Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/540607
and invest in your mission." Over the course of two breakout sessions, Franklin shared technology challenges that countless organiza- tions face and offered advice on how they can do more with the same resources (such as using Salesforce, a free customer relationship manage- ment program). He urged audience members to move data into cloud storage for security, saying that keeping sensitive information within the four walls of an organization often isn't the best option. The audience members seemed intrigued with Franklin's lessons that were infused with humor about his own experiences. "I learned that cloud storage is huge," Mills said after the session. "Now that I've heard from a profes- sional that it's the safe thing to do, I'm going to start learning about some free sites that will be really helpful." John Jarvis, a TechBridge prod- uct consultant, understands that the leap into technology can be fright- ening, but he also urges nonprofits to remember that TechBridge will be there every step of the way. "It's a massive un- dertaking," Jarvis said. "Getting nonprofits past those first hurdles and making the new technol- ogy a part of their pro- cess is the hard part. We strive to do all the initial training and change management so that we can make that process a lot easier." Lana Smith and Amanda Martin of the Junior League of Anniston- Calhoun said they are ready to make changes. "We'll be ensuring that each person involved under- stands the importance of keeping the information updated, investing in technology, and keeping it up to date," said Smith. Franklin said nonprofit repre- sentatives should not stress over "spreadsheet mania" or not know- ing the next step. "You have to understand that you have a tool, and you need to have a strategy built around that tool." TechBridge provides services for nonprofits to better leverage technol- ogy that will further their mission. TechBridge is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Atlanta. For more informa- tion on how to move your nonprof- it's technology forward, visit their website at techbridge.org. 10 TECHNOLOGY continued on from 9 Breakout Sessions Attendees listen as James Franklin shares stories of his own humorous technology experiences.