My Confession

I just returned from the Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) in New Orleans and I'm still energized. I look forward to NTC every year – it's the only conference I attend religiously. With over 100 sessions it's the how nonprofit techies keep on top of emerging trends and best practices.

But I have to make a confession: in the seven years since I started attending I've sat through less than five sessions. Instead, I treat NTC like Thanksgiving and Christmas combined – an intense family reunion for the 2,000 squabbling/loving siblings who use tech for good. The sessions are interesting, but the real value comes from the relationships we build in the hallways and after-parties.

But I'd say that, wouldn't I? I'm a confirmed community evangelist, having served as a NetSquared co-organizer in Vancouver for the last nine years. I host miniature versions of NTC every month to provide nonprofits with hands-on help and a community of practice to share best practices. I'm convinced that the most effective way to support nonprofit's strategic use of technology is to get out of the way and have them teach each other.

NetSquared just launched in New Delhi with support from Pawan Sharma at Nasscom Foundation.

Join their meetup to be alerted about future events: https://www.meetup.com/NetSquared-New-Delhi/

The first event explored social media for good, including:

I love it when hosting a NetSquared group helps one of our volunteers build local partnerships and grow their reputation as a #Tech4Good expert. NetSquared Conakry’s Boniface Lamah was just selected by Afrinic to organize their prestigious IPV6 training in Conakry in September 2018.

Being a NetSquared organizer gives our grassroots champions a platform to do more good!

via GIPHY

Love numbers? Here’s the March NetSquared stats. 96 events and 1,056 RSVPs. As usual we're growing fast!

Join the #Tech4Good movement – find your local group at http://www.meetup.com/pro/netsquared/ or apply to start your own chapter: http://page.techsoup.org/why-start-a-group

Happy Easter Weekend!

April is here and many nonprofits are approaching the end of their financial year. That's why this month's suggested event topic is Accounting for Nonprofits.

Sounds boring? That's what I thought too, but Finance and Accounting is a surprisingly popular topic with TechSoup's members . Every year the Quickbooks webinar is the most attended, attracting over 1,000 viewers. I suspect your members are also struggling with their finances and could use some local help too. :-)

Event Template: Accounting and Finance for Nonprofits

Interested in hosting Meetups at WeWork?

WeWork recently bought Meetup, which creates a new venue option for NetSquared organizers. Apply with your local WeWork location.

WeWork locations around the world will become great options for hosting your Meetups. We're currently running a pilot program through which we will match organizers to select WeWork locations – currently 37 cities are included. 

If you're interested in taking part in Meetup's pilot program, please complete the form. We'll get back to you as we continue to expand the program to more organizers and more cities.