Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a two-day workshop at aikyam space on the theme of discoverability. This workshop was a highly engaging and insightful experience, specifically designed to help grassroots non-profit organisations enhance their digital presence and content creation skills. For someone like me, with prior experience in platforms like Wix, Blogger, and Weebly, this workshop opened new doors with its focus on the open-source platform, Ghost.
The sessions, led by experienced facilitators, covered everything from content writing to building websites on open-source platforms. The most exciting part for me was the hands-on experience of using Ghost—a platform I had long thought about learning but never got around to trying. Now, I’m glad that we’ve taken the first step by launching a subdomain, impact.theigniteindia.com, as part of our transition to open-source solutions.
Exploring Content Writing with Sumi
One of the core sessions was led by Sumi, an expert in content development, who brought a wealth of experience to the table. Her insights into drafting compelling content in today's digital age were invaluable. In a world where content is king, her session highlighted the importance of creating messages that not only resonate with the audience but also engage them meaningfully.
Sumi guided us on approaching content writing with clarity, including how to structure articles, use prompts when faced with writer's block, and the importance of consistency. Her advice on asking the right questions to keep the flow going was particularly helpful. For any non-profit, this skill is crucial to communicate effectively with donors, volunteers, and the communities they serve.
Learning Ghost with Megha and Jinso
Another highlight was the introduction to Ghost, an open-source platform, led by Megha and Jinso. This session was particularly exciting for me as I had experience with website builders like Wix, Blogger, and Weebly, but had never ventured into the open-source realm.
Ghost is a powerful platform that allows you to build clean, professional websites without needing to code. Megha’s session on formatting and style tools was eye-opening. She showed us how easy it is to manage the back-end of a website on Ghost, making it a perfect solution for grassroots organisations that may not have dedicated technical staff. Our newly-created storytelling subdomain is a significant step toward our goal of completely transitioning to open-source platforms in the future.
The workshop made me realise that managing a website on an open-source platform like Ghost is not as daunting as it seemed. With the right guidance and a bit of practice, anyone can build and maintain their website, making it an ideal solution for grassroots organisations aiming to boost their online presence.
Content Mapping and Overcoming Writing Blocks
One of the most practical exercises was creating a content map for an article. Each of us mapped out what we wanted to write, who our target audience was, and how we intended to communicate our message. We then developed a synopsis and built our articles from that foundation.
The process of writing became easier with the insights provided by the facilitators. Whenever we faced a writing block, the advice to ask ourselves the right questions helped unlock creativity and get the flow going again. This technique has been immensely helpful and is something I will apply regularly, especially when developing content for The Ignite Foundation and Khoj.
Key Takeaways: Practice and Technology
The most significant takeaway from the workshop was the importance of consistent practice. Writing regularly, whether it’s content for social media, blog posts, or emails, is the best way to hone your skills. Another key point was that using technology to streamline processes can help non-profits work smarter, not harder. The workshop also provided a solid foundation in using platforms like Ghost to build a functional, well-designed website.
I now realise how important it is for non-profits to embrace these technologies to grow and maintain their online presence without relying on external agencies or expensive software. Platforms like Ghost allow us to have full control over our websites and content, which is crucial for an organisation that is always evolving.
This workshop reinforced the idea that digital skills and content creation are not optional for non-profits—they are essential. I am confident that the knowledge gained will benefit both The Ignite Foundation and Khoj as we continue to nurture social leaders and changemakers. The ability to communicate effectively and manage our digital platforms will be a critical part of our future success.
Becoming a Pollinator of Knowledge
I often see myself as a bumblebee, spreading the knowledge and skills I have learned to other non-profits and communities. What I’ve gained from this workshop, combined with future self-learning, will undoubtedly benefit several grassroots organisations in their efforts to grow and thrive.
For any non-profit looking to grow, this workshop provided a clear roadmap. From content writing to website development, the skills we learned are crucial for any organization wanting to scale their impact. I’m excited to apply these learnings in my work at The Ignite Foundation and Khoj and look forward to sharing this knowledge with others.
Once again, I extend my gratitude to the aikyam team and all the facilitators for organising such a valuable workshop. It’s an essential step for grassroots organisations aiming to break barriers and leverage technology for greater impact.
Have you wanted to learn new technology, and been intimidated by the idea of it? How did you get over that fear? Do share your thoughts in comments.
