Idealware's 2011 Nonprofit Social Media Decision Guide is Now Available 

With more than 750 million people signed up for Facebook alone, there's little doubt that social media can be a powerful part of most organizations' communications mix. But what can it be used for--outreach and engagement? Event management? Advocacy? How about fundraising? For many nonprofits, it's far more obvious that such tools can be useful than how to use them.

Idealware created the Nonprofit Social Media Decision Guide to help organizations determine what results and benefits they can reasonably expect from social media, and to guide them through the process of identifying the right channels for different goals. To help organizations turn the theoretical into the practical, they included a workbook that helps them apply what they're learning to their own real-world needs. This year, Idealware updated the entire guide with new research, additional sections on goals and strategies, and information about using social media for advocacy and fundraising.

From tool-by-tool comparisons and strategies for success to ways to integrate multiple channels, the guide is based on extensive research, interviews and experience. Idealware has also included case studies of organizations successfully using social media for different purposes, and a directory of consultants who can help nonprofits implement their plans.

Social media is a conversation the world is having. Organizations can't afford to be left out of it. Don't be left out. View Idealware's Nonprofit Social Media Decision Guide  now.  

CMS Proposes Improvements To Medicare

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) has proposed revisions to the Medicare Advantage program and prescription drug benefit program (Part D) that would implement new benefits under the Affordable Care Act and increase patient protections. The proposals would codify provisions providing important new benefits including the 50% discount on covered brand name drugs in the Part D coverage gap known as the "donut hole" as well as new tools to fight fraud and abuse in Medicare and improve patient protections.

Read more about the proposed rule here.    

CMS Office of Public Affairs - October 03, 2011 - NCOA Newsletter

Evaluating the Executive Director

Virtually everyone agrees that boards should conduct performance reviews of executive directors (EDs or CEOs). Even so, the predominant practice is neglect, and the predominant feeling is resentment. The neglect comes from the board: only 45% of nonprofit CEOs have reviews, reported CompassPoint's recent Daring to Lead 2011 study. Resentment comes from the executives, who are too often either resentful of the review process or even more likely and paradoxically, disgusted with the board for not conducting one.

To read more about the key goal of ED evaluations, click here.

Board Cafe - By Jan Masaoka - October 17, 2011

This article is reprinted with permission from Blue Avocado, a practical and readable online magazine for nonprofits. Subscribe free by contacting the Blue Avocado editor or visiting www.blueavocado.org.

Provide MORE Program Dollars for Your Agency - FREE Webinar

As unemployment in America has climbed to record heights, what agencies pay for state unemployment tax has risen dramatically. A movement away from the state system can many times save you 1% to 5% on your total payroll. For 30 years 501(c) Agencies Trust  had been helping nonprofits save millions of dollars on their unemployment expenses. In addition to saving you money, 501(c) Agencies Trust provides services to help reduce the risk of choosing this option. 

You Will Learn:

• How your agency can potentially save thousands of dollars annually   
• Why 501(c)3 nonprofits have a legal, cost-saving option to leave the state unemployment tax system and continue to provide benefits through other methods             
• Advantages and disadvantages of each option         
• Why over 1,500 nonprofits are already members of 501(c) Agencies Trust           
• How Trust services keep nonprofits safe and secure

Provide MORE Program Dollars for Your Agency

Wednesday, November 2nd, 2:00pm EST

REGISTER HERE

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AJFCA Group Purchasing Program - FREE Webinar

PurchasingPointSM is a program that enables national nonprofits and their affiliate networks to purchase products and services at substantial discounts.The range of categories includes office supplies, food, furniture, shipping, copiers, postage equipment, facility maintenance supplies, employee and volunteer screening, rental cars, web and audio conferencing services, and more. This is a tremendous opportunity to lower costs and direct more money toward your mission related work. We encourage you to take advantage of it! 

You will learn:

• A brief overview of the program
• Tour of the portal
• Learn about examples of vendor discounts and sign-up processes

AJFCA Group Purchasing Program

Wednesday, November 16th, 2:00pm EST

REGISTER HERE

Deborah Sturm Rausch

Jewish Family Services of Northeastern New York named Deborah Sturm Rausch as Executive Director effective November 1, 2011. She will succeed Miriam R. Adler, L.C.S.W., who is retiring after more than 25 years with the organization. Ms. Rausch has significant experience and is widely recognized for her leadership and expertise in both the public and private sectors.  She was first appointed to public service under then Governor Mario M. Cuomo after achieving recognition in the nonprofit community for her achievements. To read the entire press release, click here.

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November is Long Term Care Awareness Month. To mark this occasion, Samost Jewish Family & Children's Service is holding a community symposium entitled, "What You Should Know About Long Term Care Insurance: A Multi-Dimensional Symposium Led by a Panel of Local Experts," on November 3rd. 

Did you know?

• Individuals have a 70% chance of needing long term care in their lifetime
• 40% of those currently receiving long term care are adults ages 18 - 64   
• What your options are when it comes to long term care insurance?
• What the personal and economic impact that having or not having long term care insurance can have on your family?
• How much is enough and can you afford it?

Learn how to empower yourself, preserve your dignity, and protect your legacy. For more information regarding AJFCA's Long Term Care Education Initiative please visit the AJFCA website. AJFCA would be please to help your agency launch a Long Term Care Education Initiative.