Do more with less by taking advantage of existing resources
In the nonprofit sector, we often end up working so hard and on such tight deadlines that we don't pause to look around and discover the existing resources that could help us. We end up reinventing the wheel, when we could better serve our clients by spending our resources and energy on more needed work.
As an example, if a nonprofit trainer is asked to create new training on computer skills, it can be a better use of resources to do some research and then refer staff to existing free or low-cost tutorials. Then, the trainer can focus on developing more mission-critical workshops.
Free computer tutorials
Since the example above is a common one, you might find the following free online computer tutorials useful. I have included these because I have heard that they are good, but there are many other free and low-cost options online.
- For very basic skills such as using a mouse, keyboard, and computer screen, the BBC offers a Computer Tutor at http://www.bbc.co.uk/computertutor/computertutorone/index.shtml
- For free typing lessons & practice: http://www.typing-lessons.org/
- For free software tutorials, Edumax offers tutorials on Microsoft Office, computer programming, database software, web development, and more at http://www.edumax.com/
- For making free certificates: http://dyetub.com/
Also, why develop computer classes from scratch for just a few people in your organization, in this economic climate, when the NY public library offers them for free? You can register on their website www.nypl.org by clicking on "Classes."
