Chicago Conference on Uniting

Non-Profits and Technology

Heidi Massey
ChicagoCOUNTS@gmail.com
(847) 269-1366
http://chicagocounts.net/wp/
http://twitter.com/ChicagoCounts
http://chicagocounts.eventbrite.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Conference to Build Collaborations Between Non-Profit, Tech Communities

Chicago, Illinois - August 22, 2010

Chicago COUNTS, a one-day conference focusing on technology and social good, will be held on
Sunday, September 12th, 2010 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Illinois Institute of Technology,
located at 3301 S. Dearborn. Spearheaded by the Chicago Net Tuesday group (part of the
national Netsquared initiative), this conference aims to help the Chicago non-profit community
build their technological capability and provide networking and volunteer opportunities for
tech professionals.

Non-profits are increasingly reliant on technology to further their missions, and with funding
revenues shrinking, these agencies are continually seeking assistance in this area. However, an
increasing number of tech/non-profit partnerships are emerging that benefit both non-profits
and also assist professionals in supporting the social good.

One great example is Vincent McCaskill of Sunshine Gospel Ministries, who educates
neighborhood residents on computer use and technology through the Ministry’s Community
Technology Center in Chicago’s Woodlawn Community.

As Technology Director, Vincent runs two technology centers and conducts a computer repair
training program for young students. He is also fielding calls from non-profit organizations
needing help with everything from how to remove viruses from a malfunctioning desktop PC to
how to build a database for tracking donor requests. Why?

"Technology is an integral part of everything a non-profit is involved in", says McCaskill. "From
doing grant applications online to sending out mass mailings and even making calls over VOIP, I
find that non-profits who are trying to work more efficiently and productively are looking at
technology to help them do it. But most of them don't have somebody with tech skills and
knowledge to help."
McCaskill recently created a service project for his repair trainees where they volunteer with
local non-profits to fix broken or virus infested PC's. He is also working with Chicago COUNTS
organizers on the September 12 conference. "I think it's a great idea to hook up non-profits
with people who can and want to help them use their technology resources more effectively."

"Chicago is a perfect city for this kind of event," says Heidi Massey, the Chicago Net Tuesday co-
organizer spearheading the event.  "Although we are a large city with great stuff happening,
there isn't always a lot of coordination of effort.  The conference will provide an opportunity for
people to break out of their silos to create a larger social good community."

Keynote speakers at the event include Geoff Livingston, co-founder of Zoetica, a social
enterprise that provides superior communication consulting, training, and strategy to help
mindful organizations affect social change; Chris Jarvis of Realized Worth, works with select
companies to make the social connection with their communities through volunteering & social
media; and Nate St. Pierre, founder of ItStartsWith.Us, which seeks to build a global
community of individuals focused on making a positive impact in the lives of the people around
them.

Cost for the event is $25 until September 4th, $30 between September 5th and September 11th,
and $35 at the door. Attendees are encouraged to register before the event through
http://chicagocounts.eventbrite.com.

Contact:
Heidi Massey, Organizer
ChicagoCounts@gmail.com
http://twitter.com/ChicagoCounts
(847) 269-1366

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