Social Media Tips, Building Community at Work, Creating Oral Histories and More

Central to the work of the Anacostia Park and Community Collaborative is building the capacity of members and the community so that together, APACC and communities in the Anacostia River corridor can advance a shared community-driven agenda to improve the quality of live in Wards 7 and 8 and protects and restores natural resources. APACC posts resources and articles which can help you build your personal or organizational capacity. Here's this week's update.

Local Events, Etc.

Free Oral History Training Program

This three-week program, led by a professional oral historian, will introduce participants to oral history best practices and empower them with the basic tools for developing their own styles. Those who complete the training will have access to the DC Oral History Collaborative (DCOHC) digital audio recorders and a cohort of peers in the DC area involved in oral history. Successful trainees will also have the chance to  submit their interviews to the DCOHC’s collection and get advice and ideas about future narrators to interview. The 2018 course will be offered June 5, 12, and 19; and July 11, 18, and 25 at the Shaw Public Library. Learn more and register.

Changes with Washington Post newsletters

March 19 was the last day the Post distributed their regional newsletter D.C. Headlines (so sad).  The Post does have other newsletters, though. Consider (in the Post’s words):

• Afternoon Buzz - A complete update about the D.C. area delivered to your inbox at 4 p.m. on weekdays.

• Capital Weather Gang - Your daily forecast and important weather stories.

• Sports Daily - The biggest stories in D.C sports. An essential daily digest for the true local fan.

D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center podcasts on fundamental nonprofit issues

• The IRS Rules Regarding Political Activity - What Your Organization Needs to Know: Join Regina Hopkins, Assistant Director, at the D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center and Joseph W. Uhl, Counselor at Michigan Community Resources, for a very timely discussion about what nonprofit organizations need to know when thinking about getting involved politically.

• The Tone at the Top:  How nonprofit leaders create the right culture in their organization.

• Safe Spaces:  A podcast about maintaining a safe work space.

• When Board Members Don’t Attend Meetings:  A D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center podcast.

Tools and Resources

• Nonprofit Tech for Good recently shared a bevy of useful information:
  • Why Instagram Contests Rule - and How to Play by the Rules [Infographic]: Who knew the deets of the contest types? Bookmark.
  • How Often NGOs Post on Social Media and the 2018 Global NGO Technology Report: The introduction begins,

One of the most asked questions by NGOs is: How often should our organization post on social media? In truth, there’s no correct answer that applies to all NGOs because there are so many variables that affect engagement. Algorithms vary by country, by the size of your following, by how often your NGO has posted in the past, and by the types of content that your NGO has to share on social media.

• • How to Get Donations From 4 Types of Donate Buttons: WiredImpact's clear presentation makes understanding easy.
• How to Schedule Instagram Posts: The Complete Guide. Buffer delivers again.
• The best ways to share big files. Super helpful. (TechRadar)

At work

• Loneliness on the Job: Why No Employee Is an Island (Knowledge@Wharton)
• How We Define Community: A Collection is a useful, thought-provoking collection of definitions. (RedefiningCommunities on Medium)
• This Is What Remote Workers Need Most From Their Bosses presents a solid list of manager must-dos. (Fast Company)

Learn something

• Webinar Series: (Farm) Land and Water — Stories from Chesapeake Land Trusts, April 5 and May 3, 1:00-2:00 pm. Free. (Choose Clean Water Coalition, the Chesapeake Bay Funders Network, and the Land Trust Alliance)
• Walking the Walk: Engage Volunteers in your Volunteer Engagement Program, March 28, 2:00-3:00 pm. Participants will learn "How to increase your own capacity by involving volunteers in volunteer program administration. Where to go to get resources and help." Free. (VolunteerMatch)
• In a Volunteer Recruitment Rut? Steps to Up Your Tech Game, April 3, 2:00-3:00 pm. Participants will learn "How to craft an irresistible (or engaging) volunteer opportunity, hHow to communicate and engage with prospective volunteers compellingly, and How to track and report on the success of your online recruitment efforts." Free. (VolunteerMatch)
• Social Media 101 for Nonprofits, April 10, 10:30 am. Learn the best ways to use Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, free or low-cost social media management tools, and connecting with constituents. Free. (Firespring)

Good reads

• The Pain Refugees: The forgotten victims of America's opioid crisis (Harpers)
• Civic Participation Begins in Schools (Stanford Social Innovation Review)
• Off the Green and into the Blue (Hakai Magazine)
• Janet Yellen: What the Fed Has Learned Since the Financial Crisis (Knowledge@Wharton)