Internet 101: Nonprofit Professionals

Imagine being able to attend a seminar on anything from staging a successful charity auction to picking the best volunteer management computer program. The Internet offers professionals from all fields to a chance to share information on a regular basis with one another.

Here are just a few of the ways people are using the Internet.

Usenet Groups offer professionals a place to discuss the issues of the day.
Mailing Lists feature discussions for those with email access.
Commercial Services

America Online
VolunteerNet on America Online offers a specific place for nonprofit professionals to leave messages, post files and help each other out. America Online is also host to AccessPoint which offers both information for nonprofit professionals and potential donors. If you are an America Online subscriber, check out keywords VOLNET and NONPROFIT.
CompuServe
CompuServe has a nonprofit area for members only (which charges a fee on top of CompuServes monthly charge).

On the Internet, Handsnet, offers email access to over 3000 nonprofits and a forum for these organizations to hold discussions. Another, the Institute for Global Communication allows member organizations to talk to each other and share information on social justice, human rights and environmental issues (they run PeaceNet and EcoNet, among others). There are many others that promote communication between more specific audiences (such as AIDS healthworkers, etc.). You'll need to spend time exploring the Internet to find them, but be assured, they are out there.

Glossary

Volunteers