The use of software can help make many aspects of planning and conducting a charity walk easier and more effective.
A member of the Charity Walks Network asked for other member experiences using registration software for charity walks. It turned out to be a hot topic. Several members chimed in with information. Several representatives of the software developers shared in the conversation. You can read and participate in the discussion at http://charitywalks.ning.com/forum/topics/registration-software.
Software can be helpful for better organizing, promoting and fundraising for your charity walk. There are many software packages to choose from. Some are general purpose that can be adapted to your needs and others are written specifically to support pledge-based events, such as charity walks. Some support a specialized purpose and others provide an integrated capability. Some are online while others are hosted on your own computers.
The following table contains the names of software mentioned or referenced in the discussion on the Charity Walks Network:
To evaluate the needs and potential products to support charity walks, I have used criteria described in the book by Ken Laudon and Jane Laudon called Management Information Systems
Organization
The definition of organization is much larger than is reflected on an organizational chart. Laudon and Laudon define the key elements of an organization as “its people, structure, business processes, politics, and culture.” All of these need to be considered when implementing an information system. This will help avoid a potential resistance to change as the new software is introduced and it will also help ensure hidden costs for things like training are addressed when choosing the software solution.
Management
Strategic and tactical decision making are both required for the management of charity walk events. There are several strategic decisions that can be made which will have a significant impact on the amount of funding and participation that is received in the future. There is also the need to plan and monitor the progress on a day-to-day basis. If the software needs to support these areas, make sure it monitors and reports on the appropriate information that is needed at all levels of the organization.
Technology
Technology is much more than just the hardware and software of the information system. It also includes items such as the methods of communication and collaboration, and the types of devices that will access the information. For example, are there plans to use mobile technology for communication or fundraising? Privacy and security are also a part of the considerations under the technology category.
Selecting the appropriate software to support charity walks is not an easy task. However, understanding your needs before making a selection is critical to making an appropriate choice.
Be sure to sign up for your free membership at the Charity Walks Network (http://www.CharityWalks.ning.com). Ask a question about selecting software or any other charity walk topic you need help with. There is a growing community there interested in helping you succeed.
Thanks,
Photo credit: Ariel da Silva Parreira
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