{"id":1771,"date":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2012-12-03T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.causevox.com\/?p=1771"},"modified":"2024-05-08T17:45:33","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T17:45:33","slug":"how-superfans-will-save-your-cause","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.causevox.com\/blog\/how-superfans-will-save-your-cause\/","title":{"rendered":"How superfans will save your cause"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Recently we spoke with Debra Askanase, founder of Community Organizer 2.0<\/a>, which provides digital media strategy consulting to nonprofits, to learn more about why organizations should invest resources in building communities, especially through social media, and how best to go about it.<\/p>\n

Two major points came across:<\/p>\n

1. The Two-Way Street.<\/strong>
\nToo many organizations simply send out a stream of information that washes over supporters. Instead, communication between an organization and its supporters is best structured as a two-way street.<\/p>\n

This means not only soliciting opinions of supporters<\/a> and listening to them, but also taking action based on their input (or at least showing that action was considered and sharing why it was thought not to be in the best interests of the cause).<\/p>\n

Debra told us that, \u201cThis requires many organizations to flip traditional communication strategies around.  Where you used to speak, you now listen; where you used to dictate ways to get involved, you now create opportunities instead.\u201d<\/p>\n

2. Leadership Development.<\/strong>
\nIdentification of \u201csuperfans,\u201d and inviting them to become more involved, is key to developing fresh leadership and amplifying support for your cause. \u201cSuperfans\u201d are those supporters that show up most often to events, are most vocal on social media, and are otherwise showing consistent engagement.  Reach out to these people and find appropriate ways for them to be more deeply involved.<\/p>\n

Finding the Superfans<\/h2>\n

So, how do you open up a two-way street and spot candidates for leadership?  \u201cBe the convener of a conversation,\u201d says Debra.  Social media platforms are a great place to get supporters engaged and spark discussion.<\/p>\n

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Photo credit<\/a><\/p>\n

This goal should be approached thoughtfully, however:<\/p>\n