Warning: There are some slightly geeky concepts below, so if we lose you, apologies.  Write us if you have questions.

The Need: Integrated Toolsuites

The world of social change organizing and campaigning is a diverse place. No two groups need exactly the same tools, and no tool is right for everyone. While there are some great tools out there, most are stand-alone applications that address one part of the puzzle -- email blasting, for example, or event management -- but don't get the whole job done.

The result is a lot of frustrated organizers. As one of our survey respondents put it, �We have no way of combining all of our needs into one package. [We need] customizable integration - at an affordable price!�
 

A Solution: The AppsMash Lab

Fortunately, the world of progressive online technology is ripe for change. Recent advances in web development like "open APIs" and "web services" have made it much easier to share information between applications. Tech vendors are warming to the idea of sharing data with each other, as the open source movement proves that collaboration can create real income streams. And organizers themselves are vocally demanding change, through public initiatives like the Integration Proclamation.

It all adds up to an unprecedented moment of opportunity - and dotOrganize intends to seize that moment with the AppsMash Lab.

Rather than try to develop yet another new toolset from scratch, the AppsMash Lab will incubate �ecosystems� of tools that share data and build on each other�s strengths. The result would be new suites of tools that mash together existing applications, fill the gaps where needed, and ensure that data can be shared seamlessly across all systems.

Many of the most exciting AppsMash possibilities involve enhancing an organization's core Constituent Relationship Management database (or CRM) with additional functionality. Some examples:

• Integrating a CRM with email list management, fundraising, and online advocacy tools. Good CRMs allow you to track many details about your constituents. But what good is that data if you can't do anything with it? CRMs must partner with additional tools to fully leverage the data they're tracking; i.e. to send mass emails, solicit donations online, or email a specific target from your desktop.
  
  
• Mashing voter file data with donor and volunteer data. Many progressive campaigns use some form of voter file tools (like VAN or SAGE), and also use different tools to track their campaign donors or volunteers (like NGP or Democracy in Action). Cross-referencing target voters with supporter lists would allow campaigns to microtarget and do intelligent, cost-effective outreach.
  
  
• Enhancing an existing CRM with an open source PBX system, like Asterix. This integration opens up a world of possibilities for organizers, such as one-click phone banking in a CRM interface. Imagine searching a database for $100 donors in a particular geographical region, getting a list of 25 names, and double clicking on the first name to place a FREE call directly from your computer. Not bad, eh?
  

Join the Conversation

If you would like more information about the AppsMash Lab, or want to join the conversation about technical solution, please contact us.