March 12th, 2010

Fathom and CT Association of Nonprofits Offer Social Media Training

Following the first and very successful certificate training class on social media for nonprofits, Fathom and the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits (CT Nonprofits) are joining forces again to offer "Social Media Champs," a certificate training course, this spring. The class will be three half-day sessions (9am-12pm) held on Tues., April 13, Wed., May 5 and Thur., June 3, and will be conducted at CT Nonprofits' offices in Hartford.

"As nonprofits struggle with less funding and fewer staff, yet continue to find more opportunities online, this is a critical time to embrace social media. Nonprofit leaders and marketers who can rally their team and help put a strategy into action will benefit the most from this course," said Melissa Harris, Director of Marketing and Communications, CT Nonprofits.

According to CT Nonprofits, this training is best for those who need to take their online efforts to the next level. The course is designed for people who have been active in the social media space but need to formulate a more cohesive marketing and communications strategy around those efforts. There are great resources online to learn the basics of how to use Twitter and Facebook. For this class, students take three months to determine which online environments and activities will match their organization's specific needs.

"In this class we focus on painting the picture of how social media integrates with your day and the organization's long-term goals. The biggest hurdle is understanding that there is no blueprint to follow. We are all creating this thing that is today called 'Social Media' but tomorrow will integrate in our daily life. That can be daunting and exciting all at once," said Suzi Craig, Fathom's Director of Marketing and Outreach and the instructor for the Social Media Champs training.

CT Nonprofits first offered the class last fall to 50 representatives of area nonprofits, ranging from local United Way chapters to educators like the American School for the Deaf. According to Craig, students came into the class at various levels of skill and understanding and, as a result, left with different plans of action. Craig says this was what she hoped would happen.

"Following my graduation, I continue to meet some of the most incredible people through social media. Having folks share their stories, their experiences, and their love of Wellspring has been amazing. I would venture to say that it’s been the most magical part of my job here at Wellspring," said Christina Reddington, Director of Public Relations, Wellspring, and a graduate of the Fall 2009 Social Media Champs training course.

The 3-part series is $225 and open to members and nonmembers of CT Nonprofits. For curriculum information and to register go to: www.ctnonprofits.org/education/offerings.

About Fathom

Fathom is a brand and creative firm that helps forward-looking organizations to cultivate and sustain the value they offer the world. Clients turn to Fathom when they need to reinvent or reinvigorate their brand. When bringing a brand to life, Fathom helps clients engage audiences by leveraging the best of online, print and event marketing. Fathom's clients include Yale, ConnectiCare, Wireless Zone, Aid to Artisans and more. More about Fathom can be found at: www.fathom.net.



About Connecticut Association of Nonprofits

Connecticut Association of Nonprofits (CT Nonprofits) is the largest membership organization in the state dedicated exclusively to working with nonprofits in Connecticut. As the voice of nonprofits for over 30 years, CT Nonprofits has connected organizations with information, education, advocacy and collaboration, helping members focus their energy on the people and communities they serve.  For more information visit: www.ctnonprofits.org.