Some nonprofits, older and more institutionalized, are wary of giving their members "control" of their "message" in the realm of social networks and social media. Mostly, I think that's nothing more than a fear of losing power. When you think you know how to change the world, it can be hard for some people to want to involve others — or give anyone else the credit. What's interesting here is that there's a significant ability for activists to self-organize. The message to nonprofits from the past few years seems pretty clear: Stand in our way, and we'll just go around you.

This week, the Genocide Intervention Network was honored to be nominated by the NetSquared community as a 2008 Featured Project for our proposal to upgrade and extend the DarfurScores.org website. Thank you to everyone who offered your support!

For the Genocide Intervention Network, involvement in the "social web" is really an outgrowth of our entire mission: To form the first anti-genocide constituency, and to empower our members with the tools to prevent and stop genocide. The words "constituency" and "empower" are key. We're not simply looking for a mailing list or an ATM — we want an educated, active movement of people interested in preventing and stopping genocide. Our members need to be able to think for themselves on the issue, not to simply be another name on a list, but to be a hub in an ever-expanding network.

Although these two panels were held separately at the Nonprofit Technology Conference 2007, I thought that they related so well that I'd present them together.

Leveraging the Power of Participatory Media

• Colin Delany, e.politics (presentation slides and resources available online)
• Michael Silberman, EchoDitto

The Future of Online Outreach

• Marty Kearns (and Ruby Sinreich), Green Media Toolshed (closely-related essay available on Netcentric Campaigns)