The Telluride Foundation will host “Social Media for Nonprofits: Myth-Busting, Strategy & Practical Tips for Making Social Media Work for You” on Tuesday, Oct. 27, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. This free workshop will offer local nonprofit organizations a practical look at how social media can support their missions, while challenging some of the common myths and expectations that can make managing social media feel overwhelming.
With changing algorithms, evolving trends and the constant pressure to create and share content, nonprofits can easily feel like they need to be doing more on social media. But social media does not have to mean posting constantly or chasing the latest algorithm. The workshop will explore how social media can serve nonprofits differently than businesses, and how organizations can use these platforms as tools for connection, storytelling and community engagement, rather than simply as a marketing strategy.
Facilitated by Malarie Clark, Director of Marketing & Communications at Ah Haa School for the Arts, and Shae LaPlace, Programming & Communications Manager at TMVOA, the workshop will bust common social media myths and offer practical strategies for making social media work within an organization’s goals and capacity.
“Social Media is first and foremost a brand awareness tool. Once you accept that and stop forcing it to function as a direct sales tool, you’ll realize that telling your story is not only more fun, but also an effective strategy,” said LaPlace.
Clark and LaPlace bring experience in marketing, communications, programming and community-focused organizations to the conversation. Clark has worked with nationally and internationally acclaimed artists and arts organizations for the past 16 years. She found her passion for supporting artists after working with emerging galleries across the Southeast. She’s proud of her career in the fine arts world, building nationwide campaigns, curating exhibitions and ultimately directing at Telluride Gallery.
Her focus then shifted to art advisory, helping artists hone their marketing output to better share their own compelling stories with reenvisioned strategies supporting their individual goals. She continues to offer art advisory and brand strategy to art studios, businesses and organizations. Currently as Director of Marketing and Communications at Ah Haa School for the Arts, Clark harnesses all her varied creative skills and photography background to share the impact of creating community and joy through art. She utilizes mission-driven communications, punchy visual narratives, impactful design, purposeful partnership activations and high-quality content aligned with Ah Haa's sustained growth and broadened reach.
LaPlace is a creative, results-driven marketing leader with 12 years of experience in creative direction, brand strategy and cross-functional team leadership. Over the years, she has become adept at managing diverse teams to produce compelling, on-brand campaigns and communications across multiple channels. She has a proven track record of driving brand growth through innovative campaigns, strong creative concepts and strategic partnerships. For the past six years, LaPlace has worked closely with local Telluride organizations and brands, developing a strong understanding of their unique needs, audiences and marketing challenges. She believes the strongest marketing starts with understanding the “why” and finding creative ways to elevate brands with purpose through thoughtful, authentic storytelling.
The workshop will be offered in a hybrid format, allowing participants to attend in person at the Wilkinson Public Library’s Program Room or join virtually via Zoom. A recording of the workshop will also be made available on the Telluride Foundation’s website following the event, giving nonprofit organizations an opportunity to access the material even if they are unable to attend live.
The workshop is free and open to the public. Registration is available through the Telluride Foundation’s Capacity Building webpage at telluridefoundation.org/nonprofits/capacity-building/.
