If you’re involved in marketing, fundraising, advocacy, or communications with nonprofits, be sure to attend the American Marketing Association’s annual Nonprofit Conference. This year it’s in Washington, DC July 9-11th. I may be partial, given that I’m on the Conference Committee, but we’ve got a great line up of speakers and topics. Our own Michael Cervino and Eric Eckl have put together two great sessions:

• Viral Campaigning Through the Ages with Julie Witsken, Sr. Manager Engagement Marketing at AARP and Steve Daigneault, Director of Internet Communications at Amnesty International.
• Web 2.0 Beyond the Buzz with Dave Patterson, Director of New Media at Heifer International, and Josh Peck, Internet Director at The One Campaign

In addition, you’ll find speakers from Network for Good, The Nature Conservancy, MercyCorps, Teach for America, Red Cross, America’s Second Harvest, American Heart Association, and more!

Check out the AMA Nonprofit Conference agenda at www.marketingpower.com/nonprofit.

How often have you received an appeal from an environmental organization that’s loaded with jargon like “fossil fuels dependence” and “biodiversity”? Be honest. Do you really know what the heck they’re talking about?

Our own Eric Eckl is an evangelist for (on?) using words that us average joes and janes understand in marketing, fundraising, and advocacy appeals — words like “clean air” and “extinction”.

An editorial in the Annapolis City Times today says:

“Mr. Eckl is an environmentalist and also a marketing consultant who understands how to persuade people.”

When not applying his knack for persuading our client’s constituents to sign up, clean, up, open their wallets, or just do it, he’s also sharing his wisdom on his personal blog: waterwordsthatwork. His passion may be clean and available water, but his advice is valuable for all of us who have to communicate on scientific and technical issues. Check it out.