27 June 2010
Greetings from the NFCM!
Since February of 2010 the Board of Directors and the I have spent time talking with many of you about the future of the Fellowship. We have discussed ways that might improve several core components of our affiliation and how to best implement those ideas. Since March of 2010 I have been reviewing software services and vendors that might offer us a technology to assist us in our stated Mission and Vision. I believe I have found such a technology partner.
The name of the firm is Faith Interactive, LLC. It's president is a faithful lay Catholic named Ryan Foley. Ryan has been involved in Catholic ministry for several years and has affiliated with a larger technology firm named Higher Logic to bring PRIVATE SOCIAL NETWORKING software to faith based organizations like ours. If you have followed any of the most recent business development trends you are very aware of the enormous impact social media is having on both for profit and non-profit organizations. The meteoric rise of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others has attracted millions of users interested in three things-connecting easily with others, building groups of like minded people online and impacting people.
Having spoken with scores of you over the past several months, I have found these are three of the goals most frequently articulated by men: The desire for easier and more frequent communication, the sharing of best practices,ideas and materials, and the ability to build the Kingdom of God both locally and globally. These goals, in my opinion, requires a larger and more systematic approach than the NFCM currently employs. We continue to meet locally at our conferences, small groups and retreats. Unfortunately, while some diocese have seen enormous growth others are relatively stymied as to how to do so. While annual leadership conferences help in sharing information-these are attended by only a small fraction of those involved in Catholic Men's Ministry.
To assist in this challenge, I have recently signed an agreement for the "Connected Community" software service from Faith Interactive. It will initially be called the NFCM Network. I will begin its online creation in July with an aim to completing-with some help from you all and Our Lord, by the fourth quarter of 2010. This software offers some amazing features and benefits for you and your local Catholic Men's Fellowship, faith group or apostolate. Here are just a few:
1. Every diocese will be able to have its own standardized website on the Network.
2. Every CMF will then be able to promote its conference, small groups, retreats using the imbedded calendaring, email notification, event management, etc. components of the software.
3. Every small group (bible study group, faith sharing group, support group, parish men's club, Knights of Columbus council, cursillo group, etc.) can have its own "group" on the website.
4. A single, but segmentable, sign in protocol for the entire nation will be available for follow up and email marketing.
5. Existing Catholic Apostolates (Crossing the Goal, That Man Is You, Covenant Keepers, The Kings Men, etc.) can have its own website within the Network
6. Individual men will be able to "join" any of the groups interested in-from their cconference to parish accountability group-to a national men's pro life movement-instantly.
7. Best practices of each group can be uploaded to a single, indexed "Best Practices" online digital library for access by other men and groups
8. Instant messaging to other members anywhere on the Network
9. Posting of video clips (by Jan 2011)
10.Mobile media messaging (by Jan 2011)
11.Online NFCM Store for conference, small group, movement branded wearables and traditional men's gifts (traditional wearables, golf balls, travel bags, etc.)
12.Online catechetical training material at a reduced cost from "My Catholic Faith Delivered" online education
13.Revenue opportunities for your local fellowship through advertising partners
I hope this gives you a taste of the exciting developments coming to the NFCM by year's end. This is, however, much more than just a technology leap. This is the ability to begin sharing, collaborating and communicating closer than ever before in our history. Men from anywhere on the planet can now join together in calling for deeper conversion, profound transformational formation and radical mobilization/evangelization. The time for waiting is at an end. It is now our time, our call, our resposibility to build the Kingdom of God together.
If you have any additional questions or comments, please email me at NFCMDan@gmail.com
Your Brother In Christ,
Dan Spencer
Executive Director
NFCM
From the Executive Director