Internet 101: Introduction to the Internet

Welcome to Impact Online's Internet Course for Nonprofits. There are two main reasons nonprofits want to go online. First, it's really cool. Second, they're afraid not to. This course provides some better reasons to go online as well as an introduction to the Internet that is low on hype and high on useful facts.

1. The Basics

• What is the Internet and why is it such a big deal?
• Who uses it?
• How does it work?
• Glossary of useful terms

2. Three Reasons to go Online

• Communication
  • With nonprofit professionals
  • With volunteers and staff within your organization

• Outreach -- Communication as Engagement
  • How to reach new donors and volunteers
  • Research -- A wealth of information at your fingertips (if you can find it . . .)

3. Using the Internet: Tools and Methods

• Email - mail delivered electronically over the internet
  • Getting started
  • What's expected - the netiquette of email
• Usenet Groups/Newsgroups
  • Signal to Noise issues
  • Avoiding Flames
• Mailing Lists - newsletters via email.
• World Wide Web:
  • Starting to use the web
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on setting up a homepage
  • Older technology that is less comsumer oriented but that you might want to know about:
    • FTP and Archie
    • WAIS
    • Gopher
    • Telnet

4. Focus: Using the Internet for Outreach

• How the Internet fits in to an overall outreach strategy
  • Advertising, direct mail, PSA's and the Internet
• Outreach Netiquette -- the Do's and Don'ts of outreach

• Examples of Outreach by Nonprofits:
  • Impact Online's site which connects people to volunteer opportunities nationwide.
  • Plugged In's use of email to solicit donations and support
  • Cookin' on the Net, the first major online fundraising event that links donors to nonprofits. All donors receive original recipes from top chefs. Donors can get involved through the website or through email.

5. Getting Hooked Up and Staying that Way: Time and Money issues

• Hardware and Software
• Staff Training
• Commitment -- know why you are going online and share it with others.
• Choosing an access provider
  • Internet Service Providers - a very complete list.
  • Commercial services

Impact Online does not endorse any of the companies mentioned in this course.