There is a huge opportunity for non-profits to engage communities, garner volunteers and support, and earn donations through social media. Recognizing this, the Central New York Community Foundation (CNYCF) engaged the expertise of Crystal (Smith) DeStefano, APR, to help 30 Central New York non-profit leaders better understand these media and get started.

During the half-day program, one of many educational seminars hosted by CNYCF, Crystal helped non-profit leaders to identify the best social media for their organizations, learn how to create a policy that protects the organization while engaging staff and volunteers, and to develop a strategic and proactive social media plan that helps their organization to achieve, and measure, success.

Crystal also encouraged attendees of the program to use a Twitter hashtag (#CNYCF) to share the lessons and examples from the program while practicing what they learn in real-time.

Established in 1927, the Central New York Community Foundation encourages local philanthropy by supporting the growth of a permanent charitable endowment for the betterment of the region.