Following from the government’s Digital Britain report, there is a consultation on three proposals around community radio:
- a one-off five-year extension of community radio licences.
- to re-visit the rationale for the current restriction of fifty per cent funding from any one source.
- removing prohibition of licensing a community radio station if it would overlap with a local commercial service with a coverage area of 50,000 adults or less.

Runs to 25th August, http://www.culture.gov.uk/reference_library/consultations/6213.aspx.

Recently highlighted on Nonprofit Online News (but produced Feb 2006) is ‘Insights into Participatory Video: a handbook for the field’: “This isn’t just another video production guide for nonprofits. It’s just as much about community organizing, communication, and development.” Download in sections or the whole handbook at http://www.insightshare.org/training_book_download.html.

From NCVO’s Campaigning Effectiveness newsletter (http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/campaigningeffectiveness/news/index.asp?id=14272):
- DigiActive is a volunteer-led organisation helping grassroots campaigners and activists to use the internet and other digital technology to increase their impact. Find out about various tools and more at http://www.digiactive.org.
- Tactical Tech is an international NGO helping human rights advocates use information, communications and digital technologies to maximise the impact of their advocacy work, http://www.tacticaltech.org.

Amnesty International UK has launched a channel on social networking web site Twitter specifically aimed at journalists, in time for its media awards, http://twitter.com/NewsFromAmnesty. Perhaps an example to be taken up by others?

From Third Sector magazine, http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/909616/ (registration required).

NCVO has a batch of new online Five Minute Guides (short intros/top tips) on multimedia, retaining new members, copywriting and strategic planning.

Find them in the AskNCVO section, at http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/askncvo/.

A survey on the use of social media by civil society associations is being carried out as part of research for Carnegie UK Trust’s programme on the Future of Civil Society. The questions are aimed at people responsible for the organisation’s web site, or the media/communications/marketing strategy.

Complete the survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=bGRXu2T_2f_2fpzW0SfmQzr7DA_3d_3d (no deadline given), or read a little more at this blog item.

The newish information and learning site KnowhowNonprofit has a look at the use of Twitter by voluntary organisations, mainly for marketing and fundraising.

Meanwhile Co-operatives in the Spotlight highlights how The Plunkett Foundation, which promotes and supports co-operative and social enterprises in rural communities is promoting itself through Facebook, a blog and Twitter. http://inthespotlight.uk.coop/2009/05/plunketts-getting-message-out.html.

Consultancy firm nfpSynergy’s latest editorial piece argues that often charities need a greater focus (or their ‘own pigeon hole’) more than spending money to raise awareness of their organisation.

Currently top item at http://www.nfpsynergy.net/resources/nfpsynergy_our_latest_thinking.aspx - a 40KB pdf download.

We have featured a range of ‘recession resource pages’ from sector support bodies recently, and most are included in a good round-up from Sandy Adirondack at http://www.sandy-a.co.uk/managing.htm#recession.

There are also one or two extras, in particular her favourite, the ‘Early Warning Guide’ from Development Trusts Association - more pictures than words, bright and easy to use “Just a quick flip through this guide should help you work out whether your organisation is heading for the cliffs or enjoying the walk”. In pdf, 1MB.

AskCharity blog has a few notes from the eCampaigning Forum held recently in Oxford, in particular on the variety of ways that organisations now communicate with their supporters and the levels of sophistication involved. http://www.askcharity.org.uk/blog/2009/04/ecampaigning_more_than_emails.php.

The upgrade of Google Earth to version 5 brings new features such as ocean exploration and terrain maps of Mars.

Google for Non-profits Newsletter (http://www.google.com/nonprofits/) points out a more useful “touring” feature which allows the building of narrated tours of places, giving information, photos and videos on threatened habitats perhaps. They say that creating a tour is straightforward - hit the record button and start navigating.

Learn more on the Google LatLong blog, http://google-latlong.blogspot.com/2009/02/google-earths-flying-tour-bus.html.

GuideStar UK, the online charity database service, has produced a video looking at the importance of information in the development of the voluntary sector.

On YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jfe1fjcDN8E.

The income threshold for registered charities having to submit their Annual Reports and Accounts to the Charity Commission increases from £10,000 to £25,000 shortly.

GuideStar UK is planning to enable charities under the new reporting threshold to continue to make their reports available to the public by uploading them to the GuideStar web site directly, helping with visibility to funders too.

They are inviting views about this initiative, by email to GuideStar UK director Lewis Temple: ltemple@guidestar.org.uk

(From GuideStar February e-bulletin)