Change the World with Transmedia Storytelling

multimedia[Dalya’s Note: This blog post was originally published  by Nedra Weinreich who is a social marketing consultant, author, and speaker at Weinreich Communications.]

We live in a transmedia world. Information, stories, marketing come at us from all sides — from the radio news waking you up in the morning to your box of cereal describing the plight of the puffin; emails, texts and tweets with the latest updates from family, friends and co-workers; the billboards you see on the way to work; in-person meetings with your colleagues using the inevitable PowerPoint slides; your favorite TV show… We are bombarded with data that we constantly process on the fly to create a coherent picture of our world.

Why does this matter for nonprofits, public agencies and others who are working to change people’s lives for the better? Because the people you are trying to reach also live in this transmedia world. We need to reach people where they are, and where they are is practically everywhere! Of course, your particular audience is more likely to spend their time in certain places than others, but don’t assume that reaching them on one platform is enough to make an impression. (I know the term “audience” is not the most appropriate when we’re talking about a more participatory model, but I don’t have a better word yet for “the people whose behavior you are trying to change.”)

Read the full article: HERE.

Describe how your work embodies your deepest values and guiding principles

principles[Dalya’s Note: This is an excerpt from my award-winning book, Writing to Make a Difference: 25 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact.]

Back away from the practical specifics, and take a bit of a philosophical approach.

Ask_yourselfAsk yourself: What fundamental values or concerns have led your readers to your organization and its mission?

For instance, you and your readers might particularly value the physical and emotional health of young women; the dignity of refugees; the artistic expression of senior citizens; the conservation of wildlife in your region; the science education of middle school students; or waterways free of pollution.

Because of your shared values, you can make some basic assumptions about what your readers understand and agree on. In your written pieces, build on those assumptions about what works, what does not work, and what important beliefs should be upheld. You will naturally hit on the core thoughts and feelings your readers harbor, as they pertain to your mission and activities.

Ask_yourselfAsk yourself: How would your organization complete this sentence to clarify shared assumptions about the world, how it works, and what is important?

“Our organization focuses on ______ and we value ________________ . We believe our work is important in the world because ______________ .”

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Webinar on 12/11: On Today’s Menu: Your Successful Grant Proposal

Nonprofit WebinarsHow can you whip up a successful grant proposal? You’ll need just the right proportions of research, planning, drafting, and editing. And don’t forget to garnish with tasty feedback and a dash of good timing!

Foundations and corporate funders are always looking for ways to make good investments in your community. To partner with them, you have to show exactly how you can help make that happen! Webinar participants will get a special discount on Dalya’s award-winning book, “Writing to Make a Difference: 25 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact.”

Who should attend: This webinar is ideal for: nonprofit directors, staff, board, volunteers, and consultants who help raise money from foundations and corporations; jobseekers are also welcome.

Level: Beginner and Intermediate

In this webinar you will learn:

  • How to prepare for the grantwriting process
  • What to include (and exclude)
  • What most engages (and repels) grantmakers
  • Where to find resources for your next steps

Attendees will also receive 3 follow-up documents:

1) “Spot the Weaknesses” Summary

2) One-page Sample Grant Format

3) Recommended Resources List

Please join us Wednesday, December 11 at 12pm PT (3pm ET)! Sign up HERE.

What do previous attendees have to say about this webinar?

“This was a very useful and informative webinar. I have sat on many webinars that do not provide such clear, specific information and I appreciate your sharing your expertise. Thank you!”
 
“I am very excited about the prospect of writing successful grants for my organization — as opposed to fearing it!”

“Ask Dalya”: Grant Proposal Length

personally speakingThis “Ask Dalya” series covers 17 of your grantwriting questions. Get lots more Q & A, individual feedback, materials, etc. in the Grantwriter’s FastTrack Coaching Program.

Q: In grant proposals, should we use all of the space given in the application, or is it best to keep it short instead?

A: As I mentioned in my blog post on the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address, my suggestion is always to strive to cultivate conciseness. Regardless of the amount of space you are given on an application you want to focus on brevity: as long as you still clearly make your points. If you have plenty of space, use it wisely. Just remember that your readers receive an overwhelming number of applications; if your proposal is easy to skim then it is enjoyable and informative to read and leaves the reader with a positive feeling. Look to strike the right balance.

Got questions about how YOU can use your writing to make a difference? Send them to my assistant, Leslie Rivera, and I’ll answer them on the blog.