Books vs Nonprofits: Who helps whom?
A Recap of the Greg Mortenson Furor guest post by David Matthew. David is an ERP software analyst and writes about nonprofit technology at Software Advice.
Greg Mortenson, founder of the Central Asia Institute (CAI), has long been considered among the leading lights of the nonprofit world. Not only is he a best selling author, but he is also a former Nobel Peace Prize nominee. Mortenson used his compelling story of arriving half-dead in a Pakistani village after a failed mountain expedition to raise millions of dollars to educate female students in rural Pakistan.
It started to go downhill for Mortenson when the American Institute of Philanthropy published an article in March drawing attention to a number of irregularities in the way CAI was managed. Then Jon krakauer, author of Into Thin Air, teamed with 60 Minutes for an in-depth focus on the CAI’s efficacy. This April exposé sparked an avalanche of bad press and public condemnation for Mortenson. He partially earned scrutiny from a number of major media outlets for embellishing and making up facts in his two memoirs, Stones Into Schools and Three Cups of Tea. However, in his role as executive director of the Central Asia Institute, he has faced even greater criticism for mismanaging the Central Asia Institute.
The primary accusation is that the Central Asia Institute has helped fund his book promotion and speaking tours, but has not reaped any financial benefit for their investment. This is especially disconcerting because Mortenson was earning at least $25,000 per speaking event and travelling by private jet. The verdict is still out as to how much this situation was the result of malfeasance or mismanagement, and it would be irresponsible to draw too many conclusions without a full list of the facts before us. With Mortenson still recovering from a recent surgery, it may still be a matter of time before we have his whole version of the story.
Are any nonprofits using Alternate Reality Gaming?
I would love to hear an answer to that question. I can’t find any. And trust me, I am looking. What is your experience? Know any that I missed? Not sure what alternate reality gaming is?
Check out these links.
NIN Alt Reality
http://www.jawbone.tv/news/1-news/466-trent-reznor-transmedia-case-study.html
LOST Alt Reality
http://lostpedia.wikia.com/wiki/The_Lost_Experience
Olympics Alt Reality Game
http://blog.avantgame.com/2008/03/lost-ring-alternate-reality-game-of.html
P.S. I am in love with Jane since seeing her keynote at SXSW.
So take a look and let us know what you find. Or maybe pitch us on how they SHOULD be using it.
Come take our Film Class! Now with Greenlights!
Hey readers! Along with the other staff of Lights. Camera. Help. I will be teaching the following class. Would love to have you sign up and see your smiling faces.
Do you want to use video to connect to your community and inspire your donors? Do you lack the skills or the budget? Or do you just need a little confidence? Join the founders of Austin’s own Lights. Camera. Help. to learn everything you need to know to film, edit and distribute your story to the public. In this interactive, fast-paced day of training, you’ll get expert advice on DIY video production and guidance for getting the most out of your video to ensure a maximum return on your investment. Space is limited for this special presentation designed especially for individuals and small teams from the same organization. Reserve your spot and register today!
THANK YOU WEEK – Looking to Hire? My Job Description
What a wild week! I would like to conclude THANK YOU WEEK here at 501derful.org by posting one of my favorite documents. This is what I was hired to do while I was at the American Cancer Society : Director of Online Communications. Of course this changed over time. A LOT! I came to supervise the Manager of eRevenue and the Manager of Interactive Media (while mentoring them both) and a Social Media Intern. My final title was Director of Web, Film and Interactive Strategy.
However this was the orginal document and makes a great platform to change and adapt. So go out and hire your own Online Communications person. Edit and modify it as you see fit.
Leave me comments on what you want to see in our next THANK YOU week.
Director Online Communications Job Descrip
Hola! I help people and nonprofits for a living. I do that with Ant's Eye View and Lights. Camera. Help. I am a published Author, Teacher, Speaker, Blogger, Network Weaver, and Social Media Scientist. How can I help you? Shoot me a tweet or an email with any questions about this blog. 