Tech Assistance Resources

Assessment & Planning

We are finding that the best way for groups to think strategically about technology is to follow a thoughtful assessment and planning process. PTP has created three draft documents that you may find useful.

Technology Assessment Guide: This guide focuses on the work you are doing today, and how technology is being used. It takes stock of your organization's programmatic and technical status.
Technology Planning Guide: Starting from the assessment, the plan focuses on organizing goals, and answers training, cost and technical assistance questions for your group.

Case Studies: Technology & Community Organizing

Californians for Justice (CFJ): A study in strategic uses of databases, desktop publishing, file sharing, on-line and fax tools and the capacity needed to use them.
Environmental Health Coalition (EHC): A detailed look at strategic uses of GIS and presentation technologies, and the matching capacity needs to utilize them.
Also check out the case studies in our research report on community-led organizing and technology use in Data & Reports.

Databases

Databases are a critical technology for community-led organizing. We are finding that the best way for groups to think strategically about technology is to follow a thoughtful assessment and planning process. PTP has created a draft database module that you may find useful.

What is a database?

PTP is starting a project to supercharge community organizing with a database custom made for the field. If you're looking for a database, you'll want to check this out.

Electronic Media

Electronic Media and Digital Storytelling Resources: Media creation examples and digital story telling resources.

Fundraising

Financial resources are crucial to supporting your group's technology infrastructure, as well as strategic uses in organizing. Below you will find very useful tips on how to structure a technology proposal, and where to go for funding.

Fundraising Tips: Support Resources: A list of locations where recycled equipment and discount software can be found, and what foundations are supporting technology.
Fundraising Tips: Technology Proposal Structure: Work from a technology plan and create funding proposals that stand out as effective and strategic.
Grantmaking for Technology and Social Change: Tips for how to assess technology grant proposals.

Miscellaneous Resources

Below you will find a list of general technology resources of key portals used for non-profits and links to sites used effectively for organizing.

General Technology Resources: Here's a list of organizations that help you increase your access and ability to use technology.
Web Site Resources: Included are effective web sites, useful technical articles, web hosting companies and other resources and tips.

Technology Training

Having the knowledge of how to use technology tools is the single most important aspect of implementing technology into the work of your organizations. The resources below will help you identify the best training for your group and training outlets.

Training Resources: Training at Your Organization: Don't underestimate the need for trained users at your organization. Explore the best training method for them.
Training Resources: Free & On-line: All kinds of free resources listed to assist the learning needs of your organization.
Training Resources: What Types of Trainings Exist: Alternative training methods and outlets.

Technology Links

Here is a short list of other organizations and web sites that may help you increase your access to and ability to use technology for community organizing. Many of these sites have much more extensive lists of resources.

Coyote Communications (http://www.coyotecom.com) provides tip-sheets and resources for non-profit organizations
Gifts in Kind International (http://www.giftsinkind.org) helps non-profits receive donations of software.
Electronic Frontier Foundation works to protect digital rights
Green Media Toolshed is an Application Service Provider (ASP) and nonprofit organization dedicated to growing the capacity of the environmental movement by providing other nonprofit organizations with access to the communications tools they need to reach out to their target audiences through the media.
Helping.org (http://www.helping.org) has many resources for non-profits in general, with some specifically geared towards technology and fundraising.
LINC Project (http://www.lincproject.org) helps low income organizations integrate technology into their campaigns.
NPower (http://www.npower.org) helps non-profits use technology to better serve their communities.
Netcorps ( http://www.netcorps.org) works to increase the capacity of progressive grassroots groups to organize, advocate, and address social and environmental change through technology training and assistance, and helps train college students to become the next wave of technically savvy nonprofit leaders.
groundwire.org (formerly ONE/Northwest) is a non-profit organization based in Seattle, providing technology assistance to conservation activists and organizations in Alaska, British Columbia, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.
Organizers' Collaborative (http://www.organizenow.net) is a membership organization of activists and technology consultants dedicated to providing social change groups with proven, easy-to-use technology and support that is specific to the needs of organizers. provides focused technical assistance coupled with expertise in organizing; Technological best practices and free, customized, state of the art software; Online infrastructure to link organizations, individuals and organizing resources.
The SPIN Project (Strategic Press Information Network) provides media technical assistance to nonprofit public-interest organizations across the nation who want to influence debate, shape public opinion and garner positive media attention. SPIN offers public relations consulting, including comprehensive media training and intensive media strategizing and resources to community organizations across the country.
TechSoup (http://www.techsoup.org) is a comprehensive directory of technology resources for non-profits.

Many of these resources are available in Adobe Acrobat pdf format. You can download the Acrobat software for PC or Macintosh for free.