Within the realm of non-profits and philanthropy, social media is making great headway in unleashing the power of the cause, corralling supporters far beyond old local limits and making connections across networks to achieve like goals. With new perspective on old issues that once seemed unsolvable, social media experts Beth Kanter and Allison Fine write about this in The Networked Nonprofit.
Maybe this theory draws from sociology or anthropology, but they use the phrase “unfortress” to describe social media’s potential in the world of non-profits –and the millions of missions it serves. It is the power to connect over geographic and political boundaries, across social justice causes and knows no hierarchy of title, position or celebrity.
I assert that the word “unfortress” describes the larger change taking place within industries and institutions across America. It’s an approach that is rooted in understanding the generations, recognizing the power of technology and the sense of urgency behind the calls for transparency, efficiency and collaboration.
Healthcare was stuck in the “urgent care” model of flexible but fortressed service delivery until clinics popped up in retail settings, the electronic medical record was implemented and it fueled the functionality to connect with a practitioner online.
Availability of information housed within government, museums and libraries is being formatted for wide and open dissemination. By breaking down walls that used to house knowledge (which as we all know is power), information takes on new and unexpected value. We have so many tools to disseminate or share information at our disposal. Those dissatisfied with the ways and traditions of the past are using data and cost/benefit scenarios to drive change and yield results. The adage “time is money” holds true with major social issues that threaten the future of our economy. So, there is a new sense of urgency that society cannot wait for the Baby Boom’s set ways of posturing and competitive nature to solve our problems.
As we look at our own communities, it is plausible to envision a time when the non-profits, government entities and major employers rally around shared goals and contribute in their own ways to collaborative efforts. Imagine local declaration of shared ownership of matters around public health and community safety and then tackling them with new enthusiasm and motivation for success. Led by a non-profit that has served the area for 40 years, this is being done in Dakota County.
Where will it happen next?
