Our newly formed nonprofit technology conspiracy for Massachusetts had its first face-to-face gathering on Tuesday evening! Some of the folks in attendance were Alissa Fencsik, Paige Matthews, Steve Rockwell, Claire Murray, Josh Shortlidge, Khalid Mustafa, Joe Beckmann, Wayne Glynn, Steve Backman, Roxi de Lutz, and yours truly.
It was a really interesting and varied conversation - some of the attendees were mostly interested in tactical discussions (i.e., they have very focused projects and want the group to sign on to help), and some were there with a passionate interest in a statewide strategy for delivering technology services and support to nonprofits.
Everyone seems to be very enthusiastic about one of the tactical projects: Roxi de Lutz, who is a student at Northeastern University, is part of a team that creating a web site that will be a clearinghouse of needs and resource for nonprofits in the region. As she described it, virtually all of us found that we had suggestions, contacts, and resources that would help. In fact, the we talked about adopting the project in some way. This could give the group a concrete victory, and a reason to stick around for the strategic long haul.
I love Roxi's project, which bears the working name "Network A Nonprofit." However, for me, the strategic long haul is the main point.
Thanks to Pat Weaver, the good folks at Mission Research have offered to underwrite the tab for our next dinner meeting. This will be a wonderful incentive to continue the enthusiasm of last Tuesday beyond the first meeting. As I've previously observed, if you feed them, they will come.
