Newsletter, May 2004
By Karen Lemke, Client Development Manager
Nonprofit Neighborhood
What's blooming
New Species:
Several of our clients' web sites now have database-driven calendars, which display events in either a calendar view or a list view. Check out National Voice and see how this searchable calendar enhances thedatabank's Meeting tool. This is an example of custom work available from the clever folks at thedatabank.
The Minnesota Minnority Education Partnership (MMEP) is leveraging thedatabank's technology to manage its summer courses. MMEP's Summer Enrichment Program Guide is now available online, replacing a thick paper guide and allowing students, parents or educators to search by category, age, key word, and many other criteria. There is also a special section of the web site which Program Coordinators can access using a user ID and password. There they can enter or edit information about their programs, review and accept student applications.
Rare Species:
Growth and Justice is sponsoring a unique event to kick off the campaign season. (And of course, they are using online registration from thedatabank.)
The Worst Political Ads in America
An Academy Award Style Presentation Featuring Robert Reich
Wednesday, May 26 at 8:00 PM
The Historic Pantages Theater in Minneapolis
Tip Du Jour
Eliminate those nasty weeds!
If you have ever spent hours trying to look up a name that you KNOW is on your mailing list, you understand the importance of accurate and consistent data entry. By standardizing the way information is entered, you increase the usefulness of your database.
Click here for a free tip sheet on Data Entry Standardization
Karen's Blog
Time to prune and fertilize your database
I spent the past weekend digging up weeds, spreading seeds, working unmentionable organic materials into the soil, and carefully settling bedding plants into their new home. By Sunday afternoon I had a sore back, a sunburn, a blister, filthy fingernails...and a huge grin on my face. Call me crazy, but I love gardening. Perhaps it's no coincidence that I was born on Earth Day.
This time of year, my garden requires constant attention. Whether it's fighting with dandelions or fretting over that temperamental rose bush, all this fussing helps me make the most of the limited resources in my little city plot.
The same is true of databases: cultivation and maintenance helps you make the most of what you've got, improving your results. Here are a few ideas for you "data gardeners":
- Duplicate checking - remove duplicate records from your database.
- Address verification - have thedatabank check your list against the National Change Of Address file.
- List enhancement - append legislative districts, demographic or other information.
Look at the Data Services section of our web site for more information.
It's also a good time to think about Spring Cleaning. Clients of thedatabank should check their user accounts to ensure the contact information and permission levels are correct. Remove unnecessary accounts, and change passwords whenever you have staff turnover. Check the contact information listed in your action alert system and online forms to make sure notifications and questions go to the correct person.
Karen
Announcements
Bulk Data Entry Function Available
Did you know thedatabank makes it easy to utilize volunteers for data entry? Set up a data entry worksheet that volunteers can quickly tab through. They will see only the fields they need. A supervisor can review the data before it is posted into your database.
Contact Karen for more information at 612-455-2255.
Just For Fun
When plants go bad...
Back to main News page
| 
