TechSoup Global, the leading technology place for nonprofits, just announced it will kick off their annual Online Digital Storytelling Challenge January 13, 2011. Last year, over 100 organizations participated, with top submissions earning prizes from Flip Video, Adobe, Flickr, and GoldMail.
The goal of the project is to not simply host a contest, but "to help nonprofits think creatively about using technology to fulfill their missions, without having a fear of technology and by learning a new skill with an element of fun," says Susan Tenby, Director, Online Community and Social Media Team, TechSoup Global.
Unlike most contests, this event has an educational component and leaves participants with marketing collateral they can continue to use to support their fundraising, online presence, and marketing efforts.
"Every organization has a story to tell... Even with limited resources, time, or skills, your nonprofit can tell a compelling story that captures the importance and impact of your cause, and this event will show you how!" said Amy Sample Ward of NetSquared, a program of TechSoup.
Organizations are given several weeks to create a 60 second video or photo submission, showcasing their mission and work. No production or storytelling experience is necessary. Leading up to event, TechSoup will provide free webinars on tools and strategies for creating your digital story, featuring leading nonprofit, media, and communications experts. Organizations will also be able to share resources and participate using the #TSDigs tag across social media channels, such as Delicious.com, Twitter, Flickr, and YouTube.
Winners will be decided and announced early February, and a celebratory "mixed reality" event hosted February 15, 2011 at TechSoup Global's headquarters in San Francisco and at a drive-in movie theater in the virtual world of Second Life..
One participant noted last year, "I consider myself relatively high-tech...and still the high-techiness of the day wowed me! Loved the way I felt drawn into a whole new cathedral of tech knowledge."
Fri, 11/19/2010 - 9:01am -- Megan Keane
Founded in 1987 as CompuMentor, TechSoup Global is a recognized leader in bringing technological empowerment and philanthropy to social benefit organizations -- including nonprofits, nongovernmental organizations, libraries and other social change agents. It administrates a range of major programs on the international, national, and local level, including the operation of its nonprofit technology website TechSoup and product distribution service. TechSoup Global's initiative NetSquared helps nonprofits utilize the social web to extend their reach and impact, and the TechSoup Global Network is aimed at building NGO capacity worldwide.
Get notified of the latest updates about this year's event by joining the Digital Storytelling Google Group and following the #tsdigs hashtag on Twitter. Check out last year's digital storytelling challenge submissions and winners. Here's a follow-up video from Legacy International, one of the winners, that tells more about their experience creating a video and overcoming the technology challenges they face.
Cross posted from Peace and Collaborative Development Network
