Module 14: Non-Profits vs For Profits, Livestreaming & More

     This week's module on livestreaming and events immediately brought me back to something I experienced last semester that perfectly demonstrated how technology can support—rather than replace—authentic community building.

    I attended a Bible seminar at the campus theater that was organized by one of the student religious groups. I heard about it through a flyer in the student center, but what really caught my attention was how they were promoting it on Instagram—not with polished graphics and corporate language, but with genuine student testimonials about why they were excited for the event. It felt real, which made me actually want to go.

    The seminar itself was incredible. What made it work was this perfect balance between in-person energy and thoughtful use of technology. They had set up a simple livestream for students who couldn't make it in person, but it wasn't the focus—it was just there as an option. The main experience was being in that theater with other students, having real conversations, asking questions face-to-face.

    What struck me most was how they used social media during the event without letting it dominate. They had a hashtag that people could use to share thoughts or ask questions, and someone monitored it to bring up relevant points during discussion breaks. But they weren't constantly telling people to post or tag them. The technology served the conversation instead of becoming the conversation.

    From a business perspective—thinking about Sea Salt Studio—I loved their approach to community building. They weren't trying to go viral or maximize engagement metrics. They were trying to create meaningful connections around shared values, and they used digital tools only where they actually helped. The livestream existed because some students genuinely couldn't attend. The hashtag created a way for quieter people to participate without feeling pressured to speak up in a crowded theater.

    The event also showed me something important about authenticity that connects to everything I've been learning in this class. The student organizers didn't try to make it look like a professional production. The livestream camera was just someone's phone on a tripod. The graphics were basic Canva templates. But none of that mattered because the content—the actual discussions and connections happening—was valuable and real. 

    The biggest takeaway was about intention. That seminar succeeded because the organizers were clear about their purpose: creating meaningful spiritual discussion and community. Technology was just a tool to include more people in that purpose. They didn't livestream because it's what organizations do now; they livestreamed because it aligned with their mission of accessibility and inclusion.

    As I think about growing Sea Salt Studio, this is the approach I want to take. Use digital tools when they genuinely serve our community and mission. Keep the focus on authentic human connection. Let the technology be invisible infrastructure rather than the main event.