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This article brings evidence-based insights to support the importance of considering contextual elements when analyzing modalities of GIS implementation within NGOs and community-based organizations. I discuss challenges and unforeseen insights of GIS implementation within an advocacy NGO that supports community claims in an informal settlement of Cape Town's metropolitan area. Through the lens of empirical data, limitations of the GIS implementation models framework are highlighted. GIS implementation will appear to be "acupunctural" and highly strategic and will unveil the use of GIS-based solutions as relational leverage. Finally, I discuss directions for further scientific research on GIS implementation within NGOs and community-based organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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One hundred and fifty-seven representatives from 63 advocacy organizations operating in Canada were surveyed to evaluate the extent to which these groups are adopting social media, and perceive that these technologies offer affordances that contribute to the advancement of activism objectives. Quantitative results of social media adoption reveal that groups are engaging with a limited selection of social media technologies (mainly Facebook and Twitter) a few times a week or more, while avoiding other options like Google + and Tumblr. Qualitative results addressing perceived social media affordances suggest that while groups are enthusiastic about social media's potential to strengthen outreach efforts, enable engaging feedback loops, and increase the speed of communication, they remain cautious of unproven techniques that may divert resources from strategies known to work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]