.  If you have a story to share, about yourself or your organization,  send me an email .

Announcements

HTML Action Alerts are on the way!   e-ActionMax clients will be able to add graphics and have increased control of the appearance of their Action Alert pages.  Expect the upgrade to be available in time for the 2004 legislative session.

New Staff - Gay Grymes joins thedatabank as Sr. Software Developer.

DonorMax Report Improved - now there are more choices.

Good News for Max Users - now there's a Mac compatible html editor.

Just For Fun

In our home state of Minnesota, some of the best surfing can be found in January on the north shore of Lake Superior.

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