Event Details

Social media seems to align naturally with the strong community building focus among communities of faith.  But how is it directly applicable?

This session will discuss why social media can be a valuable tool for faith-based organizations, and why they are often challenged in embracing technology change. A panel representing various religious communities will share their respective experiences and provide examples of current best practices using social media, etc. Finally, the panelists will suggest strategies for engaging your own religious community to leverage technology-relevant opportunities.

Takeaways:

1. Understand  how social media/technology is an asset for faith based
organizations.

2. Strategies for engaging your own religious community.

3. Specific technology resources and models/examples for various
religious traditions.

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Presented by: 

Shahed Amanullah is the editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com and an award-winning journalist who writes regularly about the challenges and opportunities facing Islam in America.  Shahed is the founder of Halalfire Media, a network of Islamic-themed websites with nearly 6 million visitors annually. He has also served as a board member for the United Muslims of America, the Muslim Public Service Network, and the Muslim Youth Camp of California.  He is a general partner in Zakat Community Ventures, a startup "venture philanthropy" fund dedicated to promoting Islamic charitable values.

Lisa Colton is the founder and president of Darim Online, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Jewish organizations make the most of social media and align their work for success in the 21st century.  Lisa has worked with hundreds of Jewish organizations to help them strategically integrate technology into marketing, communication, education, fundraising and community building to achieve their own mission and goals. Lisa is a graduate of Stanford University, and an alumna of the Pardes Institute for Jewish Studies and Livnot U’Lehibanot.  She served as the president of the board of The University of Vermont Hillel where she received the “Exemplar of Excellence” award from the Schusterman Hillel International Center, and received the Jewish Communal Service Association’s Young Professional’s Award. Lisa currently serves on the board of the Congregation Beth Israel Preschool (where her children attend). She is a member of the Lippman Kanfer Institute’s “Jewish Education 3.0” and “Jewish Social Entrepreneurship” think tanks. She lives in Charlottesville, VA with her husband, Jason, kids Eli and Meira, and their dog, Stella.

Steve Heye is the web project manager at the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago.  He is responsible for managing all aspects of the YMCA's online presence including the web sites, intranet and social networking.  Previously he was with the Technology Resource Group at YMCA of the USA for about ten years where he provided resources, conferences, and training that allows YMCAs nationwide to better leverage business systems and technology.  He has a Bachelors degree in Finance from North Central College. You can keep up with Steve's thoughts and tips regarding nonprofit technology issues on his blog. Steve is actively involved with his church, Community Christian Church (CCC). CCC is actively using social media to connect with current attenders, as well attracting new ones.

Paul Lamb is the Principal of Man on a Mission Consulting, a management consulting firm specializing in social change through technology. Paul is a founder and former Executive Director of The Stride Center, an award-winning program providing computer training and job placement for low-income and underserved youth in California. Paul is the founder of the Technology & Spiritual Practice program, which trains faith-based communities on how to leverage social media and move toward institutional transformation. He is a frequent radio commentator and OpEd contributor on technology and social issues through media outlets like NPR’s Marketplace and on CNET.com. Paul is the co-author of the Be A Better Partner Handbook for Couples and a founder of the Cool ‘n Conscientious blog. He is a former Fellow with the ZeroDivide Foundation and was a Next Generation Fellow with the American Assembly at Columbia University. Paul’s business background includes positions as Director of Programs and Executive Director of the China Business Forum at the US-China Business Council in Washington, D.C., a business analyst for Ernst & Young, and a marketing consultant for both U.S. and Asian firms. 

Event Materials