Communications Consulting for Immigrant and Refugee-Serving Organizations
Tech in Settlement Services
I’m curious about your ideas, questions, frustrations, aspirations about using technology in social services. Check out my podcast, share some research, learn about the Nonprofit Service Canvas!
Consulting
From strategy to implementation, I can help your organization move forward to make better use of online technology in your service delivery.
Training
Social media 101 to pro. Introducing technology as a service channel. Let’s talk about how I can orient and train your management and staff.
Writing | Editing | Research
Need some web content? Looking for someone to interview and profile an influencer in your network?
My name is Marco and I work as a Communications Strategist for human service organizations, with a focus on digital strategy and online services. I'm mainly focused on agencies providing services to immigrants/refugees. But, I've worked in a variety of non-profit sectors, including employment services, information and referral and various community-based technology projects. I can help you harness the communications & network potential of web and social media in your work. I can help you develop and implement the strategy you need to move your services online effectively, securely, centred on your clients. You're probably not interested in geeking out on tech. Technology and social media are a means to an end. You probably care about the end. This is reasonable. Let's talk. It'll be fun. And useful. I promise. :-)
The team!
Marco Campana
Thoughts from people I've worked with.
Thoughts and articles
What is microwork and what does it mean for our work with newcomers?
If you’re not familiar with the term microwork, you’re not alone. You’re likely familiar with the notion of the gig economy. Think of microwork as the hidden, service-based, and most precarious work of the gig economy.
WTF (What’s the Future) of Settlement Work – this week a cybersecurity and encryption
On the organizational side, you work with your clients’ personal identifiable information. You know that it should be kept under lock and key in your office, but what does that mean online?
Apps for human services – a review of Chalmers bot
You likely have seen some news about a new app to help people experiencing homelessness in Toronto find and access services – Chalmers Bot. It’s a great story. I decided to dive in and try it out. Here’s my assessment, along with a screen-cast of me using Chalmers. I think you should try it out.
Social work in the digital age: secure tech tools for social good
This research looks at how new technologies can increase mobility and efficiency in the field of social work, while keeping data secure. Harnessing these efficiencies is a chance to focus resources on vital in-person services for clients.
Disruptions are about pulling reality one step closer to your fantasies and imagination
From his life experiences, Dhairya Dand has distilled some lessons about disruption. I think he offers the ingredients for a positive disruption and innovation mindset.
I think we can learn from his approach in the immigrant and refugee-serving sector.
3 Reasons Why the Future of Work is People-First
Much of the current writing on AI is about how AI will replace some human functions, but just as much on how important humans will remain (and perhaps more so) in the future. Current writing also emphasizes the importance of the choices we make now about AI, innovation and technology. It’s not all quite as out of our control as the tech bros might want you to believe.
IRCC’s Research at a Glance – OMG, OMG, you have to subscribe
I’m excited. Are you excited? If you’re interested in staying up to date about the latest research about newcomers, you should be. I recently discovered that IRCC has an email list where you can get up to date research information directly from the IRCC Knowledge Management – Research and Evaluation department. Apparently this list has Read more about IRCC’s Research at a Glance – OMG, OMG, you have to subscribe[…]
Newcomers accessing services – the reports behind the stats
If you’ve been in the sector, you’ve heard stats thrown around about how only about 40% of newcomers actually access settlement services. I’ve compiled a summary of some research where those numbers come up. You can download a bunch of reports with more detailed information. This isn’t meant to be the definitive list, just useful reports I’ve found on the topic.
Ending gender-based violence – a series of webinar recordings
These appeared in my YouTube subscriptions, I hadn’t heard about them previously. They appear to be part of OCASI’s project: Initiative to End Gender-Based Violence in Immigrant and Refugee Communities. The recordings look interesting, and worth a dive in. You can treat them like a mini course. Maybe watch them together for a lunch and Read more about Ending gender-based violence – a series of webinar recordings[…]
You need to start making videos for your clients
The time to make videos is now. You can and should be making videos providing quick and useful information and tips for your clients. It’s never been easier to do it and post them online.