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When it comes to leveraging technology for social impact, the It Gets Better Project stands as a testament to the power of WordPress hosting. With over 800 million websites powered by WordPress, Pressable’s managed WordPress hosting supports organizations like It Gets Better in their mission to serve communities worldwide.
It Gets Better began as a viral video movement, born from the urgent need to connect LGBTQ+ youth with supportive communities. Research underscores the importance of a single affirming adult in reducing suicide risks among these youth. This organization, which evolved into a nonprofit, proactively addresses the isolation felt by LGBTQ+ youth, aiming to improve mental health and academic performance by fostering community connections early on.
It Gets Better: A Nonprofit Journey
Described as an “accidental nonprofit,” It Gets Better started in response to media reports of young people taking their own lives due to bullying related to their sexual orientation. Ross von Metzke, the Director of Communications and PR, notes how the initial video movement aimed to reassure young people that life improves beyond high school. This viral campaign laid the foundation for what is now a global nonprofit dedicated to preventing crises among LGBTQ+ youth.
Today, It Gets Better is a preventative powerhouse, focusing on introducing young people to supportive communities and resources before crises develop. By educating youth on language and labels and showcasing potential positive outcomes, the project aims to enhance their mental health and relationships.
Empowering Through WordPress
The It Gets Better Project utilizes WordPress to empower and connect LGBTQ+ youth globally. The organization’s main WordPress site, alongside regional sites in countries like Mexico and the UK, serves as a digital hub for community support. Given the primarily virtual nature of their operations, the website is critical in helping youth find their digital community when local support is lacking.
The website hosts a vast array of content, including educational resources, podcasts, and videos. As von Metzke explains, the content management system must be robust enough to handle extensive video content without compromising site speed. WordPress, hailed as the “gold standard” by von Metzke, offers an easy-to-use platform that facilitates content updates and user interaction, essential for the organization’s dynamic content needs.
Building a Future-Proof Platform
For It Gets Better, the choice of WordPress and managed hosting by Pressable is strategic. The platform not only supports their current needs for interactive and fast content delivery but also tracks user engagement to identify potential donors. This capability ensures the organization can continue to grow and adapt its mission over time.
As the It Gets Better Project continues to expand its reach and impact, the partnership with Pressable exemplifies how managed WordPress hosting can empower organizations focused on social good. By providing a reliable and flexible digital infrastructure, It Gets Better can concentrate on its mission of uplifting and connecting LGBTQ+ youth around the world.
