OC's Organizational Divide Initiative (ODI) is a model technology project started in the fall of 2004 to provide shared learning and collaboration opportunities to small nonprofits in the greater Boston area.

This project is designed to help the smallest organizations -- groups without dedicated technology staff, who face the largest challenges in overcoming the digital divide. The first year of ODI served 18 organizations located in or near Roxbury, MA.

As of January 2007, we invite arts organizations to email us so that we can notify you of trainings during spring 2007. We also invite local organizations who may require email list services or updates in their hardware to email us regarding the availability of these donations.

What is the organizational divide?
Like the digital divide, the organizational divide refers to a gap in access to and use of technology faced by smaller organizations.

What causes the gap?
Some of the reasons for the disparity between large and small nonprofits are:

• Lack of technical expertise in-house at small nonprofits and aversion/apprehension.
• Little staff time to devote to technology issues.
• Few resources to spend on technology planning, purchase, implementation, customization, training, and upgrades.
• Higher turnover at grassroots organizations makes knowledge retention difficult.
• Most technology is designed for corporate use, or is poorly designed.
• Most software has a steep learning curve, and training is an added cost.
• Expensive licensing of software inhibits resource-sharing and adaptation.
• Standard models for technology assistance involve a lot of custom consulting work, which is often expensive and unnecessary.

The Organizational Divide Initiative (ODI)
Organizers’ Collaborative tested ODI with 18 organizations in Roxbury, MA with the goals of bridging the gap faced by small nonprofits and creating a replicable model for shared learning and collaborative technology implementation.

ODI has three stages:

Sector-Wide Forum
The half-day meeting (about three hours) includes peer-led presentations of technology, with discussions about the tools and trainings most needed throughout the sector. We can also break this into two parts with a 90 minute overview on one day, followed by a 90 minute peer training session on a second day. We prefer to work with a host organization with a strong presence in the sector being engaged. Offered FREE.

Trainings
The series of 3-4 trainings is based on the technology needs discussed in each of the meetings. Organizations are able to build a shared base of technical knowledge and skills within the sector. Offered for a $10-$30 free for each training.
Topics include:

1. databases
2. e-advocacy
3. web and email for organizing and outreach
4. content management systems
5. volunteer recruitment and management
6. online fundraising
7. building and effective communications strategy
8. leveraging new media tools for community-based work

Implementation
Participants have the option to request individual or multiple-group consultation and technical assistance from OC to implement what they learned during training. Each organization contributes a small, sliding-scale amount of money ($60-$300), based on organizational budget, but receives subsidized assistance valued between $600-$1200.

If you are interested in in finding out more contact us at training@oc-tech.org.