At the National Digital Roundtable (NDR), the best ideas are not theoretical. They are born out of necessity and strengthened by collaboration. That spirit was clear at the recent session and volunteer day at the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB), where communicators from across sectors shared how they are stretching every dollar and every hour to meet today’s challenges—then rolled up their sleeves to serve together.

This gathering marked one of the first events of NDR’s new Digital Community Service Corps, a volunteer initiative bringing members together to use their digital skills for good. The Corps launched earlier this year with events at So Others Might Eat (SOME) and the Capital Area Food Bank, where members combined hands-on service with conversations about how digital tools can strengthen communities.

At SOME, volunteers served breakfast and shared conversations with neighbors in need, seeing how small acts of kindness can grow into something bigger. At CAFB, members joined a discussion on Maximizing Your Impact with a Minimal Budget, exploring how nonprofits can use digital strategies, creative storytelling, and partnerships to amplify their work.

The discussion reminded everyone that success is not about the size of your budget. It is about how creatively you use the tools you already have.

Key takeaways from the discussion included:

• Storytelling over statistics. Reports drive change only when they are woven into ongoing narratives. Smart teams treat research like a content engine rather than a one-off deliverable.
• AI as an amplifier. Communicators are using AI to sharpen focus, test ideas, and scale design tasks. The real value comes when AI amplifies human judgment instead of replacing it.
• Design belongs to everyone. Quick quote cards and templates are no longer optional. Visual assets are the currency of digital attention.
• Authentic video wins. A phone, a small microphone, and a clear story often outperform expensive explainers because they show the people behind the mission.
• Influence is personal. From LinkedIn thought leaders to internal champions, organizations are learning that trust is built by people, not logos.

The event also underscored a theme that connects both NDR’s programs and the mission of CAFB: optimism. Even in resource-constrained environments, communicators are experimenting, sharing what works, and proving that constraints can spark creativity.

That optimism continued as the Capital Area Food Bank released its 6th Annual Hunger Report, revealing that 36% of residents in our region remain food insecure. Following the event, NDR and Social Driver worked with Patrick Bradley, CAFB’s Director of Marketing, and Kevin Coroneos to share the report findings and social media toolkit with attendees, helping raise visibility for local hunger data and community solutions.

Attendee Paul Mackie captured the discussion in his own recap, outlining how organizations are rethinking digital report launches, embracing tools like Canva Pro and Adobe Express, using AI to focus outreach, and leveraging authentic video to connect with audiences. You can read his full write-up here: 👉🏻 Tools and Tips for Digital Communicators on Small to No Budgets.

The Digital Community Service Corps is led by Anthony Shop, Chairman of the National Digital Roundtable, along with co-chairs Kevin Coroneos, Director of Digital Strategy at the Investment Company Institute, and Chase Kusel, Director of Communications at the National Farmers Union. Together, they are helping NDR members turn connection into community impact.

Interested in joining future volunteer days or pro bono projects? Email moderator@digitalroundtable.org to be added to the Digital Community Service Corps list for upcoming opportunities in the D.C. area.

Because when digital leaders work together, online and off, the impact reaches far beyond the screen.

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