March 31, 2009, Issue No. 3/2009

In this issue:

1. Catch Up, Keep Pace with Modern Communication
2. Upcoming Classes

1. Catch Up, Keep Pace with Modern Communication
Do you work with a nonprofit organization or group in town? Do you find yourself a little behind the curve when it comes to new technology and the internet? Are you an individual who would just like to better understand the ever-evolving world of modern web-based communication?

This is where Davis Community Network can help.

DCN offers classes, assistance and resources that help local people and nonprofits keep pace in an increasingly web-based environment, and provides tools that help nonprofits become more effective in doing their jobs. Today's best-run nonprofits are using the internet more and more -- just like businesses, universities and government institutions. They are taking full advantage of the web and many of its new features ? like interactive websites, blogs, social media ? to reach out, educate and engage their communities more effectively than ever before.

If you would like your organization to function in a more effective way, if you wish your organization were more well known in the community, or if you'd like to generated greater numbers of supporters, members, volunteers, it may be time to modernize!

DCN can't guarantee these things will happen overnight, but DCN can help you get you closer to that vision by giving you the tools of modern communication and teaching you to use them. A great first step is to take a class.

2. Upcoming classes
DCN's classes are free and are held in the City of Davis Training Lab, 600 A Street. To register, contact admin@dcn.org or call 750-1170. DCN offers other resources and services to area nonprofits and groups. Please visit the Resource Allocation Committee's page at http://www2.dcn.org/dcn/about/committees/rac/index_html#forms to find out how your nonprofit can apply.

Web Calendar Class
Thursday, April 2, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
This class offers instruction on use of the Web Calendar, a tool also developed by DCN's Webteam. The Web Calendar can be installed on an organization's website to help promote its events and activities and can also link to a master Community Calendar hosted on DCN's site. This Community Calendar can be viewed at http://events.dcn.org.

Email List Management with Mailman
Thursday, April 9, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
A Mailman List is a very effective way for an organization to communicate with any size group -- boards of directors, project committees, memberships, supporters, or other constituents. Learn how to manage all your email lists with Mailman.

SimpleSites 2.0 Website Creation
Thursday, April 16, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
DCN's Webteam, led by Steve McMahon, developed SimpleSites version 2, a web tool that provides the power of a modern, interactive website in a ready-to-install template. SimpleSites, recognized for its ease of use and value to nonprofits, earned a National Grassroots Techie Award in 2007. In this class, learn to build a website using SimpleSites. Hundreds of local nonprofits have taken this class; no previous web authoring experience necessary. Examples can be seen at http://groups.dcn.org/.

SimpleSites2.0 Special Tools
Thursday, April 30, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
This class introduces features and tools not covered in the SimpleSites 2.0 class. Learn how to create web forms, manage data, add blogs, maps, slide shows, videos, RSS, a Mailman subscription form, and more.

E-Newsletter
Thursday, May 7, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
More and more, nonprofits rely upon the internet to distribute information to the public and to their constituencies. Many nonprofit newsletters are now sent via email to save on costs, reach more people and even save trees! This class will help you create a customized, attractive and well-designed template for e-newsletters and e-announcements.

Cascading Style Sheet (CSS)
Thursday, May 14, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Cascading Style Sheets are a simple way to add style (fonts, color, formatting) to websites. Good CSS skills help ensure your website will be well-designed, user friendly and appealing to visitors.