Orion Grassroots Network

Resources Blog: Tools and Tips

Angie’s List for nonprofits

posted Jul 27, 2010

The question "Is there an Angie's List for nonprofit capacity building" was posted to a listserv that the Network monitors recently and there were some interesting responses:

Capaciteria is a free service designed to help nonprofits find the best resources to build their institutional capacity.

NonProfit National Resource Directory lists 160+ consultants, coaches, vendors and specialists who are dedicated to helping nonprofits thrive.

And of course Idealist.org's Nonprofit Management Resources section is great.

Need answers? The Radical Reference Librarians can help

posted Mar 30, 2010

The Radical Reference Librarians answer questions from activists & journalists on activism topics. Very cool resource! http://radicalreference.info

Be The News: how to talk to the media

posted Mar 24, 2010

Our conference call with Aric Caplan of Caplan Communications covered how to talk to reporters and give a great interview. Full audio of the conversation is posted here under March 24, 2010.

Here are two documents to download with his tips for interviews and handy transition phrases that can keep an interview going smoothly and maybe even get you out of a jam. Tips: InterviewTips101CAPLAN.pdf Bridges: InterviewingBidges201Caplan.pdf

New Farmer Training Programs

posted Mar 17, 2010

The USDA's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) is disbursing $17 million in grants to 29 new farmer training programs around the US, and a number of Orion's members and friends are on the list! Here's just a few which are training the next generation of sustainable farmers:

• Land Stewardship Project Farm Beginnings Program
• The Farm School
• Michigan State University Organic Farmer Training Program
• The Greenhorns
• Michael Fields Agricultural Institute
• Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association

Reuse Resources

posted Jan 12, 2010

Here are two sites that help businesses and nonprofits exchange used goods, from tables to computers: http://www.throwplace.com & http://www.ireuse.com. They are cyber-Salvation Army stores, where you can donate or receive items useful for powering your mission.

Environmental Justice Studies Archive

posted Dec 15, 2009

Each day nonprofits worldwide produce insightful and valuable research on complex social issues, from aging to welfare. IssueLab makes it easy to locate, access, and engage with this extensive and diverse body of knowledge, and many of us will be interested in their special collection on Environmental Justice: http://ej.issuelab.org/research

Grassroots Organizing 101

posted Nov 24, 2009

The Midwest Academy is a national training institute committed to advancing the struggle for social, economic, and racial justice. It's recognized as one of the key training programs for grassroots organizers in the US. If you can't make a training session, listen to our conversation with their lead trainer, Steve Max, filed under June 13, 2008, for the 101 on grassroots organizing.

Training session info here. They also publish 'the bible' on grassroots organizing, Organizing for Social Change which is highly recommended.

New Service: discounted PR help

posted Oct 26, 2009

Let It Be Known Public Relations which specializes in nonprofit clients is offering 30% off its services for Orion Grassroots Network members. John can help your group gain increased media exposure to increase name recognition and exposure for causes, fundraising efforts, and more. He's available on full-time or project-by-project basis to groups anywhere. Nonprofit references are available upon request. Services offered:

• Writing press materials including press releases, calendar listings, media pitches, Web site content and bylined articles • Building detailed and targeted media lists • Pitching story ideas to the media and setting up interviews • Pre-interview media training and monitoring of phone and in-person interviews • Speaking opportunity research • Gathering hard copies/tapes of all media placements

Contact: 617-872-1875 (ask for John) or ., and ensure that you mention Orion to get the 30% off.

Newsletter with resources for Canadian nonprofits

posted Oct 6, 2009

The Sustainability Network Digest is a free monthly email that provides resources and information pertinent to Canadian environmental nonprofits on building organizational capacity. It is currently offered in Ontario, Prairie, Atlantic and Alberta editions. Each announces upcoming events, offers useful articles and resources and contains regional opportunities for nonprofit management training. You can sign up for any or all regional editions of the digest here.

Conservation Campaign Toolkit

posted Sep 30, 2009

New Network member The Conservation Campaign helps groups mobilize public support to win ballot measures and legislation that creates more public funds to protect land and water resources. They provide leadership, expertise, and resources, like their Toolkit, which has checklists, guides, case studies, and more to help you get important conservation initiatives on the ballot.

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