I joined NCMN several years ago and it has provided me tangible results. Through NCMN, I've met media contacts not only generous with their time in providing what they view as best practices for nonprofit communications pros, but have responded time and again to those of us they met at panels, and stories have resulted from such interaction. I've just joined the Board, b/c I think it's important to help create such continuing opportunities for others...pay it forward. And nonprofits appreciate a leg up in information or connections b/c the staff size is often so minimal. Thx, NCMN!
NCM Network is a wonderful nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping nonprofits work more effectively with the media. The monthly programs sponsored by them are very informative and helpful to the attendees. NCM Network is an extremely valuable resource to other companies and agencies.
Previous Stories
I have been a member of the Nonprofit Communications and Media Network for many years. I continue to be impressed with its dedication to help nonprofits work more effectively with the media. It is the only organization of its kind that offers regular opportunities for nonprofits, the media, and other communications professionals to network and connect.
When nonprofit professionals, especially those in marketing, communications, or PR roles, want to connect with peers who understand the nonprofit sector, the NCM Network is the group to choose for networking and honing one's communications skills! NCM Network's programs and social platforms provide tools to improve nonprofit storytelling and assist with media coverage.
Previous Stories
I was introduced to NCM Network in 2001, back in the days when it was known as PIRATES. As an active member, I met inspiring nonprofit supporters, such as Ray Gonzales and Vickie Prothro of KTLA Channel 5, who featured my nonprofit on their TV show, Pacesetters. I also attended numerous "State of the Media" programs and media mixers and, in the process, made media connections who were eager to learn about my nonprofit and feature it in print and on TV and the radio. While I spent some time in the corporate sector between 2005-2013, when I returned to the nonprofit sector in 2013, I re-joined the organization and continued to learn from the programs I attended. In December 2014, I was invited to join PIRATES' Board of Directors. In late 2015, the organization rebranded, and as Chair of the Re-Branding committee, I was able to share my branding expertise so that the organization's core mission of providing a bridge for nonprofit communications and fundraising professionals with the media was more clearly communicated, as the new name indicates. I look forward to continuing to build on the new Nonprofit Communications and Media Network's foundation so that its members attend useful programs and develop their storytelling skills as they liaise with the media.
NCMN is a great organization that helps non-profits get ahead of the communications curve. This group is a valuable resource for any organization.
Great group to connect with if you have any interest in marketing for social causes. Experienced and newcomers are welcomed. Very much feels like a peer group to can learn with and from. We at the Center for Nonprofit Management have been happy to partner with them to provide more learning and networking opportunities. Glad to have this resource here in LA!
I have been involved with this member organization for more than 15 years and became a board member after seeing the benefits to my organization. Every program I have attended has offered something new about media, communications, social media, or public relations and how it can improve our impact in nonprofits. I have met numerous media representatives who have connected me to the right persons at the media outlet. Whether at the television network, radio station or publication, the media representative has taken an interest in the pitch at different times and my nonprofit has been featured. For anyone who is promoting a nonprofit in Los Angeles or Orange County, this member organization is the one to join.
After attending a workshop offered by the NCM Network, I walked away with actionable items that I implemented that very same day. And now, I'm their biggest advocate. NCM Network is a great resource of private and nonprofit communication professionals. With the industry changing so quickly and encompassing a much more dynamic and user driven process, NCM Network provides needed insight on how to effectively communicate with our audiences. As a nonprofit board member and a service provider to the nonprofit community, I'm glad they're around.
By bringing together individuals from both media and nonprofits, this organization facilitates professional relationships – which benefit both the public and our causes. The meetings are always well run and very informative. I have also become great friends with other members.
NCM Network does a wonderful job of providing resources to its target audience. I look forward to their events.
I became a member of this organization back when I first became a professional fundraiser. Communications is such an important part of fundraising and the information I learned from the organization was very useful. As time passed I need the board and am happy to say the quality of the programs has not only remained high, but as the world of communications has evolved with more and more and more digital content, they have evolved as well, being an excellent source of communication trends.
I have had the pleasure of serving as a board member for NCM Network (previously known as PIRATES) since 2001. At the time I worked at a local TV station in the Community Affairs department and was the associate producer for a weekly Public Affairs program, Pacestters.
I recall after attending my first meeting, in 1998, that I felt the organization was in-touch with the needs of nonprofits and therefore a great resource for the TV station to network and build relationships with these various nonprofits. The relationships would in turn create wonderful contacts for guests on the public affairs talk program. Little did I know how life-changing my affiliation with this organization would become. After years of attending monthly programs; sitting on panels; moderating programs; serving as the organization's president from 2004 - 2005; chairing its membership committee and now its scholarship committee (since 2014), I have personally and professionally grown to be more plugged-in the community where I live and serve.
Watching NCM Network experience ups and downs over the past years, this organization which is run by an all volunteer board continues to provide relevant program content while being steadfast with ensuring its mission does not drift from what it set out to do in 1955 and continues to do: “Serve the Southern California community and EDUCATES nonprofit professionals, CONNECTS with media, and CREATES communications and cause awareness that make an impact.”
If you are a communication’s professional and want to connect with like minded professionals to obtain resources, specifically designed to help your organization serve the community in the best way possible, then NCM Network is an organization where you will find what you are looking for and possibly what you didn’t know you needed… NCM Network provides an opportunity, at its monthly programs and now on its new website, for one who is new to the media and/or nonprofit sector and for the seasoned professionals with an abundant amount of resources to raise awareness for your organization as well as support you with your professional and possibly your personal development.
Victoire "Vickie" Prothro
Manager of Communications & Marketing
African American Board Leadership Institute (AABLI)
www.aabli.org