NGO workflows and how to choose your tools

Introduction

Overview of key workflows emerged from discussions about technology infrastructure for NGOs

• Share a file internally with trusted colleagues
• Share a file externally with known organizations and allies
• Share a file publicly
• Set up a conference call
• Set up a 1:1 call
• Set up a webinar
• Set up an in person meeting
• Send an end-of-the-year donation-drive newsletter
• Author a grant proposal
• Compile the end of the year budget

Session Notes

Workflows taken as reference

• Share a file internally with trusted colleagues
• Share a file externally with known organizations and allies
• Share a file publicly

Steps included in these workflows:

• Coordinate document sharing
• Annotate/ comment on document

What are folks current using?

• Email
• Dropbox, Box.net
• Asana
• Trello
• Skype
• Slack messages
• Basecamp
• Google Drive
• GitHub

Values identified

• Privacy
• Security
• Anonymity
• Resiliency
• Sustainability
• Usability
• Accessibility
• Openness

Brainstorming: What questions should we ask?

• What is the tech literacy of participants?
• Who are the actual adversaries?
• Where are the files?
• What path do the files take?
• How do we manage usability and security?
• Who is watching?
• Is there a "fear factor" in adopting new technology? e.g. fear of learning new? e.g. fear of the tech itself?
• How do we determine/ maintain data integrity?
• What is the server configuration?
• What is the level of security culture (of the org)?
• What is the path to adoption (within an organization)?
• What factions are we dealing with?
• What belief structures are embedded in existing ways of working?
• What is the budget/ resources of the org?
• What is the level of security culture of the provider?
• What is the timeline/ time restraints?
• What is the bandwidth?
• Who needs what permissions?
• How many people need access?