Leveraging the Internet for Mission, Part I: Challenges
The purpose of Catholic Web Solutions is to help Catholic organizations and religious communities think strategically about using the Internet and Social Media for mission. This transformation from old world to new world communications isn’t easy. As I work on projects with communities and organizations that want to move forward with technology (as opposed to those who have no interest at all), I see some common challenges.
- Leaders who want to collaborate, communicate and minister over the Internet, but themselves have little experience with online collaboration tools or the backend work and infrastructure that is needed to make that happen smoothly.
- Members who have little or no Internet experience beyond using email and doing research.
- The workload of leaders, staff, and members—where the thought of learning and then using Internet technologies (time, money, effort) is overwhelming.
- Infrastructures that are insufficient to support online collaboration tools (systems, connectivity, bandwidth, hardware and software).
- Administrative staff not schooled or necessarily interested in learning new technology.
- Vendors (technology partners) who want our business, but do not understand the culture of religious communities or religious non-profits.
- The expectation that once we address today’s needs we will be set for tomorrow.
- The failure to include technology in long range strategic planning.
The Internet revolution has impacted everyone—not just us. Smart businesses, astute leaders, and entrepreneurs got the message first and are leading the way. Young people do not know the world without it. The use of the Internet is now a grass roots phenomenon. It has accelerated the creation of the “flat” world, in which autocratic, hierarchical and centralized authorities can be questioned, ignored or deposed. It has facilitated communication and collaboration in ways unthought-of until recently. Many businesses, governments, and organizations are facing the same challenges and opportunities we are. Those who recognize the challenges and are pursuing the potential good that these new technologies offer have a chance at the future. Those who aren’t, do not.
How up-to-date are communications in your organization? Where do you want your organization’s communications to be tomorrow?
Your answer, comments and questions are welcome. Please share this article with others who also may have answers, comments or questions.
Comments (6)
Diane Vella
March 21, 2011 at 9:40 am
As a parish minister struggling to begin to use internet and social media for ministry, I resonated with every one of the 8 challenges listed in today’s posting. Despite lots of “buzz” about all this, I’m finding it hard to find resources that really assist parishes in the “nuts and bolts” of this. For example: we are in process of setting up our parish facebook page, but encountered difficulties in separating the minister’s profile from the parish page, and also in figuring out how to post a “church facebook policy” notice in such a way that it stays prominent on the wall. Ministers like me who are savvy about ministry but tentative about social networking need the help of our parishioners who are all over social networking, but don’t really understand how a church page needs to be constructed. Anybody know any good resources for this?
Don McCrabb
March 21, 2011 at 2:08 pm
Another insightful article. Gives a good overview of the challenges.
The days of “cultural” Catholics is slowly fading. We are an intentional Church which means IDENTITY is foundational. Social networking can both support and expand this identity. Indeed, some of us will begin to describe ourselves as “Franciscan” or “Dominican” to link our Catholic identity to a particular spirituality. Others may say we are a “Commonweal” or “NCR” Catholic. Still others will qualify our Catholicism – “raised” or “struggling.”
Renew our faith, Oh Lord, and give us the courage and the perservance to help one another – through social networking and other means – to grow in faith and service. Amen!
Marc Cardaronella
March 22, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Diane, I can definitely understand where you’re coming from. I’ve just been getting into this social media game myself. There is quite a bit to learn but I think it’s worth it. And, you’re right, there aren’t a lot of resources for how to do this as a Catholic for Catholics.
Of course, Sr. Susan’s site is fantastic! You might also check out the Missionaries to the Digital Continent blog on Catholic Tech Talk at http://www.catholictechtalk.com/blogs/missionaries.
Also, here’s the recording for a webinar on Facebook for ministry given a few months back by Jonathan Sullivan: http://bit.ly/icS0WP. He’s also doing another one very soon that’s a follow up to that one. See that one here: http://bit.ly/eLzZ82.
There’s a website called New Media Catholic that deals with social media issues for Catholic ministers. Here’s the link: http://newmediacatholic.com/.
Hope that helps! Keep on plugging!
Kimberly
March 29, 2011 at 1:15 am
I just wanted to say that I found your site via Goolge and I am glad I did. Keep up the good work and I will make sure to bookmark you for when I have more free time away from the books. Thanks again!
Diane Vella
April 4, 2011 at 9:13 am
Mark, this being Lent, this has been the first chance I’ve had to get back and check if anyone responded to my comment! Thanks very much for your help; I’m hoping to check out these resources today!
Sr. Susan Wolf, SND
April 20, 2011 at 6:55 am
Diane,
Here is another article that might help with your Facebook page. Good luck.
http://www.catholictechtalk.com/let-us-facebook-creating-a-parish-facebook-page/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+catholictechtalk%2Farticles+%28Catholic+Tech+Talk%29&utm_content=Google+Feedfetcher
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