Salsa Scoop> What Two Years in Nonprofit Tech Has Taught Me (If Anything)

What Two Years in Nonprofit Tech Has Taught Me (If Anything)

Yesterday was the two-year anniversary of my first day at DemocracyInAction, and it got me reflecting on the many strange and wonderful things I've learned, from the many strange and wonderful fellow-inmates of the nonprofit tech asylum. I came by the nonprofit tech space quite accidentally, as happens to many in it -- development (fundraising, not tech development) turned accidental owner of a web site turned e-pamphleteer turned buyer/user/customer evangelist of scrappy startup do-gooders turned employee of aforementioned scrappy startup do-gooders. I've been learning on the fly since those first stomach-fluttering support calls, and with luck a few of those lessons were even the right ones. At any rate, these are a few of the dominant delusions I'm nursing as a result:

Nonprofit tech isn't always that much about the tech.

Though the dream lives on for a legion of cybertopians, the technology has not yet been invented to patch inefficient management, political rivalry, personal jealousy, or any laws of thermodynamics. Apparent dysfunctions in hardware, software and handlers of same very often turn out to express the personal or institutional dynamics that surround them, and those dynamics have been powerful enough at times to cause an organization to switch to us or from us for what amount to reasons wholly unrelated to us.

It's also not that much about nonprofits.

Nonprofit, at the end of the day, is a paragraph of the tax code. For a million-plus organizations that run the gamut from Miriam's Kitchen to Yale University to the American Enterprise Institute to, well, DemocracyInAction, one presumes upon the connotative implications of the term at one's peril. At the same time, and especially in the age of networks and connectivity, individuals and ad hoc networks of people are taking on many of the functions of advocacy and service traditionally associated with nonprofits, and good in the world doesn't ultimately care whether it was done by someone with an IRS determination letter. Nonprofit organizations, in their many forms, guises and functions, are much more similar to for-profits, to cliques, to blog clusters, to political parties, to military units, and to a host of other recognizable organizational structures than sectarian exceptionalism might incline to confess. As is usual in human affairs, there's more variation within groups than between them. And there's a lot to be gained cribbing the lessons learned in other parts of the tax code.

One can be a hacker at any level of technical acumen.

It's a little too easy for many of us who are not particularly technical to accept a learned dependence on programming staff or consultants. This was a habit I had to rather violently break when I arrived here, acting as the layer between customer calls and our CTO. It turns out that taking a dogged approach to technical problems -- acting like one has no programmer to fall back on and starting with one's own expertise, whatever it is, googling to enhance it, experimentally replicating bugs and testing possible solutions -- can actually get one pretty far down the road, quite often all the way down the road, and build one's own knowledge into the bargain. And I'll let you in on a secret: a fair portion of the time that the geeks get ahold of a problem, that's exactly what they're doing. They just strike that authoritative pose when they deliver the response to keep the normals in awe. It's an amazingly empowering experience that largely hinges on mindset. For better or worse, it's also the sort of thing to make accidental techies if you're the one person in an office willing to figure out troublesome printer networking or unpack HTML.

There are many paths to enlightenment.

(Gonnnnnng ... and we don't even have a Berkeley office.) Seriously, I wouldn't be here if I didn't think DemocracyInAction generally rocks your socks. "The zeal of the converted," I think I said. But there's missionary work, and there's crusade by swordpoint. We try to do our proselytizing with a slice of humility, both to keep karma satisfied and because the brief history of the Internet is already littered with the ruined statuary of a thousand Prester Johns fallen from the holiest of V.C. holies into the obscurity of abandoned code and Aeron fire sales. The fact is that the market is made of organizations who need technology like ours as a means to a tactical goal, and that a variety of possible solutions exist that might realize it. We hope ours is often among the more cost-effective and accessible for a certain class of organizations and goals. But there is no such thing as one code fits all. Update: Get this post remixed into video in an amazingly flattering shout-out.

Comments

Happy 2nd year anniversary!

Two years seems like a long time! Good reflection!

Congrats Jason

Wow...I can't believe it has been two years. Congrats!! DIA is doing the non profit world alot of good!!!

Huge congratulations!

Sorry I missed your anniversary, Jason. Given our ever-shortening attention spans, two years is a long time to focus on any piece of work. Thanks for doing such a great job with the DIA blog.

Happy 2nd anniversary DIA!

Happy 2nd anniversary DIA!

Essay writing service

Superb! I am so glad to see the DIA celebrating its 2nd anniversary. It has been a long time and you have provided us with such amazing post all the time and now I can check samedayessay services to manage the task. I always loved to read your content and I will definitely continue my journey with you.

PaperCoachReviews

We decided to start Paper Coach reviews site to collect honest feedback from students. We are an independent platform, and that’s why you can read true and honest reviews from learners.

Essay writing service

Thank you.

Moving Company

I work in a group of experts in moving organization for few several years. We can assist you with all of administrations of moving. A great many audits and fulfilled clients everywhere on the nation vouch for our polished skill, duty and love for our work. Our nearby trucking organization is in Houston TX. For more information you can check here for example, and you will prescribe our organization to every one of your companions and colleagues. Best of luck!

Essay

Greetings everyone, sidekicks, I am an understudy and I know firsthand that creating one of a kind messages and processes is an extremely monotonous and dull cycle, and when there is no time, is there still work? For this circumstance, this organization goes to my guide https://customwritinghelp.org/college-essay-help/ just specialists work here who will help you in your assessments.

Help For Students

Greetings everyone, sidekicks, I am an understudy and I know firsthand that creating one of a kind messages and processes is an extremely monotonous and dull cycle, and when there is no time, is there still work? For this circumstance, this organization goes to my guide https://customwritinghelp.org/college-essay-help/ just specialists work here who will help you in your assessments.

Help For Students With Essay

Hi! I am an understudy and I work so as not to strain my family. In like way there isn't routinely an ideal occasion to make an evaluation paper. My partners rebuked me likewise https://assignment-partner.com/mba-assignment-help, I was staggered at how limit they advanced toward my undertaking! No doltish replicating from the Internet, classic sources, everything on time.

Help in education

Hello! I want to share important information! I am a student, I study in college normally, but sometimes there are problems. So it was that time when I did not have time to submit my research paper on time. And my friends advised me to contact https://write-essay-for-me.com/write-research-paper And lo and behold! The work was handed over in the shortest possible time, grade "A". Thank you guys, I advise everyone to try this service

Help in education

Hello! I want to share important information! I am a student, I study in college normally, but sometimes there are problems. So it was that time when I did not have time to submit my research paper on time. And my friends advised me to contact https://write-essay-for-me.com/write-research-paper And lo and behold! The work was handed over in the shortest possible time, grade "A". Thank you guys, I advise everyone to try this service

Hello! I want to share important information! I am a student, I study in college normally, but sometimes there are problems. So it was that time when I did not have time to submit my research paper on time. And my friends advised me to contact https://write-essay-for-me.com/write-research-paper And lo and behold! The work was handed over in the shortest possible time, grade "A". Thank you guys, I advise everyone to try this service

Actually I read it yesterday but I had some thoughts about it and today I wanted to read it again because it is very well written. Lawyer Brandan Davies

v

Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me. Attorney Brandan Davies

This is important, though it's necessary to help you head over to it weblink: Attorney Brandan Davies

Such sites are important because they provide a large dose of useful information ... Defense Lawyer Brandan Davies

I might suggest solely beneficial in addition to trusted facts, and so find it: Brandan Davies Drug Lawyer

Generally when I browse the net I try to find web pages that offer good information and so I found this website. Often times when I have been to this website I've truly really enjoyed the great content on this site. I will be certain to look for your future write-up.. Thanks for the nice posting I am going to come again in the future. canada conference call number

These websites are really needed, you can learn a lot. Termite Treatment Orlando

I read this article. I think You put a lot of effort to create this article. I appreciate your work. Bed Bug Treatment Orlando

It is fine, nonetheless evaluate the information and facts around this correct. şehirlerarası evden eve nakliyat

Can nicely write on similar topics! Welcome to here you'll find out how it should look. kurye

So lot to occur over your amazing blog. Your blog procures me a fantastic transaction of enjoyable.. Salubrious lot beside the scene. Batıkent su tesisatçısı

The most interesting text on this interesting topic that can be found on the net ... hasta yatağı kiralama

You possess lifted an essential offspring..Blesss for using..I would want to study better latest transactions from this blog..preserve posting.. su arıtma cihazı

Welcome to the party of my life here you will learn everything about me. izmir yurtlar

This is exciting, nevertheless it is vital for you to visit this specific url: Orlando Exterminator

Make the most of mainly premium substances - you will find him or her for: Lake Mary Exterminator

This is helpful, nonetheless it can be crucial so that you can check out the following website: amway pyramid scheme

So it is interesting and very good written and see what they think about other people. Deltona Exterminator

I can recommend primarily decent and even responsible tips, as a result view it: 안전놀이터

Below you will understand what is important, the idea provides one of the links with an exciting site: com sec

Hi there, I discovered your blog per Google bit searching for such kinda educational advise moreover your inform beholds very remarkable for me. Onewheel Pint Accessories

So lot to occur over your amazing blog. Your blog procures me a fantastic transaction of enjoyable.. Salubrious lot beside the scene. Canaan Avalonminer 1166 pro 81Th/s

The best article I came across a number of years, write something about it on this page. RB88

Excellent read, Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. lsm99

Beaver says I also have such interest, you can read my profile here: fun88

In this particular article, you will see a summary, satisfy browse this post. บาคาร่า

These websites are really needed, you can learn a lot. W88

I propose merely very good along with reputable data, consequently visualize it: สล็อต

I encourage you to read this text it is fun described ... sbobet

Profit primarily prime quality items -- you can understand them all within: slotxo

In this article understand the most important thing, the item will give you a keyword rich link a great useful website page: หวยหุ้น

It's superior, however , check out material at the street address. joker

I read this article. I think You put a lot of effort to create this article. I appreciate your work. ufabet

Interestingly you write, I will address you'll find exciting and interesting things on similar topics. fifa55

It is very good, but look at the information at this address. free alternative project management tools comparison

Nice information, valuable and excellent design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here. This is a calculator for working our percentages

Great job for publishing such a beneficial web site. Your web log isn’t only useful but it is additionally really creative too. There tend to be not many people who can certainly write not so simple posts that artistically. Continue the nice writing Europa-Road medence szállítás

HGH for our health

I'm certain that the correct decision of a facility and the correct decision of a specialist is the most ideal choice, since wellbeing is the primary concern. I tracked down the best center (view publisher site), where my primary care physician and I worked out a treatment framework, and obviously control the interaction. Furthermore, I can perceive how rapidly I improve.

I really enjoy simply reading all of your weblogs. Simply wanted to inform you that you have people like me who appreciate your work. Definitely a great post. Hats off to you! The information that you have provided is very helpful. Fókuszpályázat

Bursa Diş

As Bursa dental hospital, we provide professional services in many areas such as teeth whitening, orthodontics, oral and dental surgery. It's time to meet our orthodontics and dentist specialists.Bursa Diş

Ankara Fayans Ustası

We recommend you to see Selman master, Ankara tile master, to make your tiles at a complete cost in a professional and appropriate way.Ankara Fayans Ustası

Ankara Fayans Ustası

We recommend you to see Selman master, Ankara tile master, to make your tiles at a complete cost in a professional and appropriate way.Ankara Fayans Ustası

Interesting and interesting information can be found on this topic here profile worth to see it. Japanese sex dolls

Thanks for sharing this interesting blog with us.My pleasure to being here on your blog..I wanna come beck here for new post from your site. Dr Gőz Péter ügyvéd Debrecen

Mobile

Mobil ödeme bahis sistemi son dönemlerde oldukça artan ilgi ile karşılaşmaktadır. Anında ve kolay ödeme sistemleri hakkında bilgi almak için tıklayabilirsiniz..Mobil ödeme bahis

Cicek Flowers

Çiçek Siparişi Göndermek için yeni ve eşsiz bir yol. Çiçekçiler ile anlaşma değil kendi dükkanları ile, aynı gün içinde gönderilmek üzere Çiçek Siparişiniz için, birbirinden güzel çiçek düzenlemelerini sevdiklerinize teslim eden bir Web sitesi. Türkiye’de kendine ait çiçek dükkanları ile, yüzlerce Çiçek Siparişi ve onların tek tek çiçek ve hediyelerini tasarlayarak sevdiklerine ulaştırılır. çiçek market

Açılış Çelenk

I understand this column. I realize You put a many of struggle to found this story. I admire your process. çelenk

Pendik

Pendik çiçek siparişi verebilirsiniz. Pendik ilçesinde bulunan sevdiklerinizi çiçeklerle buluşturuyoruz. Pendik lider Çiçekçi uzmanının gücü artık bizimle. Attığımız her adımda daha da büyüyen, bizi her gün daha yukarı taşıyan. Pendik önemli bir ilçe olduğu kadar Türkiye için de önemi büyüktür. Çiçek siparişi sevdiklerinize en önemli anlarında yanında olduğunun bir göstergesidir. Çelenk siparişi verirken tercih edeceğiniz Çiçekçi çok önem taşımaktadır. Çiçekçi ilk olarak sanattan anlayan, çiçek tasarım sanat eğitim almış, uzun yıllar tecrübesi olan ustalar çalıştırmalıdır. Diğer bir faktör ise çiçeklerin tazeliğidir. Pendik Çiçekçi seçiminde hazırlanması kadar önemli olan çiçeklerin tazeliği sevdiklerinize çiçek gönderimi yapıldıktan sonra yedi gün boyunca tazeliğini korumalı. Son olarak çiçeğin teslim edildiği andır. Çiçek son derece bakımlı ve kibar bir kişi tarafından sunulması gerekmekte. İşte bu nedenle Çiçek Market Pendik çiçekçi siparişi denilince ilk akla gelen firma olmuş ve müşterilerimiz çiçek siparişi için Çiçek Market’i tercih etmişlerdir. pendik çiçek

Sinop Flower

Initial You got a awesome blog .I determination be involved in plus uniform minutes. i view you got truly very functional matters , i determination be always checking your blog blesss. sinop çiçek

Çanakkale

Çanakkale lider Çiçekçi uzmanının gücü artık bizimle. Attığımız her adımda daha da büyüyen, bizi her gün daha yukarı taşıyan. Çanakkale önemli bir il olduğu kadar Türkiye için de önemi büyüktür. Çiçek siparişi sevdiklerinize en önemli anlarında yanında olduğunun bir göstergesidir. Çiçek siparişi verirken tercih edeceğiniz Çiçekçi çok önem taşımaktadır. Çiçekçi ilk olarak sanattan anlayan, çiçek tasarım sanat eğitim almış, uzun yıllar tecrübesi olan ustalar çalıştırmalıdır. Diğer bir faktör ise çiçeklerin tazeliğidir. Çanakkale Çiçek seçiminde hazırlanması kadar önemli olan çiçeklerin tazeliği, sevdiklerinize çiçek gönderimi yapıldıktan sonra yedi gün boyunca tazeliğini korumalı. Son olarak çiçeğin teslim edildiği andır. Çiçek son derece bakımlı ve kibar bir kişi tarafından sunulması gerekmekte. İşte bu nedenle Çiçek Market Çanakkale ​ çiçek siparişi denilince ilk akla gelen firma olmuş ve müşterilerimiz çiçek siparişi için Çiçek Market’i tercih etmişlerdir. Çanakkale Çiçek

Red Flowers

Positive site, where did u come up with the information on this posting?I have read a few of the articles on your website now, and I really like your style. Thanks a million and please keep up the effective work. balıkesir çiçek

Hatay Çiçekçi

Greetings everyone, sidekicks, I am an understudy and I know firsthand that creating one of a kind messages and processes is an extremely monotonous and dull cycle, and when there is no time, is there still work? For this circumstance, this organization goes to my guide. hatay çiçek

Bursa Duşakabin

Bursa Duşakabin servisi hizmeti sunan İKG Teknik Yapı firmamız uygun fiyatlar ve kaliteli çalışmaları ile profesyonel destek hizmetine devam etmektedir. Bursa Duşakabin

Seolob

Bölgemizde sektörümüzde öncü ve yenilikçi bir firmayız. Her zaman kaliteli hizmeti ilke edindik. Müşteri memnuniyeti Gazi Diyarbakır Evden Eve firmamız olmazsa olmaz çizgisidir. Diyarbakır Evden Eve

Please login to post comments