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Blue Hills Digital

Roundup: WordCamp, nonprofit tech, and a kitten

Published 7 months ago • 2 min read

Hi friends 👋🏻

It's been a busy seven days! This email has some thoughts from WordCamp US, and pictures of a brand new kitten. What more could you want?

Want links to recent emails or a sign-up link to share? Go to The Digital Landscape sign-up page​

Talking nonprofit technology at WordCamp US 2025

Last Wednesday–Friday, I attended WordCamp US 2025 which was conveniently located right here in Portland OR.

While WordPress has been in my life since maybe 2007 (?? something like that) I'd never been to an organized WordPress event. It was fun to be around a bunch of other WordPress professionals, from educators and product builders to other agency-owners and builders like me. I learned a lot, and left feeling inspired to learn more and build new connections in the WordPress community.

As an open-source, free platform, WordPress is a powerful tool for nonprofit organizations. I was pleased to see this recognized in the selection of Amy Sample Ward, CEO of the Nonprofit Technology Education Network (NTEN), to deliver the opening keynote at WordCamp 2025.

NTEN advocates for the skillful and equitable use of technology to bring about social change.

Amy talked about the importance of aligning around values when selecting and implementing technologies for social change, and understanding technology as a tool, not a solution in and of itself.

Most importantly, the people impacted MUST be part of the decision-making and tech-building process for technology to truly succeed in powering social change.

All this NTEN energy got me inspired to become a member of the network again, and get involved with the community groups!

I used to be a dues-paying member back when I worked in nonprofit communications roles in-house, but that lapsed when I went solo with Blue Hills Digital. Listening to Amy's talk, I realized I have plenty to give back to this community, and still a lot to learn. So I refreshed my NTEN profile and signed myself back up 🙂

If you work in this space (and if you're on this list you probably do) I encourage you to do the same. Learn more about NTEN membership here.

Personal update: A new kitten arrives

Everyone loves kitten pictures, right? This little 😍 came home with us yesterday. Name TBD. Stay tuned. She's so snuggly!!

Kitten falling asleep part 1
Kitten falling asleep part 2
Kitten falling asleep part 3
Kitten falling asleep part 4

Until next time ✨

— Ed Harris (your digital strategy guide)

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Blue Hills Digital

Ed Harris

A guide for nonprofit communications professionals & mission-driven marketers. Delivered weekly, by email.

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