Web 2.0 is a category of new Internet tools and technologies created around the idea that the people who consume media, access the Internet, and use the Web shouldn't passively absorb what's available; rather, they should be active contributors, helping customize media and technology for their own purposes, as well as those of their communities.

But Web 2.0 isn't just the latest set of toys for geeks, it's the beginning of a new era in technology — one that promises to help nonprofits operate more efficiently, generate more funding, and affect more lives.

These new tools include, but are by no means limited to, blogs, social networking applications, RSS, social networking tools, and wikis. On this page, you'll find articles on a variety of Web 2.0 tools and technologies. We'll continue to update this page, so be sure to check back to learn about the latest technologies for your organization.

What is Web 2.0 Anyway?

This piece will help you familiarize yourself with the general concept of Web 2.0 and the many technologies that fall into this category.

Publish and Disseminate Information

Seven Blogging Tools Reviewed

There are a number of good blogging tools, but choosing among them can be confusing. In this report, we’ll take a detailed look at the top blogging tools and outline key considerations for selecting a platform.

A Technical Guide to Anonymous Blogging

If you have reason to be worried that what you're posting could endanger your safety, the security measures outlined in this article will help you keep your identity a secret.

Easy Ways to Publish Your Own RSS Feeds

RSS feeds are a simple, inexpensive way to deliver news and announcements to your constituents and supporters, helping them stay active and involved in your cause. We'll show you tools you can use to get started.

Thirteen Tips for Effective Tagging

A tag is a collaborative labeling system that allows you to categorize online content like Web pages, photos, and links. Learn why tagging is a valuable tool for your nonprofit — and how to choose tags effectively.

Network and Build Community

What Can Social Networking Do for Your Organization?

Social networking platforms like Flickr, Friendster, and MySpace give nonprofits a forum for meeting like-minded organizations and potential supporters, and provide a medium for spreading their messages beyond the immediate community.

Citizen Journalism Movement Gives More Power to the People

Is the mainstream media overlooking a story or an issue important to your cause? Rise up, nonprofits, through citizen journalism, a new form of reporting driven by people rather than large news agencies.

Interplast: Harnessing Technology to Help Heal

In addition to providing free reconstructive surgeries to children with disabilities and adults with no access to specialized care, Interplast works to educate local surgeons around the world through its international online forum. Learn how this Web site is empowering doctors and transforming patients' lives.

Collaborate with Others

Exploring the World of Wikis

Wikis — collaborative Web sites that allow users to change the content of pages easily — can help your organization share information. Learn how wikis work, what wiki-creation software and services are out there, and whether a wiki makes sense for your nonprofit.

Eight Tools to Keep Your Team Connected

How do you coordinate a team of 20 volunteers providing support to 83 organizations in 14 countries — all from one location? Veteran eRider manager Teresa Crawford shares eight tried-and-true applications for keeping far-flung workers connected.

Wikispaces Plus Plan

The Wikispaces Plus Plan offers organizations a hosted wiki with 2-GB storage, unlimited users, edits, and messages. A $10 one-year subscription is available to qualifying nonprofits through TechSoup Stock.

Share Your Stories with the World

How to Record, Edit, and Promote a Podcast

Podcasts — digital audio files posted to the Web for anyone to download and listen to — are a useful, affordable way for nonprofits to expand their reach and further their missions. We'll walk you through the process of creating and posting your own podcasts.

Digital Storytelling: A Tutorial in 10 Easy Steps

Learn more about the powerful medium of digital storytelling, which allows you to create narratives using images, video, and sound.

Witnessing the Power of Digital Video

Witness has helped human-rights groups use digital camcorders to document abuses in more than 60 countries around the globe. But the organization says that the era of video advocacy is just beginning.

Understanding Video-Sharing Sites' Terms of Service

We scoured lengthy agreements of the most popular sites like YouTube and Google Video to help you figure out where to post your videos.

BAVC's Interactive Learning Series

To learn more about this topic, nonprofits can purchase DVDs that cover Flash MX, digital storytelling, and video preservation techniques. All of the videos are available at a discount on TechSoup Stock.

Customize and Create Your Own Tools

Mashups: An Easy, Free Way to Create Custom Web Apps

Mashups are opening up new possibilities for nonprofits, allowing them to combine online data from multiple sources to create customized, interactive Web applications. Find out how.