Network for Widows
Posted January 2nd, 2008 by Sylvia Deters
I am looking for support (financial and IT) in forming a website to serve as the binding agent in a new nationwide network for widows.We are NOT grief counselling! There are enough boo-hoo sites and matchmakers out there.We are an organization which helps widows re-enter the world without a spouse.We support good health, education and community service.
Hi Sylvia, This is great. I
Hi Sylvia,
This is great. I was involved in a discussion about this very thing with some widows at the Friars Club in NY a few months ago. What an interesting “synchronisity”!
My company could help support you from a technical standpoint. Please email me at melillo@malkutha.com and we can discuss how we can get your website off the ground.
Mike
binding agent for new national network
Hi Sylvia et al,
Just wondering…
Existing online social networks hold potential as platforms for your envisioned network. Have you considered any of them in lieu of a website, at least to get things started with no funds? There usually is no charge for basic services (I use Blogger for my blog www.surfaro.blogspot.com). You could probably get started in this way, and evolve into a website if you feel your platform needs to expand. MySpace also provides a “space” online for building your network. Then, meetup or craig’s list can help target local movement.
It is wonderful and generous of Mike of Malkutha to offer his services….as well as grantstoyou for their suggestions. And of course there is the Encore discussion page to help you gel your idea!
Just wanted to mention the social network option if you had not considered it.
Monica
Success Factors
Sylvia,
Monica is right. It is highly-advisable that you start to create a presence on the various networks that touch your demographic. This will not only help you generate a foundational membership, but will give you an opportunity to test out different technologies to refine your own vision for your website.
Most new networks that fail, fail for a few basic reasons:
1. The “build it and they will come” myth: I have seen a lot of excellent, “purposeful” social networks arise and disappear because they simply could not reach a critical mass of loyal users. Cultivating a following before you spend significant $ on technology and marketing is the wise path. The existing networks can be valuable in accomplishing this. In doing so, you will also learn key lessons about your business/movement that will save you money and increase the success of your marketing down the road.
2. Stale content: Social networks thrive on user-generated content. It is what makes the venue attractive to new users and keeps people thoroughly involved and loyal. Without some loyal user-base constantly expressing their opinion, the site inevitably fades away or is forced to spend money on editorial staff. If you can get some good content generated on MySpace or Blogger networks, etc., you will have some good stuff to populate your site with when you build it.
3. Functional misalignment with users! This happens when a person designs their network in a vacuum, under the assumption that their world view is comprehensive enough to anticipate the needs and emotional responses of their target audience. This includes layout, navigation, branding, etc. Testing your idea on the free social networks is one way to accomplish what we call in the software business, a “field-engineered product”
In short, everyone looking to grow a network either personally or professionally, for a cause or a business, should familiarize themselves with the “social” landscape of the internet. Create groups on the various sites, invite your friends, test your content skills, experience the “do’s and don’ts” of viral marketing, etc.
Then when you are ready to conquer the web with your own site, call me :) haha
Helping Widows
We have found that one way that widows can begin to feel better about themselves is to do some valuable volunteering. I that way that can come in contact with many caring people and really feel like they are involved and re-focused.
Our non-profit Grants To You provides just that. We form chapters throughout the US that provide free training to primerily seniors who have a desire to help their favorite, local non-profit with their grant writing. These chapters are let by a Chapter Coordinator. That person helps us establish the chapter and then to run it by providing teachers and class locations and then by doing local public relations to assure that the community is aware of the upcoming class.
The person would not have to be knowledgeable in grant writing but would need to be community minded, have some administrative skills and enjoy communicating.
Please check out the grantstoyou.org Web site and then contact Shirley or myself. We are confident that we can play a valuable role in helping you achieve your mission.
Sincerely,
Paul and Shirley Baskin
Founders-Grants To You
928/776-7976
info@grantstoyou.org
widow network
Thank You so much for your interest in our organization. You are so right about volunteering. One of our three’arms’ is volunteering(the other two are good health and education). Please send me (or give me your website) for your organization as this sounds like a good placement for several widows I know.Also I know of several organizations who could use your ‘people’. Maybe we could get a chapter started here in Evansville,Indiana!
Sylvia Deters Response
Sylvia, thank you for your kind words about Grants To You. Our Web Site is grantstoyou.org.
Shirley and I are the founders of Grants To You. Today,we have 12 active chapters, have trained over 300 volunteers 62 percent of whom are seniors and students and these volunteers have won in excess of $250,000 in grants for their favorite,local non-profits.
If you know of any caring citizens who would like to help us establish a chapter (s) in your community, please have them check out our web site and then contact us with their questions.
If you wish we would be delighted to chat with you at 928/776-7976 in Arizona.
Wishing you the best.
Paul Baskin
Founder and President
Grants To You
Grants to you website
Everyone interested in volunteerism and grants should go to your site! I will be in touch.