C-SPAN successfully engaged the public in the political process during the 2008 elections through their Debate Hub websites and use of open-source technologies and social media. They linked to thousands of blog posts, followed social media discussions, and incentivized participation through leader boards and Twitter interactions. By moving quickly and using open-source software like WordPress, C-SPAN was able to connect millions to the political process in an efficient and credible way while operating on a limited budget. The document also provides several examples of innovative nonprofit websites and strategies for crowd-sourcing, socially mobilizing constituents, and creative advertising approaches.

1. Communications Manager Friedman Foundation // Generator Forum // December 11, 2008

2. best practices are universal .

3. listen participate reciprocate recognize be authentic innovate

4. how c-span did it.

5. http://debatehub.c-span.org/ http://dnc08.c-span.org/ http://rnc08.c-span.org/

7. be exclusive for the bang .

9. be inclusive to sustain.

10. Linked to thousands of blog posts Gave on-air time to reading blog and Twitter posts Followed-up with as many folks as possible

12. “ [C-SPAN’s Debate Hub] is full of people doing the same thing . I love this day in media technology. It’s a true marketplace of ideas with instant access. is heard just as much as other people sitting at home drinking champagne alone and watching TV.”

15. “ open” is efficient and credible .

17. furthering their mission, C-SPAN connected millions to the political process

18. 6 “must-haves” for non-profits

19. http://anorangeamerica.com/ (complex issue? turn to data-visualization + info-graphics) http://jess3.com/ http:// www.energystar.gov

20. http://labs.google.com/ (no matter your size or budget, innovation is essential) http://labs.digg.com/ http://sunlightlabs.com/

21. http://www.soapblox.net (left) (for your issues, consider state blogs and diary sites) http://www.dailykos.com (left) http://www.thenextright.com (right) http://www.redstate.com (right)

22. http://blogads.com/ http://www.facebook.com/advertising/ (get creative with ‘quality-of-experience’ advertising)

23. http://www.crowdspring.com/ http://www.geniusrocket.com/ http://www.appsfordemocracy.org/ http://www.istrategylabs.com/ (crowd-source is the new out-source)

24. http://www.wethecitizens.com/ (socially mobilize constituents… display their impact) http://my.barackobama.com