You Do.  At Chicago Counts 2012 on June 9th.Image of Chicago Counts 2012 logo

In 2012, the pressure to get involved in social media and online marketing is intense, especially as nonprofits are feeling the effects of a tight economy and decreasing funding sources. While some nonprofit organizations have learned to negotiate the world of social media and digital technology effectively, many more are struggling with small staffs, smaller budgets and lack of experience in using social networking and social media to help meet organizational goals.

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Image of Heidi Massey Founder of CommunityConnective
Heidi Massey, founder of CommunictyConnective

Enter Heidi Massey and the CommunityConnective, a firm founded to help nonprofit organizations come into the 21st century. The CommunityConnective is coordinating Chicago Counts 2012, an event designed to offer nonprofit professionals and volunteers a cost effective entry to the world of technology, social media and social networking. Chicago Counts 2012 will take place on June 9, and will feature more than 25 breakout sessions with topics ranging from social media and social networking for nonprofits to using search and open data effectively. Integrated marketing and social media strategist, Allen Mireles, will provide the opening keynote and James Carlson, of SchoolFactory.org, will provide the closing keynote session.

According to Ms. Massey, the event name “Chicago Counts” stands for COnference Uniting Nonprofits and Technology. Chicago Counts 2012 targets nonprofit professionals and volunteers but is open to the public. Event sessions are kept deliberately small to allow attendees personalized attention. The low cost for the event, $35 for a a full day of sessions and lunch, is also deliberate; designed to make the event affordable for the smallest nonprofit organization. Chicago Counts 2012 is sponsored by Pierce Family Charitable Foundation, Mobile Citizen, LISC Chicago and SNtial Technologies.

Chicago Counts 2012 speakers and topics include:

Marketing and Social Media Strategist Allen Mireles Exploring Social Media Toledo 5-2011Opening Keynote: Should Your Nonprofit Dive Headfirst Into Social Media? 6 Critical Questions to Answer Before You Leap (Allen Mireles)

So who’s got time to learn this stuff?

Are you in the Chicago area on June 9th? Then you do. Chicago Counts 2012 starts at 8AM and runs until 5PM. The event will take place on the 8th floor of 1104 South Wabash in Chicago. Tickets costs $35 and include include lunch by Wow Bao. For more information or to purchase your tickets visit http://chicagocounts2012.eventbrite.com/. Visit CommunityConnective.net for more information about other upcoming events and related services.

Allen Mireles is president of Allen Mireles Marketing, a an integrated marketing and social media consultancy in Toledo, Ohio. You can find Allen on Google+ and Twitter.

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