#NPMC chat – May 28, 2015

#NPMC Chat starts now. Welcome! Topic: How does your nonprofit’s history fit into your nonprofit’s story?

Thank you to @Kelgon for another great topic and conversation-starting post:  http://ow.ly/Nvc3r  #NPMC

Sorry about the excessive # of tweets that are about to come from me. Joining this month's #NPMC chat about telling an org's history.

Very excited to already have @MattVarnell @margaux_om and @JohannaSedgwick here! Let's start with intros! #NPMC

@mo_flow Very welcome! Love digging into history #NPMC

Tweet volume about to spike. Joining #NPMC chat on #storytelling, and how to share your #nonprofit's history.  http://ow.ly/N64O8 

Please tell us a little about you and what brought you here! #NPMC

Time for #npmc chat! Topic how to share your nonprofit's history  http://ow.ly/N64O8 

@SeattleSeneca Yay! #NPMC

This is my 1st Twitter Chat ever! Very excited! #npmc

Hi - I am passionate about community building and health. My degree is in nonprofit management. #npmc

Looks like we also have @Kelgon @OPgrrl @abrodydesign and possibly @marissapaige #NPMC

Hello! I'm Kelly, mktg specialist at Lark Enterprises. Happy to see ervy1 #NPMC

@DareEdFdtn Wonderful! Welcome! #NPMC

I'm ED of @theiwrc and would love to bring more of my org's history into our storytelling. looking for inspiration #npmc

I am my org's only employee. Always looking for ways to help us grow. #npmc

Marketing & events coordinator and #NPMC always has great info to get you thinking!

Hi, #NPMC. RoiAnn here, managing comms for @HealthConnctOne. Hoping to gather ideas for our 30th anniversary next year.

Hello! I help nonprofits with their marketing, which includes branding, graphic design and social media. #npmc

@MalkahKai Welcome! #NPMC

Handle all the mar/com for a small arts nonprofit. #npmc

I’m Marlene Oliveira, of Nonprofit MarCommunity and #NPMC chat. Also copywriter & communications consultant to nonprofits at moflow.

As the intros keep coming, in, let's jump in with Q1. #NPMC

@DareEdFdtn #NPMC chat is a great way to learn & network & grow. Glad to have you here!

Hey #NPMC! I'm Digital Communications Manager for @FirstBook! Glad to be here!

For those new to #NPMC chat, we’re using Q/A format - we post questions using Q1, Q2, etc. You respond by using A1, A2, etc.

Ty @Kelgon! #npmc

Q1. How relevant is your nonprofit’s history today? What makes it so? #NPMC

I'm Margaux O'Malley, I help nonprofits (esp. those w/ focus on human rights & Latin America) w/ communications & web development. #NPMC

A1. History has been very relevant to us lately internally, as we chart our direction going forward. To ask,"Stay partnered or not?" #npmc

And complementary to Q1... Q1.b Where and how do you currently share your nonprofit’s history? #NPMC

a1) It's always good to bring your org story back to its roots, both internally and externally. Your mission is at your roots! #NPMC

1970s journal editorials from @theiwrc still ring true to wildlife rehabilitators today #npmc

Good point MT @marissapaige a1) good to bring your org story back to its roots. Your mission is at your roots! #NPMC

A1. History = why we're doing what we're doing (mission). Esp for older orgs, can help establish the org as expert in field. #NPMC

a1) You never want to lose sight of your mission no matter how much your org grows, so I'd say your org history is always relevant! #NPMC

@mo_flow We tend to follow the #Drucker concept from #The5Qs about revisiting our mission every three years. That helps stay relevant. #NPMC

was involved w/ a np that couldn't use the founder's name b/c of ugliness in past, but was still a way to tell core of origin #npmc

A1b. We share history in-person - fundraisers, trainings - effectively. On the website and blog, perhaps less so. #NPMC

A1b. History usually buried on a page in "about" section of website. Not actively shared or celebrated. #NPMC

A1b Only in annual report. Looking to change that! #NPMC

even if past unknown or murky, can honor elements of what brought the org into being and drove the mission - feel weird if no mention #npmc

Some very interesting nuances coming from A1. Wondering about those organizations whose course has changed significantly... #NPMC

A1b. history shared on website but also a bit of it is shared when we have visitors at our site #NPMC

#NPMC A1 @abclifeliteracy non-profit's history is what attracts a high caliber of sponsors and partners, which allow us to share our message

History is a part of sharing "who we are and what we do" in a clear and compelling way. Stories evoke emotions, lead to actions. #npmc

A1. Our history of growth, from indiv community-based programs to national org mentoring dev'ment of these programs = credibility. #NPMC

Lovr this MT @btrfly12 even if past unknown or murky, can honor elements of what brought the org into being and drove the mission #npmc

a1 Relevant in some ways. Ex: All of our former CEOs were women. Shared their bios during women's history month #NPMC

@mo_flow - does that say more about #missioncreep or just adaptation? #NPMC

@btrfly12 Yes, tricky when an org's work evolves beyond founder's original vision! #NPMC

Our society is 111 years old! But the last 30 years have seen the most activity and growth. Those last 30 years really show what we do #NPMC

a1b) #npmc always a fan of a video!

@SVNPOFoundation Could be either, no? #NPMC

@heather_cos @abclifeliteracy It helps us attract customers b/c of longevity & quality of service over the years #NPMC

Wow! MT @JohannaSedgwick Our society is 111 years old! But the last 30 years have seen the most activity and growth. #NPMC

I loved working for a hospital where history all around - in emp/vol orientation, on the walls, honored in values and mtgs #npmc

Great example by @Kelgon of sharing history “All of our former CEOs were women. Shared their bios during women's history month” #NPMC

Remember: use #NPMC tag and if you want to be RTd, make sure your tweet is 120c or less to give room for the RT.

Excellent way to celebrate org's history and tie in with current events! #NPMC  https://twitter.com/Kelgon/status/603973057535959041 …

Strong connection to the identity of the organization and its legacy fostered pride in work and grounded us in mission #npmc

@abrodydesign agreed. Leads to Q2... #NPMC

Q2. What can you bring in from your nonprofit’s history, to enrich your current storytelling? #NPMC

What if an org has 2+ very different versions of history to work through? #npmc

A1: SO important! It helps especially with staying away from mission creep #NPMC

@mo_flow - could be either or both. Certainly something to examine in the stories we see (and tell)! #NPMC

A2 #NPMC On the social side, I love that Facebook allows you to populate your organizations history on your timeline.

@DareEdFdtn any common elements, core values that cross? sometimes must just weave a nice 3-5 sentences together #npmc

@mo_flow A2: I think that the original #vision and #passion are two of the most important features of the story re-visited. #npmc

Great question RT @DareEdFdtn What if an org has 2+ very different versions of history to work through? #npmc

Ty @btrfly12! #npmc

A2 Part of origin story: An org is in my great grandmother's house - they have a pic of original bldg w/ history on site #NPMC

@heather_cos What a great idea! #NPMC

@heather_cos Anything you were particularly glad to highlight? (BTW - love that you found a way to join us) #NPMC

A2: Milestones and WHY we were able to achieve them - what was going on in the world, who spurred change, etc #NPMC  https://twitter.com/mo_flow/status/603974037027606529 …

Cool! MT @SarahSeb19 A2 Part of origin story: An org is in my great grandmother's house - have pic of original bldg w/ history on site #NPMC

Q2 I think we focus on programs and exhibits of historical and cultural interest for children and adults and not the rest! #NPMC

Just jumping in on the #NPMC with @mo_flow! Sorry we're late. Talking #storytelling for your #nonprofit's history today.

@SarahFromDC Love this and you took Q2 right out of my mouth... #NPMC

RT @SarahFromDC A2: Milestones and WHY we were able to achieve them - what was going on in the world, who spurred change, etc #NPMC

A2 con't Successes, milestones, major event launched, any rebranding that may have taken place, etc #NPMC

Q2 b. What organizational milestones and dates might add value to your current communications? #NPMC

@npcommunicator Yay! #NPMC

@mo_flow Found a quiet moment at the event - glad to join also! #NPMC

A2 Things you can make visual, like mapping your org's offices over the years #NPMC

a2) I use #TBT #TBThursday on Instagram & Facebook to give today's supporters a glimpse of our past #NPMC

A2b. Like founding anniversaries, giving milestones, etc? #npmc

Smart and practical! RT @Kelgon A2 Things you can make visual, like mapping your org's offices over the years #NPMC

@marissapaige I like that! Where do you get that info from to be able to do it? #npmc

@marissapaige Love the idea. Mktg/Comm can have so much fun with today's tech & trends! #NPMC

So smart @marissapaige "I use #TBT #TBThursday on Instagram & Facebook to give today's supporters a glimpse of our past" #npmc

@Kelgon interesting. My org has grown a ton through the past few years and are on our 3rd building. #NPMC

@abrodydesign hey thanks! :) #NPMC

@MattVarnell We've been in 12 different bldgs since 1957! I've been working on a map as a fun way to share the info #NPMC

Touched on this a little.. just to recap: Q3. How do our histories strengthen our communications? #NPMC

Q3: They help tell the story of your organization and build that emotional connection with your supporters. #npmc

.@DareEdFdtn There are pics around the office from our beginnings 24 yrs ago & folks on staff who were there at our beginnings #npmc

A3: Our histories are the embedded place by which our culture and values have arisen. They anchor our story in a time and place. #NPMC

A3 Our history shows our credibility #NPMC

A3. Strengthen credibility, position expertise, connect to mission/roots, attract high-calibre supporters... did I miss anything? #NPMC

#NPMC @DareEdFdtn it takes some detective work but there's historical content everywhere!

Brilliant! RT @marissapaige: a2) I use #TBT #TBThursday on Instagram & Facebook to give today's supporters a glimpse of our past #NPMC

Hi from London, #npmc a little late but as I’m working for 4 orgs merging this week’s topic is very relevant to me right now.

@eebeejay hello! :) #npmc

Cool & fun idea: share history on a map! #NPMC  https://twitter.com/Kelgon/status/603976609788502016 …

a2) #NPMC @DareEdFdtn sometimes I'll even #TBT to LAST MONTH or even last Thursday to talk about events we've had.

A3: Definitely helps with attracting new donors - it gives context, credibility, and something to remember #NPMC

Since we've started talking tactics... Q4. What vehicles will work well for sharing *your* history? #NPMC

Q4. What vehicles will work well for sharing *your* history? #NPMC

A1 4 orgs with great legacies. Our boards are very keen to not lose those histories in our merger. #npmc

@eebeejay This also works as A3. :) #NPMC

@marissapaige I understand! Ty! Great idea! #NPMC

History is important during merger! And, merger = great occasion to reflect & share. #NPMC  https://twitter.com/eebeejay/status/603978475314249729 …

A4. Already heard about Facebook, photos, maps...what else? #NPMC

A4. We tell our history most engagingly w/ photos, video, or in-person. #NPMC

@marissapaige Hello! Good to see you on #NPMC too :)

A4 Digital publishing platform like ISSUU, email newsletter, annual report #NPMC

A4 Timelines can be good to have on a website - helps if have graphics and photos along with impact stats. #npmc

RT @OPgrrl A4. We tell our history most engagingly w/ photos, video, or in-person. #NPMC

@btrfly12 That sounds like such a great idea! #NPMC

A4: Having a timeline on the website is SUPER helpful - also Facebook milestones, white papers, etc. #NPMC  https://twitter.com/mo_flow/status/603978117196165120 …

A4 offline, wall displays of organizational history are nice too - along with the mission statement #npmc

RT @Kelgon A4 Digital publishing platform like ISSUU, email newsletter, annual report #NPMC

OK, #millennialchat was great. Double chat with #NPMC and #culturechat almost done (& great). Now #nonprofitchat at 9 PM (ET). #chatoverload

Ah, yes! RT @btrfly12 A4 Timelines can be good to have on a website - helps if have graphics and photos along with impact stats. #npmc

A3 collective histories and expertise of our orgs very important to our credibility as a lobby group and demoing benefit of our work #npmc

@SarahFromDC Cool. What might that white paper look like? #NPMC

Hearing so many ways we can share history - either as focus or the add credibility/strengthen messages. #NPMC

Q5. Has anyone celebrated a major milestone in an interesting, effective way? #NPMC

And while waiting for any takers for Q5... #NPMC

Q6. What archives, people and other resources are available to help you unearth your organization’s history? #NPMC

#NPMC A1: Important... it shows the orgs progress in transforming lives and where its going

A4 mostly our magazines and websites, though we’re working on a living history exhibit and an archive of info on blacks in dance #npmc

A6 It may be good to have someone designated as "historian" for your organization to help organize/share that info #NPMC

#NPMC A2: The Why... why does this organization exist, what value can the donors/public relate to

Gathering quotes and photos from staff, vol and clients are always great to include in an anniversary celebration/campaign #npmc

RT @JohannaSedgwick A6 It may be good to have someone designated as "historian" for your organization to help organize/share that info #NPMC

@JohannaSedgwick Definitely a smart idea. I wonder who would be the best fit! #NPMC

having someone designated to look after the history is a great point! #npmc

Haven't done this, but was just imagining digging thru a box of old pics & items - taking photos & posting to instagram. #NPMC

#NPMC A2b: Dates that reflect how and when lives were transformed not of the org but of the people it's serving

Yes! And archiving carefully! MT @btrfly12 Gathering quotes and photos from staff, vol #npmc

@margaux_om Really smart, actually. Using free tools to archive/curate #NPMC

comms staff are already collectors of stories, but really whoever has a passion and sees the value to the big picture :) #npmc

@marlinobitanga I really like your point about milestones for ppl we serve, rather than for our org! #NPMC

A6 Sit down with long time members and have them share their memories/photos to help start putting together that history #NPMC

A5 our next major milestone is our merger next year. Will be a big event but details are not public yet. #npmc

And I keep wanting to find a way to Storify things. Harder to go way back in time, but maybe in combo w/ the box -> Instagram idea. #NPMC

MT @JohannaSedgwick A6 Sit down w/long time members & have them share memories/photos to help start putting together that history #NPMC

@eebeejay Looking forward to hearing about it! #NPMC

A6. Well, we hired @marissapaige to create a video with our historical photos and voiceover for our 25th anniversary fundraiser... #NPMC

Yes, great point! Keep it you-focused, not navel-gazing. :) #NPMC  https://twitter.com/DareEdFdtn/status/603982416819130368 …

#NPMC A4: Videos, wiki, culture books, interviews, ebooks.. there are so many, story just needs to be focused, consistent and clear

Q7. Will you start incorporating your organization’s history into your story in a new way after today? How? Other takeaways? #NPMC

When you are starting something new - org/program/etc - think ahead and capture important parts of the origin story. #npmc

A7 I really would like to incorporate milestones or a timeline on the website! #NPMC

@JohannaSedgwick Agreed. They have some of the best info to share! #NPMC

Yes RT @btrfly12: When you are starting something new - org/program/etc - think ahead and capture important parts of the origin story. #npmc

@btrfly12 That's a great takeaway for today: think ahead, capture more! #NPMC

And that's a wrap for today! Thank you everyone! Chat archives will be posted soon at  http://ow.ly/qmZRO  #NPMC

A7: Would love to go back and find volunteers for their stories - also would be GREAT to interview staffers from all over the org! #NPMC

@JohannaSedgwick yes, long-term members and volunteers are your living history #npmc

A7 Timeline with photos, maybe more visuals/info on our walls #NPMC

@mo_flow Thx Marlene and everyone, this has been a really interesting and fun chat! #NPMC

Send me your topic ideas for future chats as well as your thoughts about taking July AND August off this summer - or just August. #NPMC

.@OPgrrl & it was fun to work on! ;) #NPMC

Save the date/time for next #NPMC Chat: Thursday, June 25 at 1 pm ET. #NPMC

Thank you, #NPMC and @mo_flow for all the ideas on incorporating #history into #nonprofit #storytelling. Aways a good time!