Missoula, Montana got a taste of what it means to have one of the nations leading online communications providers have an office in town. DIA recently launched our new WiredRockies Field office by offering 3 sizzling events in our “Missoula Summer Series”.

The premier event, “Mobilizing Online: Raising Money and Awareness on the Internet” , was presented by NewWest, one of the West’s largest online daily news sources. It was attended by over 50 people (a great turnout for August) and was held in our newly remodeled art museum, where drinks and appetizers were served. It was one of those events that made you feel smart, cutting edge and inspired to join the online conversation. Jason Zanon , DIA’s Outreach Director, did a fabulous job presenting on fundraising and was remarked at being particularly interesting and engaging at this smart swanky event.

The next day, Jason led an engaging workshop called “Online Tactics for Building Your Supporter Base”, at Missoula’s renowned Children’s Theatre (above). Participants walked away with a firm understanding of online organizing principles and ... urban water systems. Jason compared the recruitment, engagement and retaining process to water. For your recruitment devise (designed to easily capture as many folks as possible), you have your large intake aqueduct. Once folks are in your cistern-like CRM, the real work begins with figuring out who they are and what they should do. But from such unholy caverns emerges the sparkling bath water, or the fruits of your organizing labor. Folks loved it. The series will end on Thursday with a live DIA 101 presentation that I will lead at our public library. So what’s the next event? You tell us! These are the types of events we are looking to organize with other organizations. Let me know if your groups is interested in co-sponsoring an event where you live. Contact me at jnet@democracyinaction.org or call 406-880-jnet (5638).