Bark, a grassroots organization based in Northwest Oregon, works to preserve the forests, waters, and wildlife of Mt. Hood National Forest and the surrounding regions. Bark is known throughout the Northwest as a leader in providing education and advocacy programs that bring attention to the "vanishing legacy" of the state's forests and wildlands. Bark also monitors logging and challenges destructive timber sales.

Time for a Change

Bark turned to DemocracyInAction (DIA) because it had grown in strength and it was simply time for a change. The organization faced what seemed like the insurmountable task of upgrading its membership database (held on Filemaker) of over 15,000 supporters. Moreover, Bark needed more from a membership database so they could combine critical fundraising, advocacy, and outreach activities. In light of these challenges and opportunities, Bark called on DIA and its integrated Salsa constituent relationship management (CRM) online communications tools to help Bark accomplish its important preservation work.

Before turning to DIA, Bark had no integrated outreach tools. Bark's special communications needs included listserv capabilities that integrated with its supporter database, and the ability to send effective email blasts. Within days, DIA solved the organization's long-standing issue that had resulted from internally hosting listservs. The organization now has six listservs externally hosted by DIA. As the organization regularly updates its volunteer committees, it is extremely important that Bark's "listservs are connected with supporter records," according to Executive Director Alex P. Brown — a challenge that is easily met through DIA's systems. 

Since Making the Switch to Salsa

Since making the switch to Salsa, Bark is now able to send targeted, personalized emails and action alerts to their most active supporters through Salsa's email blast and listserv capabilities. Bark is using this capability to provide personalized volunteer and giving opportunities for its various constituents, all the way from "core volunteers" to its entry level members. In addition to efficiently mobilizing volunteers, this ability has also positioned Bark to successfully move to a higher level of fundraising.