Non-profits have slowly evolved into information sharing entities.

This has enabled faster growth and stronger, more sustainable organizations.

Also, NPO’s can reach a wider audience.

Software developers are learning the same things…

The question isn't really about open source, but about openness, Ross said. "Is the platform open so customers can make it work the way they need it to and when they need it and how they need it? We've seen a lot of the big companies moving in that direction." Kintera and Convio in October both raced to unveil open APIs (application programming interfaces) within days of each other: Kintera Connect and Convio Open. APIs are the code in an application that allows independent applications to "read" and "write" access, most of which are built for use with Web applications, allowing two Web sites to share information.

Change is dictated by the massive takeovers that this article reports...

The coming and current crisis of NPO leadership deficit is something that technology can help.

Technology reduces dependencies on leadership. With technology, leadership can be a shared asset from similar organizations.

However, the greater solution is cultivating current human capital. As per the Bridgman Group findings:

“It’s also becoming increasingly obvious to us that there are young talented

program people in our organization who could—if given help and support—

become senior management. We will have to go out of our way to provide them

with opportunities and experiences that they would not organically get in their

present positions. We need to expose them to areas such as development,

budgeting and working with trustees; and to provide workshops where they can

begin to stretch their skill set. These younger program people absolutely need

these kinds of experiences over the next five to seven years to ensure they can

effectively take over the reins of leadership”

Also, there is a wealth of information online that can help with the steep learning curve of non-profit management. In fact, one can feasibly gain a superficial understanding of all areas of non profit leadership by just perusing all of this info.

I am one who believes that the ipad is revolutionary for NPO’s.

Especially after hearing from the tech team at Highway T. They were convinced that a revolution was occurring. They both believed that tablets would dominate the market, which is no great prediction.

However, they also demonstrated how useful ipads were for social workers, who typically have to be on the go during their shift.

Imagine being able to use one in the field. The speed and versatility is amazing. It is nearly weightless. Oh, did I forget to mention that ipad2 just came out?

The new version is half the weight with twice as much battery life.

Okay, I know that it just sounds like a new toy, and in many ways, it is. But the ipad has potential built into it, just like Google apps. The ability of third parties to integrate with the ipad is what makes it so potentially useful. This allows users to dictate what gets created.

The ipad is changing the game for sure.  This link is to a post about some of this potential. The author, Lawrence Keyes, is not quite sold on the ipad, but realizes that it’s price and it’s promise is without equal.  

Mark Shaw and Adam King of Highway T were in class last Monday.

Shaw, the “one with the colorful scarf” proved quite colorful indeed, with his easy banter and quick wit. He had many tales recounting his perspectives on technology and the non-profit sector.

Adam King, sans scarf, brought a comparatively similar perspective.

The pair elaborated on everything from cloud-computing to Android apps.

I decided to take a deeper look into their organization by perusing their web site.

Highway T is dedicated to helping non-profits navigate the world of technological innovation through assessments, installations, and workshops. 

 For instance, they have a popular managed-care program which allows NPO’s the ability to have 24/7 customer service for technological problems.

Most popular, however, is Highway T’s assessment and technology planning service, which operates in order to advance the idea of budgeting  and preparing for technology.

Webinars and workshops round out their offerings.

I was actually able to view a webinar by our Prof. Andy Wolber about database selection, from the Highway T web site.

Highway T operates altruistically, which is an important distinction to King and Shaw. For-profit tech firms have capital motives which often supersede sincerity and integrity.

King and Shaw impressed me most by the way they described their job as an ability to help those who help others. Though their work is often behind-the-scenes, they are essential to non-profit success.