Yearly Archives: 2012

CreateAthon Blog

Top Nonprofit Links of the Week
  • Written by Jody Piland

Visual Storytelling: Powerful Connector for Your Nonprofit Visual storytelling is a great way to reach out to your target audience. One thing that’s wonderful about it is the infinite amount of ways to do so. Next time you need a way to connect through your nonprofit, try making shirts or hats with your logo on... Read More

Permission to be myself. And not worry about it.
  • Written by Peyton Rowe

I’m surprised I don’t feel like this all the time. Last week began the frenetic final 2 weeks before my annual CreateAthon at VCU event. I’ve been working with students since January revising creative briefs, helping organize a Meet & Greet for all 80 student volunteers, coordinating many talented students to make sure we have t-shirts, parking,... Read More

You’ve caught the CreateAthon bug. Now What? (Part Two)
  • Written by Julie Turner

Last month we shared how to get the CreateAthon goodness flowing in your community. And, like we’ve said before, CreateAthoners don’t have to be quote — ad agencies — unquote. So if you don’t work at D&D Advertising, how might a CreateAthon work? Well, in 2010, we got a call from Discovery Channel’s marketing division,... Read More

Top Nonprofit Links of the Week
  • Written by Jody Piland

  Top 5 Feelings about CreateAthon  CreateAthon is always an exciting time. One student participating in CreateAthon on Campus at Virginia Commonwealth University writes about his feelings towards this program and what has surprised him. 58 Things Social Media Newbies Say & Maybe You Said Too!? Social media can be fun and exciting, but also... Read More

Top 5 Feelings about CreateAthon
  • Written by Spencer Woodall, VCU

If theres one think I know that I am exceptionally good at, it is making lists. Lists help me to somewhat organize this crazy place I call my brain. I’ve decided to make a list telling my feelings about CreateAthon. (The most important) I am more than ecstatic about the final product, the fact that... Read More

Top Nonprofit Links of the Week
  • Written by Jody Piland

Lessons Learned When Your Community Revolts There are three important rules to follow, or risk upsetting your supporters. You must be honest, you must listen to your community and you must thank them for their support. When these rules are forgotten, your community can become angry and revolt.   Ethics, Gratitude and Crowson Stone Printing This... Read More

Top Nonprofit Links of the Week
  • Written by Jody Piland

Increased Focus on Social Media and Mobile Strategies Top Priority List for Nonprofits in 2012 In 2012, social media is going to become a priority for many nonprofits. According to the latest Charity Dynamics’ Digital Marketing Survey, 73% of nonprofits will address a social media strategy this year.  They hope this will be a way... Read More

The Mission CreateAthon Chose to Accept
  • Written by Andrea Goulet

Here at CreateAthon, we just finished Focus Fest 2012 — a two-day, in-person meeting of the minds to shape the strategy of our new non-profit organization. We (Teresa, Julie, Maria, Jody, Peyton, and Andrea) sat around the Riggs conference table knowing the work we did today would have a major impact for years to come.... Read More

Top Nonprofit Links of the Week
  • Written by Jody Piland

10 Ways to Increase Email Newsletter Subscribers  If you have decided to begin an email marketing campaign, your goal now is to get people to sign up for you email list. Some easy ways to get started are to simplify the sign up form and have it on every page of your website.   Social... Read More

Socially conscious brands = successful brands
  • Written by Jody Piland

Americans are looking for ways to help nonprofits without spending more money. The economy is tough and budgets continue to tighten, but people are steadily giving when they can. Brands can make it easier by supporting good causes. According to the 2010 Cone Cause Evolution Study, 84% of Americans wish more of the products, services... Read More