CARE Selects ThePort for Web 2.0 Social Media Initiative
Non-Profit Organization Strengthens Value of Web Site for Reaching and Engaging Supporters
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) April 22, 2008
CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty, announced today Web 2.0 enhancements to its web site (www. CARE. org) using ThePort™ Network, Inc.'s social media platform. Integrated social media features enabled by ThePort's turnkey solution create an online community that will help to engage visitors and initiate action in support of CARE's missions, programs and goals.
Headquartered in Atlanta, CARE is a 501(c) (3) organization that provides services in poor communities in 69 countries around the world. Its web site currently receives more than 300,000 visitors per month.
"We recognize the benefits of social networking as a way to reach supporters and encourage activism over the web," said Toby Smith, Director of Online Communications for CARE. "Of all the solutions we evaluated, ThePort provided the most comprehensive Web 2.0 platform and the broadest functionality that could grow along with our needs."
The initial phase of the social media initiative will be operable on the CARE web site beginning this month. Registered users can develop their own unique profile pages and network with members with like interests, including the ability to join sub-groups focused on specific programs or topics. CARE is also publishing a web site blog featuring the experiences of its staff and volunteers working in the field in locations worldwide. The blog will offer the ability for readers to post commentary and ask questions.
Using ThePort's Real Simple Syndication (RSS) capabilities, registered users will also be able to subscribe to and tailor their own news feeds that include articles and blogs from other web sources that are of topical relevance to CARE's mission and focus areas. Social networking capabilities will be expanded in future project phases.
"Social media is particularly useful to non-profits, helping them to leverage the Internet to build and unite online communities around common interests and goals," said Bob Cramer, CEO and Co-Founder of ThePort Network. "We are pleased such a vital organization as CARE is relying on our social media platform as a way to connect and energize supporters."
Web 2.0 features enabled through ThePort will help CARE to attract new constituents, encourage repeat visits and longer durations of stay - enriching the level of interest and activism in CARE-sponsored programs.
Additional features available through ThePort's privately labeled social media platform include photo - and video-sharing, personal blogging and other user-generated content capabilities.
About CARE
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.
About ThePort Network
ThePort™ Network, Inc. provides an integrated suite of enterprise-class social media solutions that enables media companies, associations and sports teams to build and manage branded Web 2.0 communities that facilitate high-engagement marketing, foster increased member-to-member interaction and create additional revenue opportunities. ThePort Social Media Suite is offered as a service over the Internet and is comprised of ThePort Start Page, ThePort Social Network and ThePort Rich Media Blog Publisher. Based in Atlanta, Ga., the company's customers include Cox Newspapers, Lee Enterprises, Scripps, The Atlanta Falcons and CARE. For more information, visit www. theport. com.
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