Evernote (www.evernote.com) is a place where you can create files and store notes. You can create files, upload pictures, emails, and documents, tag notes, and store a lot of data in the cloud.

One example: when I prepare for site reviews, I keep all of my notes, emails, airline and hotel confirmations, and documents in one file for that center. It is accessible across platforms (computer, tablet, or smart phone) so you can access it from anywhere.

Cost: free (but can expand to Pro)

Dropbox (www.dropbox.com)
Dropbox is a cloud-based storage system. You can set up your files in the same way you can set up the ones on your computer or on your server.

You can set up folders and share them without those people having access to any other items in your dropbox account. They can review, add, or comment on items in that folder (think: member centers, other Chapter directors, or board members).

Dropbox is available across platforms (computer, smart phone, tablet), making your files accessible when you are on the road or away from the office.

Cost: free, but you can upload to pro for more storage space.

EasilyDo is an app that you combines all of your information in one place - it links to your social media accounts, email & calendars. You can upload your travel information (airline, hotel, restaurant reservations), track bills and receipts and even track packages. You can get it on iTunes.

Cost: free, but there are pro and business versions.

Haikudeck (haikudeck.com) is a simple, online presentation program that allows you to create visually interesting slideshows. You can import PowerPoint and Keynote presentations.

This program offers limited space for information on the slides, forcing you to say more with less and helping to avoid "death by PowerPoint".

You can pick from different themes, fonts, and background images (there is also the option of plain backgrounds). You can upload pictures and images and it has the option of adding notes that are uploaded to the web along with the slides.

This presentation was created on haikudeck.

Cost: free. This is a beta version, so there may be a price once the final version is done, but there is no indication of that on the website.

Easel.ly (easel.ly) is a simple online program for creating infographics. If you don't have access to a graphic designer, this is a great place to create infographics. They provide a number of templates that you can adapt using their graphics or yours. Infographics are a nice way to get your information across visually (think: Robin's Story).

Cost: free, although you can purchase an inexpensive pro version that includes more graphics and other options.

A coordinated social media plan can help you get your message out and drive traffic to your website. Here is an example of a simple social media plan (ours):

Quarterly (January, April, July, October) pick a trending topic.

Write two blog entries on information related to the topic.

Identify four to five key points and develop short tweet-able messages to send out - one per week. Create a common hashtag.

Provide information and links related to the topic on Facebook - one to two entries per week.

Look for related trending topics on LinkedIn and add to the conversation.

Add resources related to topic in the WRCAC toolkit and let people know about them on the NCA listservs.

Provide education/information about the topic on the quarterly Chapter call.

Continue with other information, updates, and topics during the other months.

Components of a social media plan:

Facebook (facebook.com)
Most Chapters and centers have a Facebook page. This is a great way to get your word out to your member centers and the greater community. It is also a way for you to keep tabs on what's happening with your member and developing centers. We try to monitor Facebook and send people kudos and show our support.

Twitter (twitter.com) is still going strong and is a good way to get information out quickly to your members. An example is when you need folks to call or email a legislator regarding a particular bill or issue. It can also be used to remind people of an upcoming training or meeting or to just keep a ideas fresh in people's minds.

Blogs (blogger.com, tumblr.com)
There a number of blog platforms. Blogger is straight forward and can be used for a text-based blog or for a more visual platform.

After Facebook, Tumblr is the most frequently visited site by young adults. Tumblr blogs tend to be very visual.

Linkedin (linkedin.com) is a social networking site. it is also a place where you can connect with existing forums or start your own conversation on a particular topic. LinkedIn is also one of the most popular professional job search sites for both seekers and employers.

Instragram (instragram.com) and Pinterest (pinterest.com) can be a place to add snapshots of Chapter activities, inspirational quotes, or tips for centers. You can create an organizational page and can also create private pages with limited access. You can see the WRCAC "Where do we roam" page at http://www.pinterest.com/wrcac/where-do-we-roam/

All of this can seem overwhelming - but there is help out there!

nPower (npower.org) is a non-profit technology organization whose mission is to mobilize the tech community and provide individuals, nonprofits and schools opportunities to build tech skills and achieve their potential. One of their great programs is called Community Corps, where they match a skilled tech professional with a nonprofit organization to complete a time-specific project. You can apply for this free program on their website.

Techsoup (techsoup.org) not only provides free software and hardware to nonprofits (small admin fee), but also offers a wide variety of trainings, forums, and general information about technology. Want to know the best cloud-based storage system for your non-profit. Log in and find out what experts are saying. Want to know the pros and cons of laptops versus tablets - their is a blog on that. Want to know about the Microsoft Bridge app that can help your staff stay in touch with their family, friends, and office in case of an emergency - you can find out about it on Techsoup.

The one drawback to the software distribution system at Techsoup is that some software requires multiple licenses so if you are a one-person office, you may not qualify. However, you can certainly help your centers access these resources. One coming up: Grantstation, a really great grant database, is available for a very short time for $99 for a one-year subscription. Applications are available only January 27 - 28th. They also have a free webinar on how to use Grantstation to secure funding.

Executive Service Corps provides retired executives to serve as consultants to nonprofit agencies. Usually come from the private sector so good for strategic planning, business plans, personnel planning, etc. This is a national program but varies state to state. There may be a small fee for service.

Increasingly, meetings are being held online. The following platforms offer similar services. Some things to consider - how many people can be online at one time using the free version, what kind of support is available, is it both Mac and PC compatible, and whether or not people can easily communicate with the presenter and with each other.

Freeconferencecall.com
Allows participants to see your screen, so they can see your presentation and any other items you want to pull up during the presentation. You can send invitations with the sign in information.

Join.me (join.me)
Allows participants to see your screen, enabling you to provide a presentation but also pull up additional materials if needed. Participants can call in or audio can be activated so people can use their computer speakers and microphones. With the pro version, you have a code that can be used for all meetings - with the standard version you are given a code to share once the meeting starts.

Gotomeeting (gotomeeting.com)
The free version is limited to three people, but you can subscribe and have 100 or more participants. You can share your screen, show a presentation, and allow for collaboration during the call. They also have gotowebinar for conducting trainings.

Meetingburner (meetingburner.com)
This cloud-based program also has a free version that will allow up to 10 people online. For $40/month you can have up to 50 people. Some features include coordination with Facebook.

We are on the road a lot, and we've learned some tips for making travel a little easier. Here are some of our favorite websites and apps:

Seatguru.com (also app)
Find the best and worst seat on any flight. It can save you from finding your feet up against the video equipment box that is stored under the seat in front of you.

Fed Flyer (app)
Get the government per diem rate for any location.

Carfinder (app)
This app has a little gps system that remembers the location of your car. A nice thing if you forget where you parked that rental car.

Tripadvisor.com (also app)
Helps you find out if that three star hotel has taken a nose dive or if the neighborhood is a little sketchy. You can also find inexpensive gems that might be under the radar.