The Backyard Philanthropist

July 3, 2009

Aiding Casa Guatamala ~ Help us keep this orphanage open

Filed under: Pinc gets personal- stuff we care about — Tags: , , , , , — Beverley Claire Pomeroy @ 3:37 pm

If you’ve read my post in and around June 2nd, you will have realized I turned 39 this year and am 21 years post high school graduation.  I had no idea that in my 39th year I would be touched by a very prolific principal I had through the spirit of giving and am once again, in wonder at the one degree of separation in this world.

Life On Purpose Network has a wonderful online video called Casa Guatamala which tells the story of an orphanage that runs along the banks of Rio Dulce, literally meaning ’sweet river’, in Guatamala.  It is a beautiful orphanage that supports children who have either lost parents or been abandoned due to deformities or neglect.

Mr. Fritz, who filmed the piece and presented it to LOPN, happens to be one of my best friend’s father.  Thus, why I call him ‘Mr. Fritz’; I still feel like that ten year old little girl sitting in his kitchen playing Trivial Pursuit and eating chocolate fondue with Barb.  Our editor, Eric, wrapped the footage into a wonderful story and at the end of the video when I watched it, I saw that credits were given to ‘Bob Carkner’.  It wasn’t up until then I put two and two together, Mr. Carkner was my high school principal and I remember during school we would have these fundraisers for a little boy named ‘Juan’.

It was in that moment I realized that Casa Guatamala was the orphanage my high school supported for so many years and ‘Juan’ happened to be one of the children who benefited from that support.  For me, growing up, it was my first introduction to a global outreach initiative other than the commercials I saw on television for World Hunger.  It directly impacted me in so many ways and embed an awareness of unspoken organizations that exist in rural developing worlds.  It is no wonder I am an advocate of grassroots organizations…thank you, Mr. Carkner!

One large supporter of Casa Guatamala is Lennox McNeely.  Though I have never met Mr. McNeely himself, it is well known that he has been one of the biggest financial supporters of Casa.  He was recently profiled in an article in the Globe and Mail talking about Casa Guatamala and how through his experience as an international investment counselor, he was brought to his knees with guilt and decided to intentionally support a global initiative like Casa Guatamala.

Mr. McNeely has donated in total $600,000 throughout the years; in particular in 1999 when the orphanage was destroyed by an earthquake.

With the current economic downturn, Casa Guatamala is at risk of closing down entirely if it doesn’t receive continued support.  It has already closed a shelter for infants.  Mr. McNeely has pledged to matchgive up to $40,000US to all donations coming in during the month of July.

As one of the cause driven videos on LOPN, we would like to create an outreach for support so that Mr. McNeely does indeed have to cough up that $40,000 cap and through his support in combination with all of us, we can ensure Casa Guatamala continues to support the 250 children under its roof, and introduce the spirit of giving to yet another generation of high school students.

Please join myself, and Pinc, in supporting this very worth while cause…by going to Casa Guatamala and connect or donate for this very important global grassroots organization.

Through service,

Bev

June 23, 2009

Cause Related Video

Filed under: Tech Sector — Tags: , , , , — Beverley Claire Pomeroy @ 12:18 pm

We are all learning that online video is fast becoming a popular communication tool for cause related videoAll for Good has partnered with Youtube creating a project called Video Volunteers.

Basically, Youtube Video Volunteers helps you find nonprofit organizations that need help creating videos for their cause.  The concept is great, pooling resources to aid in cause related work.  This past spring, Youtube surpassed the 100 million viewers mark and is thee platform for video distribution.

So what does this mean for cause related video and the new advocacy of Video Volunteers?

Video production is an art; from concept to story board, to videography and especially editing.  Here at Pinc, we have our own in house production team and it has developed over time as we came to realize the strengths in all those core competencies.  Can Video Volunteers provide the same full service resources? I believe they can on a level that works for nonprofits and provides an opportunity for those organizations to get their cause initiatives out there through social media.  If the story is compelling enough, if the editing is crisp, creative and if their video is engaging they will to get views, creating new stewardship in the form of social networking through social media.

Now let’s kick it up a notch.

We just alpha launched the Life On Purpose Network that not only acts as a distribution platform for cause related video, but also connects viewers to the organizations directly within our media player.  Our viewers specifically come to Life On Purpose Network to not only be entertained but be inspired and get engaged in meaningful content that speaks to their heart, and their purpose. Our built in ‘donate now’ capability allows viewers to donate in the moment to causes that resonate within them.

One thing that became apparent when building Life On Purpose Network was to also appreciate independent producers and musicians; connecting viewers to them directly within each cause related video.  Independent producers and musicians do a lot in their own communities for causes and we felt it was important to acknowledge their pro bono work and give them a platform to connect directly.

Through collaboration you can get your cause related videos out there; use Video Volunteers and leverage the resources through All for Good, then contact Life On Purpose Network and create an additional distribution platform for your cause related video.  Our innovative media player also syndicates to Youtube through our Youtube channel.  Cause Syndication using online video is just another means for you to engage individuals and convert them to stewards for your organizations.

How to get involved:

  • Nonprofits Organizations and Charities – Share your story, submit stories or have one produced
  • Producers or Videographers – Submit content for broadcast
  • Musical Artists – Submit music for video soundtracks

Life On Purpose Network

June 19, 2009

Life On Purpose Network goes live!

Filed under: Events — Tags: , , , , , — Beverley Claire Pomeroy @ 12:46 pm

We decided to let Life On Purpose Network go live!  Our innovative online video platform profiling cause video with built in donate and connect capability is pioneering the use of cause video online.  Come check out www.lifeonpurposenetwork.com and get involved!

In particular, check out our Profile Series.  My own profile is there, sharing the story of Sophia…and why I chose to create Pinc Productions Inc amidst the storm of my daughter’s progressive illness.

We are still in the building stage and welcome nonprofit organizations to share their stories with us; Producers and musicians to collaborate on cause initiatives…and viewers, to be inspired, and engaged by the stories we share and support those organizations in our communities and abroad to make a difference.

Have fun and enjoy!!

Bev :)

June 16, 2009

Cause Syndication ~ Letting go

Filed under: Giving Sector — Tags: , , , , , — Beverley Claire Pomeroy @ 9:48 am

Emira Mears from Raised Eyebrows and I were having some discussion through Twitter on what Cause Syndication means for non profits and some of the barriers that NGO’s face with this concept.

If social media / social networking equals syndication, and syndication grows your donor base and cause, why aren’t more nonprofits pursuing this process?

We believe the biggest barrier preventing organizations from incorporating new communication technology is ‘fear’.  An organization has to learn to let go of the control they have typically had in more traditional communication media.

The past six months we have heard a lot about the Obama campaign.  Those of us in the social media world are looking at that campaign as a benchmark for the nonprofit industry and online social media / networking. Clay Shirky spoke recently at TED and clearly identified a revolution in online media.  That social media is about ‘convening supporters NOT controlling’ them.

And what we communicate is important whether we are for profit or nonprofit.  The advice Emira gave was to keep that key message simple and clear so that it doesn’t get lost or misinterpreted when it goes into the world of social media.

Obama’s campaign was incredibly successful in its own syndication technique; grassroots supporters spreading his message supported over 91% of his campaign.

They had three central communications goals. The first was the message: change. The second and third were actions: help us raise money and help us get contacts into our system so we can get mobilizing. They were really consistent with that message in everything they did and then let people just run with it from there.

The more simple your message, the least likely it will get misconstrued.  Do you ever remember playing this game as a kid in the classroom?  You all sit in a circle, and the teacher whispers a sentence in someone’s ear, then they whisper it into the ear of the person sitting next to them, and so on and so on.  Until finally the last person stands up and repeats the sentence…and it barely resembles the original sentence.

Keep it simple.

Here is an example that Emira came up with to make really clear pillars for a campaign for a Cancer Research organization:

1. Research saves lives.
2. Help us fund research.
3. Help us find other people who want to fund research.

Using social media to spread those messages will create syndication so you can reach more supporters, more donors and create an online stewardship for your cause.  Again, ‘convene versus control’.

Some social media tools to leverage online cause syndication:

**Always link back to your organization’s website in all your communication; online AND offline.

June 9, 2009

Creating presence for Pinc in SFO area

Filed under: Uncategorized, Up for Discussion — Tags: , , , , , , — Beverley Claire Pomeroy @ 12:24 pm

I would like to create a ground presence in SFO area to develop relationships in both the tech and nonprofit communities we serve.

Any advice, suggestions, thoughts, introductions would be welcome for:

Accommodation
Food
Networking Opportunities
Tech Community
Nonprofit environment
Business Development opportunities
Strategic Partnerships

Pinc develops online cause driven platforms; two being www.pincgiving.com and www.lifeonpurposenetwork (launching in Sept, contact me for username and password access)

Looking forward to getting to know other leaders and change makers in the SFO area.

Warm regards,

Bev

June 1, 2009

Let’s Dance by The Backyard Philanthropist

Filed under: Pinc gets personal- stuff we care about — Tags: , — Beverley Claire Pomeroy @ 7:23 am

As The Backyard Philanthropist, I am always looking for stories of people in their own communities that are making a difference and contributing to humanity.

Well, this week, I didn’t have to look very far.  I found it in my very own backyard, her name is Miss Katie.  Yes, you read right…Miss Katie.  I actually have no idea what her full name is.

Miss Katie is a dance instructor at Deas Island Dance in Delta, BC.  Miss Katie has over 30 years of dance experience and is a registered for the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD).  Beyond this, Miss Katie is also a special ed assistant in our school district.

My daughter, Sophia, is eight and like every little eight year old girl, loves to dance.  With Sophia’s developmental and physical disabilities, we have never been able to enroll her in a dance class…something so simple has never been an option.

Until ‘Let’s Dance’ was created…Let’s Dance is a dance program specifically for children with special needs.  Miss Katie teaches these beautiful, wonderful little girls to dance, to move, to stand tall, and allow them to show their own grace.

This past Saturday we had a dance rehearsal at the theatre for their production of Mary Poppins.  Sophia and her three dance mates were escorted across the stage in outfitted in crisp white dance leotard and this beautiful pink tutu.  The girls have four volunteers from the dance class who help them cross the stage, perform their routine as Cherry Blossoms.

Myself and the other Mom’s were all teary eyed watching our beautiful girls dance, dance, dance…

And as if I didn’t already adore Miss Katie and the volunteer dancers at Deas Island enough, a couple number later…there was another group of dancers who came out.  These girls were maybe 15 and looking closely, they, too, had special needs.  AND they were dancing the Charleston!!

Not only does Deas Island Dance have a class for our little girls, they have a class for the older girls!!  And these young women can dance, they can really really dance…

It is because of people like Miss Katie, and Lesley Benham, who owns Deas Island Dance and also teaches, that families like ours can have an experience that most would take for granted.

To see our children filled with joy as they hear the music and happily dance across the stage…in their beautiful outfits.

Thank you to Miss Katie and to Lesley Benham for giving our girls the simple pleasure of dance.

Please continue to support our Arts and Dance culture, without that support dance companies like this wouldn’t exist and they wouldn’t be able to offer specialty programs like the Let’s Dance program.

May 29, 2009

May 19, 2009

So you want to change the world?

Filed under: Pinc gets personal- stuff we care about — Tags: , , , , — Beverley Claire Pomeroy @ 12:29 pm

So you want to change the world?  A lofty goal, but one I can so completely relate to.  I, too, want to change the world…but what does that mean?

I’ve had the privilege of meeting some amazing change makers in my role at Pinc Productions Inc, be it meeting founders of non profit organizations or interviewing individuals on how and why they want to promote giving.

I used to think I could change the world, would change the world and I am struck that it isn’t just about changing the world.  It is about valuing what we have, here in our developed country.  Even more importantly, learning to value what developing countries have to offer; who they are as people, what animals or vegetation is indigenous to their part of the world, honoring their culture and traditions’.

Alison Lawton, founder of Mindset Foundation, believes ‘when people are inspired, they create movements which change the way we think, feel, and act towards some of the most pressing issues of our time.’

I think that is true of a young man I recently met, Lazare.  He is from Togo and became blind at the age of nine.  He moved to Canada and was introduced to Jaws®, a screen reader software program designed for the visually impaired. Now Lazare wishes to help the current students of Neva Institute for the Blind in Togo, where he attended from the age of nine through the end of high school, gain access to this vital software.

Lazare has created Eyes on Education to do just that; through his inspirational journey encourage others to give back, and help support a cause close to his heart.  He is inspired and is creating a movement through African music, dance by celebrating his gifts.  In turn, he is an inspiration to others.

Lazare is heading back to Togo this June to introduce Jaws® to his former school. Lazare, himself, is taking five weeks to teach them how to use the software.  He wants to change his part of the world, in his way…and in his words, people either ‘get it’ or they don’t.

Tricia Sedgwick, founder of Seeds of Plenty, is doing it through cookies.  Yes, you heard correctly, cookies.  And wow, they are great cookies!!  Their mission is to impact global consciousness and support a healthy planet. We create a truly wholesome product by working with organic farmers and fair trade ingredients to ensure a better quality of life for our food producers and our customers.

After her own trip to Africa, Tricia realized that we need to work with developing countries on the resources they do have and value those resources; a collaborative approach.  Working together, in Tricia’s case, from the soil up…

There are individuals and organizations everywhere all wanting to do their part to impact the world for good; be it economic, social, environmental.

We are here….and together, we can change the world, impact our own lives…and maybe, just maybe in my lifetime…we will see the difference we can make together.

We have the combined resources to feed everyone on this planet, to put a roof over their head, and give them access to healthcare and clean water.

What are you waiting for?

May 13, 2009

Pinc’s Eric Morrison up for a Doxa Award

Filed under: Events — Tags: , , , , , — Beverley Claire Pomeroy @ 11:28 am

Pinc Productions’ very own Eric Morrison has been nominated at this year’s Doxa, Documentary Film Festival.  Eric’s 8 minute piece is called Le Parkour, literally translated, ‘the art of moving’.

We are very proud of Eric and his nomination under The Art of Short Documentary.  His film will be shown on Sunday, May 24th at 2:00pm at The Vancity Theatre.

You will find his film at the Vancouver Film School.  Go check it out and then come out and watch his film, along with many others on the 24th.

Way to go Eric!!

May 6, 2009

Ning is Pinc’afied

Filed under: Events, Pinc News, Tech Sector — Tags: , , , , — Beverley Claire Pomeroy @ 5:36 pm

It is official; Network Creators on Ning now have over 90 NEW features from which to choose to add to their social networks.  Up until now, Ning Creators could choose from 14 features to add to their social networks. With Ning Apps, Ning Creators can now creatively mix and match an incredibly diverse set of features to make their 200,000 active social networks uniquely perfect online experiences for the interests they feel passionately in their life.

Ning was finding that each interest and passion might require a unique combination of features. This has been a groundswell of demand from their 700,000 unique Network Creators.

And Pincgiving has contributed by creating the SocialGiving App; an application that allows network users to raise money and track their donors. With over one million social networks created and 200,000 active social networks, Ning today can cover tens of thousands of unique interests and passions…

So if you have a passion for raising awareness and contributing to the success of grassroots philanthropy, PincGiving’s innovative SocialGiving application is the Ning app for you.

Ning Apps goes into private beta tomorrow where they will test it with a small set of their Network Creators. From there, they’re planning a public launch later this month.

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