This Morning, NYCON CEO Doug Sauer Testifies in Front of Senate Committee

Dear Members & Friends, This morning I, along with many esteemed colleagues, will be testifying in front of the Senate Committee on Corporation, Authorities and Commissions regarding the recent proposed amendments to NYS' Not-for-Profit Corporate Law. Our testimony will be streamed live today from 10am to 12pm. I encourage you to watch it if you can. Following the oral testimony, NYCON's written remarks will be posted online both on the Senate website and our own. We encourage you to read them and let us know what you think.   In general, NYCON supports these changes. It's been over 40 years since the law was amended and certainly, we know times have changed. It's our view that the amendments should, first and foremost, enhance and simplify not complicate and protract the nonprofit community's ability to partner with NYS to deliver on mission - for basic human needs, for healthcare, for quality of life issues, for arts & culture, the list goes on and on.   As you will see many times we are in agreement - case in point, allowing board members to vote via email - however there are some areas in which we would suggest changes or additions to what has been proposed. NYCON's main concerns are regarding: Ensuring mergers, dissolutions, and other forms of corporate affiliations easier, cheaper and quicker Ensuring voting officers and board members are volunteers and not paid Addressing the misconceptions and proposed additional reporting requirements around nonprofit "excessive" executive compensation. Again, our full remarks will be posted online at the conclusion of today's hearing. We welcome your feedback on these amendments and your thoughts in general on nonprofit policy & the current state of affairs in New York. Please click here to send us your comments. Thank you for taking the time to read this today and for all the work that you continue to do in your communities. We truly do appreciate it.            Sincerely,            Doug Sauer, CEO            New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. (NYCON) Links & Resources Public Hearing: To examine the re-codification of New York State's not-for-profit corporation law in an effort to reduce unnecessary burdens on nonprofits and to enhance nonprofit governance and oversight A.G. Schneiderman, Senate And Assembly Committee Chairs Propose Groundbreaking Legislation To Reform New York's Charities Laws Send us Your Feedback! Proud Member of  the National Council of Nonprofits

Pew Report: How internet and social media have transformed the arts

How internet and social media have transformed the arts
By: Peggy McGlone/The Star-Ledger

Social media has become a new way for arts organizations to promote their work, attract new audiences, as well as advertise themselves. Audiences have become more diverse, attracting younger people to the organizations.

For the full story click here

Nonprofit Times TV

Nonprofit Times TV has a collection of webcasts and other videos directed specifically to nonprofits and their needs and interests. Videos cover not just current news, but issues such as fundraising, volunteer management, legal issues, and finance. Most videos are less than three minutes, giving necessary information without taking too much time. Users can also submit their own videos to share ideas with others in the sector.

Their current webcast discusses the loss of revenue of national nonprofit organizations and the Jerry Lewis telethon. Check out Nonprofit Times TV here.

"Nonprofit Spark": A Radio Talk Show for New and Emerging Nonprofits

"Nonprofit Spark" is weekly radio talk show through The Voice America hosted by Renee McGivern, a Minnesota-based nonprofit consultant. This show, launched in September, is focused on spurring dialogue on issues of emerging and new organizations. Check out her show live on Thursdays at 8am EST or catch up on past episodes on her show's webpage.

About the Host: Renee McGivern has 30 years of experience working in nonprofits and trade associations. She’s worn the hats of development, communications and executive director and also spent a great deal of her career designing training seminars for the newspaper industry. McGivern’s passion is to facilitate learning, communication and action so life works for people and organizations. “Nonprofit Spark is the first national radio show devoted to new and emerging nonprofits,” says McGivern. “It’s my dream job - to spark learning and action so leaders are effective at making a huge difference in the world.”

NY Times Highlights Charities Political Contributions

The NY Times featured a recent article about political contributions given by nonprofits. Charities are barred by federal law from making contributions to political campaigns. The reporters, Danny Hakim and Jeremy W. Peters, reviewed campaign-finance and federal tax records and found at least 81 tax-exempt charities that gave contributions to legislative candidates since 2005. The donations were by a wide-range of organizations, including museums, churches, hospitals, Little Leagues and soccer clubs. The reporters believe these results highlight the lack of enforcement regarding this law. They also offer that the contributions often went to lawmakers who helped the charities secure state money. Read more here.

Many nonprofits, especially volunteer-driven, have minimal understanding of nonprofit compliance and accountability, so a Little League giving to their local politician probably isn't a surprise. However, this article illustrates that organizations with staff don't clearly understand this issue and need more information. It would even seem politicians are unaware of this federal law. How can nonprofits avoid this pitfall in the future? Share your thoughts on this issue.

The Rise of New Online News Organizations

The New York Times featured an article recently on the rise of new web-based news organizations that are nonprofits. The article outlines what these organizations, like VoiceofSanDiego.org, offer and how they are filling the void of contracting newspapers.

This development also reinforces the need for nonprofits to focus on their websites as sources for news and information. As the past media panel related, nonprofits offer expertise and information. Thus, nonprofit websites can and should be positioned as essential resources.

November 12th Program: Marketing Tips and Tools Wrap Up

Our final meeting for 2008 was an engaging program featuring the Baseball Hall of Fame's Director of Communications, Craig Muder. With a decade long career in the newspaper industry and now employed by a nonprofit organization he used to cover, Craig provided invaluable insight into the media world and how nonprofits can make sense of its sometimes frustrating systems. He imparted three main points.

• First, relationship building is the key. He discussed how you need to make the media feel like they are a part of what you are building.
• Second, the media is an imperfect system. You cannot expect your message to be delivered as is, so self-publishing should be a focus. By using your nonprofit's website, you can control and reinforce your message.
• Lastly, nonprofits need to understand that the media is not plotting at their desks to screw up your message. They are trying to produce a product as quickly as possible in a highly competitive environment.

Craig also offered insight into the newspaper world. He outlined how much planning goes into assembling a newspaper, especially in terms of coverage. Like any organization, the media have limited time and resources. He suggested that nonprofits should notify the media about events and issues two weeks in advance and follow up with a reminder phone call.

The 15 participants who attended the meeting continued the discussion with a number of questions. One such question was asked about how nonprofits can build relationships with the media. Craig's advice was to be honest. He also suggested identifying people in the media who seem to be committed to their jobs. There is significant turnover in media, especially among reporters.

The program ended with a discussion about negative or unwanted press coverage and the challenges in dealing with it. Craig's advice was that you have to remember the idea a reporter is pursuing for a story usually is coming from the top. The best way to respond is to not be defensive and work to give the reporter your angle on the issue. Help the reporter do their job and influence them with your perspective. Usually, you will have some success in getting your point across.

Do you have your own tips for success with the media, especially in dealing with negativity? Feel free to share them here.

LAEA November 12th Program Meeting Announced

Building on the conversation from the previous Media Panel Program, the Leatherstocking AEA November 12th Program will feature Brad Horn, Senior Director of Communications and Education at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. He will speak to: how to get the media's attention/response; how to cultivate and build relationships with the media; how to deal with negativity in the media; and evaluating and tracking your impact in the media. The meeting will also include networking time for organizations to discuss their individual challenges and successes.

Location: Denny's, 4979 State Highway 23, Oneonta, NY 13820
Time: 8:30am-10:30am
Cost: Breakfast off the menu (paid for individually)

REGISTER HERE

BIO:
Brad Horn is senior director of communications and education for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Horn oversees all internal and external communications, community relations, media relations, special events, publications and promotions, advertising, artifact acquisition, visitor services, photography, public programs, club relations and the Museum’s Web site. He also oversees the Institution’s internship program and education department.

Horn joined the non-profit, educational institution in February 2002 as director of public relations, previously overseeing the day-to-day media relations, publications and club relations efforts.

Horn began his career in baseball in 1995 with the Texas Rangers Baseball Club and has held a number of positions in sports public relations including assistant director of public relations with the Texas Rangers (1998-2000), communications manager for the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) at Indianapolis Raceway Park (2000-2002) and as director of media relations for the minor-league Fort Worth Fire hockey (1995-1997).

Horn was named a “Top 15 to Watch” among public relations professionals by PRNews in June 2005. He also received a “30 under 30” recognition from PRWeek in 2005.

Horn will receive his master’s degree at Syracuse University this fall in communications management. A native of Houston, Texas, Horn received his bachelor’s of science degree in journalism from Texas Christian University.

Next Program: Media Tips and Tools

The Steering Committee had a recent conference call to discuss the next program set for Wed, November 12th. Program topic ideas had been put forward by Group participants, such as a program focusing on strategic planning and SWOT analysis to a working session to identify nonprofit needs and divide Group participants by these needs to help formulate solutions. But the conversation came back to the success of the previous media panel discussion, and the need for a follow up session.

The media panel offered participants a big picture conversation from regional media businesses. The information was great, but the Steering Committee found themselves asking how do we take the next steps? How do we respond to the media panel's suggestions? What are the tips and tools to working with the media and getting your message out? Maybe you have your own questions, which we would love to hear. The Committee is planning the Nov 12th program to focus on the how to of working with the media, the tips and tools, and participant sharing of examples of success. More details will follow soon. Register now!

Bringing the Power of Nonprofits to the People through Big Media

A recent article relates a how the Houston Chronicle, utilizing technology from good2gether, has launched the Do Good Channel on Chron.com. good2gether is a CCSNYS partner, and Founder/CEO Greg McHale was the recent keynote speaker at our Money for Mission conference. For those of you wondering where you access the Do Good Channel from the newspaper's homepage, click on the Hurricane Ike Victims Need Your Help button on the right rail. As you can imageine, the development of this resource is a huge success for nonprofits. It validates nonprofits as essential resources and sources of information for everyday readers. A win-win for everybody, nonprofits gain tremendous exposure and the Houston Chronicle has more content and resources to provide their readers.

Our recent media panel program has opened a new door between nonprofits and our regional media. Does our future have the possibility of a Do Good Channel in The Daily Star or Press & Sun-Bulletin? Or how about a video channel for nonprofits with News Channel 34? Let's bring this idea to the attention of our media, and show how we can make this a win-win for us all.

In Action: Harnessing the Media

Moms seek to create kids’ museum was the headline in The Daily Star today. This group of moms, known as Oneonta World of Learning or OWL, were recent attendees at the Leatherstocking AEA's media program. This grassroots group has hit the streets running. Interested in more info, take a look at their blog.

What's Next? Fresh Ideas & Stronger Relationships

Participants in Wednesday’s Leatherstocking AEA panel reinforced some basics about communications between nonprofits and the media while also providing encouragement and bringing up new questions. Check out the post below in order to view video clips and listen to the program online.
All of the panelists began by emphasizing the importance of establishing relationships with appropriate contacts and being knowledgeable about the process of getting in print/on air. Calvin Stovall of The Press & Sun Bulletin told those in attendance that, although “there is an art to doing this,” persistence will lead to experience and success.

Familiarity with the organization—both your own nonprofit as well as the media outlet you’re targeting—is key. The panelists stressed the importance of doing your homework before contacting a media outlet; know the organization, their objectives, and their target demographic. It’s also important to have someone available to communicate effectively with media contacts on your organization’s behalf.

So what’s next? How has your organization been working to develop relationships with local media? Did the panel spark any new ideas about utilizing the media to increase the visibility of your organization?

Big Turnout For Media Message

Over 50 participants attended the program meeting Wednesday (the 17th) to listen to a panel discussion featuring our regional newspaper, tv and radio businesses. The media panel questions that were presented helped us look at ways for nonprofits to work better with the media. The panel featured:

• The Press & Sun-Bulletin, Calvin Stovall, Executive Editor
• The Daily Star, Sam Pollak, Editor
• Central New York Radio Group, George Wells, General Manager
• WSKG, Brian Sickora, CEO
• News Channel 34, John Birchall, V.P./ General Manager

Their bios are available here. Our panelists gave input on topics such as: ways to get more media coverage; media resources for nonprofits; perceived influence of paid advertising on coverage; and editorials and opinion pieces. They emphasized the value their media businesses see in our organizations. We help generate news, provide expertise and input about news stories and issues, and provide activities and events for everyday readers, viewers and listeners. Whether it is the individual nonprofit or a collaboration like the Leatherstocking AEA, our media look to us for assistance and support in their jobs. This program provided a connecting point for the media to meet the various nonprofit organizations in our community. Most importantly, this program helped illustrate the strength of our nonprofit community. As you contemplate the information you heard at the program (or linked here), what is a next step? Do we start a pr campaign about our organizations? Do we focus on building collaborations and joint advertising? What are your ideas? Let us know what you think.

Missed the Program and want to revisit the discussion? Check out the mp3 and video clips:

• Watch The Daily Star's Editor, Sam Pollak, give his viewpoint on editors and board service.
• Watch the media panel discuss: What role do nonprofits play for the media, and what does your organization want from nonprofits?
• Watch the panel discuss the question: Is there an opportunity for input or feedback about editorials or opinion pieces before they are delivered?

Listen to the recording of the program here:Boomp3.com

Media Panel Update

As we near the end of August (and summer), our September 17th AEA meeting is fast approaching. We have been busy confirming our panelists for the program, "Nonprofits & The Media: Strengthening Our Partnership." We are very excited to have the following panelists: Calvin Stovall (Executive Editor of The Press & Sun Bulletin), Sam Pollack (Editor of The Daily Star), Brian Sickora (CEO of WSKG), George Wells (General Manager of Central NY Radio Group) and representatives from News Channel 34 in Binghamton and WISF 15 in Oneonta. We are firming up the details for the program, and the Steering Committee recently finalized the panel discussion questions. The questions are:

1. What are some tips to get more and better coverage?
2. What are the best ways nonprofits can collaborate with the media to establish a higher local and regional presence?
3. What role do nonprofits play for the media, and what does your organization want from nonprofits?
4. Does purchasing paid advertising have an impact on editorial or feature coverage?
5. Is there an opportunity for input or feedback about editorials or opinion pieces before they are delivered?
6. What scenarios can you think of where nonprofits and media outlets could both benefit?

Let us know what you think about the panel questions! We are already planning for our last meeting of the year, and the Steering Committee discuss a follow up program that may feature a discussion with experts on ways to work with the media. Join us on September 17th and help your nonprofit community strengthen our relationship with the media.
Register here!

What's the purpose of an editorial?

Responses to the media survey that we sent out were mostly focused on event coverage and advertising-- but what about opinion pieces? Editorials focusing on the nonprofit community have appeared in several local publications this summer and have left us with some questions: What's the goal of an editorial? Should you have the opportunity to give input before the piece is published? Is it appropriate to respond to an opinion piece? How would you go about doing so? What's the best way to continue discussion about a hot topic?


Here are two examples of opinion pieces that discuss nonprofits:
Village of Cooperstown Library
Taxing Utica Nonprofits



Even if your organization hasn't been the focus of an editorial, you probably have some opinions of your own in response the the questions raised. What do you think the purpose of an editorial is? Share your comments by clicking below.

Journalism Today

While planning the upcoming media panel, we have had the opportunity to chat with many different media representatives. It's been interesting to learn more about the perspectives of folks outside of the nonprofit community as we describe the program we are putting together. Although he will not be participating in the panel, Steve Waters, publisher of The Rome Sentinel, shared some of his big-picture ideas on the state of journalism today. He directed us to his essay on "Journalistic Indifference" where he explores the idea that "if journalism does not protect society it undermines its own existence." You can read more on his blog Just add Waters. While discussing responsible journalism, he also pointed us toward the book Less than Words Can Say by Richard Mitchell, the "Underground Grammarian."

Blame it on the price of gas...

Has the rising price of gas affected your volunteers? If so, The New York Times is looking for your story! If your organization relies heavily on volunteers and is seeing volunteering impacted in any way due to the rising price of gas, The New York Times wants to hear about it. We don't have many details, but do know that they are looking for organizations with volunteers who are willing to talk about how the price of gas is impacting their ability to continue working with your nonprofit. If this sounds like your organization please contact Valerie Venezia immediately via email at vvenezia@ccsnys.org or call (800) 515-5012 ext. 121 and she will connect you with The NY Times reporter. Thank You!

"The State of Nonprofit Marketing"

Michael Wesolowski passed along the report "The State of Nonprofit Marketing" that he found on Nancy Schwartz's blog. A timely tip considering our upcoming panel on nonprofits and the media. The report, released by The American Marketing Association , is based on the results of an online survey that was distributed to marketing professionals at 125,000 nonprofit organizations. One of the findings reported is that, "Building awareness, generating revenue, branding and acquiring and retaining members and customers are top marketing priorities for nonprofit organizations." Not exactly a ground-breaking discovery. However, for small organizations "building awareness" was clearly the highest priority, with revenue generation and customer acquisition far below. The report went on to highlight the essential roles that the media and personal connections play in increasing visibility. It's well recognized that positive media attention is priceless, but casual conversations can go far in promoting an organization. The research director for the study writes, "These core audiences for nonprofits need to see specific evidence of the organization's impact, not just general messages about the organization's work."

Check out the report (and Nancy Schwartz's take on the findings) to read more on measuring results of marketing efforts and future challenges. Thanks again to Mike for sharing this find!

September Media Panel Update

Earlier today Deb Marcus, Lori Solensten, and Michael Wesolowski participated in the Steering Committee conference call on the upcoming media panel. The media outlets we're most interested in participating are: The Daily Star, Press & Sun Bulletin, The Evening Sun, CNY Radio Group, WCDO, WSKG, WBNG-TV, Fox40 and News Channel 34. Our next steps include getting the media on board, securing our location, and working on potential questions and topics for the panel. The date of the media panel is September 17, 2008 from 12-2pm. You can register for the event here. If you have any questions or would like to contribute to the planning process, please contact Andrew Marietta.

Media Survey Results

Thanks to everyone that has completed our Nonprofit Public Relations/Media Survey! We have gathered some great feedback that we are using to plan our September AEA program on Nonprofits and Media. One of the main concerns expressed in the survey was a lack of time. Many responses cited the lack of time that nonprofit staff have to focus on their media coverage and the time-crunch that reporters face as well. Hopefully our panel participants (representatives from local media outlets) will be able to engage in discussion with us about how we can all get the most out of the limited time investments that we can make.

Organizations seemed particularly interested in learning how to create situations where both the media and nonprofits could benefit. Many respondents had creative ideas about how to cultivate these win-win relationships, and even more expressed interest in discovering how to do so. One response summed up the sentiment expressed by many, saying that the organization could provide "Great stories, great visuals, great sources and great style. When they find us, they'll love us-- but we're out of their regular radar range... I'm workin' on it!"