This morning I’m heading to Sacramento for the Housing California conference for 2 workshops about the internet and storytelling.
The first one is a redux of a tag team session (with Mark Horvath of InvisiblePeople.tv) on at The National Alliance to End Family Homelessness Conference. (Read Part 1 or Part 2) For this round, the lovely and talented Natalie Profant Komuro will be moderating the session. Here’s the session descriptions from the registration brochure.
The second session is an introduction on story based nonprofit fundraising or storytelling with a result. This is one of my most favorite things to talk about, it dominates my brain. How can an organization catalyze their audiences, increase volunteers and raise donations? Here’s a few ways that we’ll be talking about:
- Involving your constituents in the story
- Creating incredible content
- Working with hungry and talented filmmakers
- Tell the story of your staff as a catalyst to show the humanity of your organization
- Highlighting the bright spots
- Managing “the orchestra”
We’ll cover a lot of info and I’m going to attempt to record it. We’ll see how that goes.
If you’ll be at the conference, don’t be a stranger.
This March I’m joining up with a phenomenal bunch of nonprofit leaders, CEO and supporters for The Ideation Conference. The Ideation Conference is the next step for Idea Campers, the attitude of sharing and improvement is the same but the conference itself steps it up a bit.
This years lineup features a gathering of leaders making a difference in their organization, community and their world.
From the site:
This conference could be called bootcamp, or a shine and polish but bring your team to see the man (or woman) behind the curtain and learn what motivates them, what they’re thinking and what’s on the horizon.
I’m thrilled to be joining this group of movers and shakers and every time I get to see this bunch it’s a great time of joy and lots of laughs – and then I learn something!
Also on the docket for this years lineup:
Aaron Young – Executive Driector of Boys and Girls Club in Santa Monica
Ben Keesey - CEO of Invisible Children
Ben Morrison – Founder of Laugh-Aid, Former Co-Host of Punk’d
Chad Mayer – Executive Director of ShareFest
Charles Lee - CEO of Ideation Consultancy
Chris Heuertz – International Executive Director of Word Made Flesh
Craig Watson – Executive Director of Arts Council for Long Beach
Esther Havens – Humanitarian Photographer
Jeff Shinabarger - Founder of Plywood People
Joel John Roberts – CEO of PATH (People Assisting the Homeless)
JR Kerr – Lead Architect for Aitreni Group
Keith Kall – Executive Director of National Foundation Corporation Development for World Vision
Lee Fox – Founder of KooDooZ
Mark Horvath – Founder of InvisiblePeople.tv
Mike Foster – Co-Founder of Plain Joe Studios
Nikole Lim – Founder of Freely in Hope
Randy Paynter - Founder of Care2.com
Rob Morris – Founder of Love146
Rod Arnold – COO of charity: water
Sam Oh – IT Director for Fresh & Easy
Scott Belsky - CEO of Behance
Sean Carasso – Founder of Falling Whistles
Tyler Marrick - Founder of Project7
For more info on the speakers – Click here
This year Ideation has added a day after the conference for a special session with Scott Belsky, CEO of Behance and author of Making Ideas Happen. I’ve already signed up to attend because The 99% conference was SOLD OUT and I want the inside track to the latest info.. And I think you should know about it too.
In the coming weeks I’ll share a bit more about my workshop. Join me for the Ideation Conference and then stick around for i2i – See you then!
UPDATE: Just got the inside scoop for a 10% discount code. Use IDEA10 when you register and save some cash!
Portnoy Media Group uses the influence of social networks to expand your organization's voice and tell your story. We connect people with your mission and enable your brand to be shared, discovered, and connected. Work with us as we empower your organization to dramatically extend your online presence and increase donations.
“My fellow nerds and I will retire to the nerdery with our calculators.” – David Spade (Tommy Boy)
That nerdery is Vegas and the party is Blog World. This is my 3rd year attending and it’s always chock full of good info. If you or your team isn’t planning on going this year here’s a couple reasons to think about for next year.
Why should BlogWorld be on your agenda for your team next year?
- As much as consulting and coaching are my bread and butter – the more that a client is educated in the ways of the web, the faster we get to the good stuff! (Setting up a twitter account is good but we can do better!).
- Hear directly from the people that have been making the difference, setting the trends and shaping the stories you’ve read on Mashable, TechCrunch and the millions other places that are reporting on the web.
- Get introduced to the products that will be readily used in the year to come. Companies are launching services and they are looking to tell you about it. Last year I met the crew from PostRank – I use that account everyday now and their service is stellar!
- See how brands are using social media and then talk with them right after their presentation – their info in invaluable.
- Hear from your peers, the triumphs and the tragedies – it’ll make your use of social/new media better!
I’m sure there are more reasons and I’ll have a report back in the next few days on what I enjoyed the most.
In 2007, I was made aware of the existence of human trafficking. It was a 12 minute conversation. It was one of those that I can remember all the circumstances – what I was doing, what my initial thoughts were and the jaw dropping reality that would cause me to shift my entire life just 5 months later.
Since the inception of the Idea Camp – I’ve felt it very important to be involved. At previous camps (Irvine, Washington DC) I’ve had the privilege and the pleasure to facilitate workshops, meet incredible people and build strong relationships with many attendees. It’s not hard to rally behind a group of people more interested in solving problems and learning skills with action in mind than another fad. I’m proud that Charles Lee and his team are putting a lot on the line to have conversations and facilitate workshops around the entire porn industry, sex trafficking and Internet safety. If you haven’t seen some of the more recent responses, please check them out to see what I’m talking about.
We’re especially thrilled to be a part of the Idea Camp crowd in just a few short days. Over the past couple years we’ve had the privilege of working with International Justice Mission on the launch of its film “At the End of Slavery” and again blogging about its “5 Weeks for Freedom” this past summer. We’ve also been left so enthralled with the film “Kavi” (8 months prior to the Oscar nomination) that we had to work with Director Gregg Helvey at any cost.
If I were to think about the best place for the PMG brand to show up, my first thought is not the Idea Camp about sex. The “knee jerk” reaction by many in just hearing about this subject matter has been to blast or condemn. This same condemnation could easily affect my company and place the brand in harm’s way.
Truth is, I’ve never wanted to helm an ordinary agency.
My hope is that this Idea Camp is a game changer. I don’t have any doubts about those who will be there (and watching online) – they want to see change and are willing to be the hands and feet to make it happen. I’m fully counting on great networking with many from around the country, sharing laughs and tears that true connection brings.
I hope to see you there!
This post will most likely blur the lines between personal and professional and I’m ok with that.
Last January I met Charles Lee. We connected through Twitter and we met for a cup of coffee.
Believe or not I was nervous to meet him. He was the first Pastor to ever reach out to me in LA and he was also the creator of The Freeze Project (The international Flash mob that brings awareness to human slavery) Just One and Laundry Loves. He had major street cred and he wanted to talk to me. We met that day and talked about the work I do and the role that Portnoy Media Group plays with organizations. Then we talked about what he was working on and ways to possibly further the scope. A few weeks later, I got to join the guys from Deidox in facilitating a session on communication with film.
Since then I’ve been fortunate to be involved with Charles in a few other instances. (Idea Camp DC, guest lecturing in his class) The thing is, Charles is a thinker. He doesn’t waste time with half baked ideas. If I’m getting a phone call from him it’s because he’s got a lot worked out already and wants to get my take on a project that I’d be involved in.
Which is why I will always take his call.
Idea Camp
It was the first un-conference I’d ever been to and will have a unique place in my heart. What happened on that weekend I don’t think can ever be fully duplicated again. The timing for many of the facilitators and attendees was at the intersection of a communication shift. A bunch of like minded rockstars and gave all there ideas away for free. The difference between the facilitators and attendee was minimal. All barriers and egos removed. If you had a question for someone they had time for you – it was wild.
There’s another opportunity to experience that same kind of openness and it’s The Ideation Conference – Check it out here
Daniel Li
We didn’t actually meet at The Idea Camp but I heard that the web developer for International Justice Mission was going to be there and geeked out a little. So I reached out on Twitter – what followed was coffee in DC a month later. And a few months later I got the chance to collaborate with IJM on their film: At The End of Slavery. We also share a love of the Red Sox.
Dawn Carter
When I first met Dawn at Idea Camp she was holding a tutoring session for a few people about tech communication and the power of information in the now. But it was really after the event that I got to find out who she was. She’s super dynamic and I can’t even wait to get to collaborate with her at SXSW this year. See for yourself, watch this short doc about her – Click here
Josh Roberts
Josh has been/is responsible for my matriculation to the SoCal lifestyle. He’s introduced me to my first fish taco and is a great guy to just chill with. Many times when hanging with church staff/pastor it can feel like he/she’s doing me a favor by gracing me with their presence. Nothing could be further from the truth with Josh. He’s just a solid guy – he genuinely cares for people, has a lot of responsibility and doesn’t shy away from it at all.
Eugene Cho
I had never heard of Eugene prior to Idea Camp but I instantly became a fan of his while there. There a lot of people in my life that I’d categorize as cool and then there are those who just ooze it, Eugene is the latter. He does a whole bunch of inspiring things like One Days Wages. Hopefully he won’t remember me from my exploits at the Idea Camp facilitators meet up.
Most embarrassing moment of Idea Camp
The only was for embarrassment not to have any power is to share it so, here goes: All the facilitators for Idea Camp were gathered together before the sessions and we had a chance to share a bit about ourselves. Cynthia Ware facilitated the session and encouraged us to “really take your time and share who you are…” Then she looked at me and I took her up on it. I dominated a room full of brilliance for far too long by giving my life story. The worst part was I didn’t feel bad about it until after the session ended and the teasing began. Completely oblivious to my communication faux pas during the entire session – it felt like the verbal equivalent to a Cannonball at your Aunt’s wake at the country club. Dave Mahanes was the funniest in the aftermath, “Sometimes when they say share who you are, you don’t have to share all of you”
There’s also a slew of so many others like Marc Payan, EloraNicole, Russell Ramirez, Mel McGowan, Jim Gray, Laurence Tom, and Amanda Jones (there really are too many to mention)
Charles, you’re responsible for all of this and I love you for it. I’ll be watching my phone for the next adventure.
Lots of activity this week around Mark Horvath.
For example:
Mark will be hosting a daily TV show at SXSW’s Non Profit Lounge (The Beacon: Lounge with a Conscience)
A lot more details coming very soon on this
He was recorded this week for a story coming up soon that’s launching on the radio (it rhymes with Crashional Public Radio)
SXSW launched his podcast that gives some incite on his Core Conversation “A Conversation About Social Change Through Social Media”
Check out his 3 minutes synopsis here
A little background:
This is the first of what will be at least 2 collaborations of Portnoy Media with Invisible People. Mark recorded about 4 takes on what his talk would be like and sent them our way. I immediately got on the horn with Chris Wygal at Audio Concepts (They produce The Drop Podcast) and mapped out what we needed and welcoming any additional ideas from Chris. This is clearly when having a reliable team is crucial. Since working with Chris for 6 years on audio projects we were able to stitch together a great take that really gives a sense of what Marks session will be like at SXSW ’10.
Are you going to be at SXSW? We should meet up, shoot me an email or say hello on Twitter
Join a crew of fantastics this January for an intensive on social justice and ministry. Here’s the excerpt on the class
This is an introductory course that provides students with a foundational understanding of social justice including its theories, practices, and integration with Christian theology and ministry. Several topics related to social justice will be introduced including poverty, homelessness, human trafficking (modern-day slavery), gender perceptions, child labor, clean water, war and peace, power and oppression, political activism, and fair trade. In addition to interactive presentations by the professor, practitioners from various non-profit organizations and agencies will facilitate guest lectureships, dialogues, resources, and opportunities for student involvement.
Class will be taught by Charles Lee (http://charlestlee.com and http://twitter.com/charlestlee).
Guest Speakers Include:
Jo Coles (http://stopthetraffik.org) – Jan 5th
Ruthi Hoffman Hanchett (http://worldvision.org) – Jan 8th
Mark Horvath (http://invisiblepeople.tv and http://twitter.com/hardlynormal) – Jan 6th
Keith Kall (http://worldvision.org and http://twitter.com/keithkall) – Jan 6th
Chad Mayer (http://sharefestinc.org) – Jan 8th
Sandie Morgan (http://ochumantrafficking.org) – Jan 5th
Bowen Park (http://www.ynccla.org/getinvolved/engage) – Jan 6th
Dan Portnoy (http://portnoymediagroup.com and http://twitter.com/danportnoy) – Jan 7th
Ivan Wild (http://salvationarmy.org) – Jan 6th
Jon Yasuda (http://opportunity.org) – Jan 7th
and more being confirmed…This class is available for either college credit (see school for tuition prices) or audit (only $99 for entire week!). Please contact Registrar’s Office at (909) 599-5433 for more information.
* For those who can’t make it the whole week, why not sign up for audit and come in when you can. Only $99!
Hopefully you can join the class… if not, I’m sure we’ll post the notes from Dan’s time
I had the opportunity to attend the 140 Conference and to hear from media aficionados like Mark Horvath (InvisiblePeople.tv), Renee Hamilton (Mobile Matters, former Operation Smile), Arianna Huffington (Huffington Post), and Tim Kring (creator of Heroes) talk about how they use the power of NOW with information. This bi-annual event, held at The Kodak Theater and hosted by Jeff Pulver, was on par with anything I’ve ever seen from the TED conference. Each presenter had just 10 minutes to talk about how they utilize Twitter and other social media to engage clients, collaborators, and the general public.
Multiple faces of the media were there, from Billy Bush talking about how he interacts with listeners of his radio show to how Access Hollywood engages the buzz around the web as it happens. Also the collective brain children behind Ashton Kutchers challenge to CNN back several months ago talked about how it started, how it played out and what’s coming up in the future.
Check out the video for a better feel of the event.
Also search #140conf on Twitter to see the real time thoughts
This blog excerpt is taken from Dan’s Blog at DanPortnoy.com In addition to the “Augmenting Your Story With Video” workshop being facilitated by Dan, many of our friends will be represented. Including Tim Grahl from Out:Think Group, Justin, Justin and Won from Abandon Films and Brent Gudgel and Dave Mahanes from Chronicle Project.
It’s just a few weeks away and I’m literally counting the days to Idea Camp. I think this whole idea has been a bit of a phenomenon. Idea Camp wasn’t even a glimmer of an “Idea” a year ago and to be already posting it’s second event – it’s really unheard of.
Here’s why I like it:
The distance between the facilitators/presenters and attendees is tiny.
This is a lot like the Blog World Expo in Vegas. The guys/gals at the front of the room are talking to relative equals not newbies vs experts. As a result it keeps presenters from giving bad info because they’d be called on the carpet. It also guarantees that with so many good brains in the room everyone leaves with some new knowledge.
The networking is amazing
If there has been one event that has been paramount in making connections during the last year and a half in California – it’s idea Camp. I met organizations, non profits and thought leaders that I would never meet otherwise. On top of that I got to share meals with them and got to have my socks knocked off. This is also a good place to tell you my most embarrassing moment. The very lovely Cynthia Ware (The Digital Sanctuary) lead the Facilitators luncheon, it was going great until she gave some small instructions: “We’re going to go around the room and tell us a little bit about yourself, why your here and really take your time.”
She then looked to her right and I went first… and as it turned out I followed her directions exactly but, in fact, too well. I took the lions share of that time… Looking back I was mortified at my actions and thankfully a few different presenters didn’t let me forget it (You know who you are!!)
The attitude is so different
The best part about the luncheon (and the weekend) was that just about every person was surprised to be counted in the same group with people at the table. It was great servant leadership and I was thrilled to be a part of it. It also doesn’t hurt to be helmed by Charles Lee, if you’ve met him, you know what I mean. He’s so humble and he’s brilliant – so it’s tough to buck that trend.
Workshops, workshops, workshops!!
At the first event the workshops were varied and it was easy to navigate which ones interested me. But for DC, I’m already seeing the lineup and I’m going to have a tough time making choices. The amount of guys who are coming into DC on their own dime to share their expertise in really unheard of.
You get out what you put in
The whole ethos of the 2 day “un-conference” is to hear ideas. Ideas come and go – the genius is there.. and then it’s gone. The beauty about Idea Camp is that if you’re coming to the table with some ideas – there are a lot of people at the Idea Camp who will give your idea a whack and see if it holds up.
It’s FREE
Looking back – I would’ve paid at least $50 for the first Idea Camp, but you don’t have to!
So Dan, what are you doing with it?
So glad you asked! I’ve got the fortunate pleasure of talking about video/film as a device to tell stories better. You know it’s done, you know it’s obvious. The wild thing to me is that although it’s simple.. it’s not easy to do it well. I’ll be sharing some examples I’ve found that show both success and failure.
And the best part about it – I get to set the table. I already know some serious digital storytellers will be in the room and they’ll be bringing a ton of great info. I hope you can make it!
The Idea Camp is taking place in Arlington on August 28th and 29th – Click here to register This installment is all about compassion and social justice and already over 40 organizations will be represented. See you there!
Join me May 15th at the Pasadena Convention Center for a time of problem solving for non-profits.
It’s important to get your story out there, and the marketing world is consistently being turned on it’s ear.
This will be a great seminar for you and/or your team if these phrases keep coming up in your meetings.
What’s Twitter?
How do we better connect with our donor base?
Or if these thoughts cross your mind:
We need a social media presence but don’t have the manpower/resources to devote to it.
It seems like social media experts and snake oil salesmen have a lot in common.
Portnoy Media Group has a track record of increasing online donations and engaging new donors for organizations, even in a down economy – come get the info for FREE
Why FREE??!?!?
Honestly, because it’s the right thing to do. At Portnoy Media Group, we’re big on abundance thinking and we know that we can help your organization. With all that’s happening on the non-profit front right now through layoffs, pay decreases, and over stretched resources. There really isn’t a better time to share ideas and refresh your development team than to remove some hurdles from your path.
Our goal is to help you with small incremental changes that you can put into practice 30 minutes after the meeting or roll out on Monday. Going further than theory we’ll give you a step by step map to improve your organizations communication. Bring your questions, we’ll be looking for some real world examples.
We look forward to meeting you.
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