Video has the power to take an audience someplace they can’t go on their own and bring them back changed. That’s why YouTube is focusing efforts on helping nonprofits create more effective videos by offering its new “YouTube Playbook for Good”. This free 24-page guide helps nonprofits devise attention-grabbing names and descriptions to make videos more visible to search engines, tell better stories, and incorporate videos into overall marketing campaigns.

Since YouTube started its Nonprofit Program in 2007, 16,000 organizations in the United States, Australia, Canada, and England have joined. Nonprofits and activism is the second fastest-growing category on the site.

CauseConnect produced a cultural gathering for Natasha & Cheech Marin at their home on Sunday, December 11, 2011 as part of the couple’s Marin Salon Series. The third in the exclusive series, this event featured painter/playwright/actor Herbert Siguenza and opera singer Dale Franzen accompanied by classical pianist Natasha Marin.

Event coordination and marketing by Melissa Richardson Banks of CauseConnect. Catering by Chef Jorge Sanchez. Custom desserts by Andrea Balter of The Best for Last. Photography by Richard Sanchez. Floral arrangements by Roberto Diaz Martinez. Art services by Edgar Varela Fine Art. Graphic design by Eva Crawford Creative. Sponsored by Reed’s Ginger Brew, Mi Sueno Wines, Victoria Beer, and Voli Light Vodka.