As I have blogged about previously, I am working on a report for the youth technology group Global Kids on "best practices" for non-profits in Second Life. Having spoken with dozens of non-profit organizers and activists and read through several panels, reports, and web discussions on the subject, I am slowly starting to suspect that…
Category: Virtual Worlds
Ben Barber slams Second Life, Brazilian Minister Gilberto Gil argues that it connects diasporas
I caught just the tail end of a mixed-reality panel discussion today on "From Global to Local: Virtual Worlds, Immigration, and Linguistic Diaspora," taking place both at USC Annenberg Island in Second Life (teleport SLURL) and the Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe, in Mexico City. The panel was to discuss how "the interdependence of…
“Doonesbury” strip features philanthropic use of Second Life!
I got a tip from a comment on New World Notes by Neptune Rebel that the recent Sunday "Doonesbury" comic strip featured a reference to Second Life. A character talks about how he has been fundraising for a charity using his "private foundation on Second Life," his avatar raising "nearly $600." Great to see some…
SL World Trade Center memorial today (pictures)
This morning, I returned to the World Trade Center sim (teleport SLURL) to gather with other 20-some other avatars for a 9/11 commemorative event. Many avatars wore black suits and dresses, appropriate to the occasion. Lots of hugs and greetings all around. I ran into most of the principal organizers of the sim, including Liam…
The World Trade Center Sim: a profound demonstration of why virtual worlds matter
Aleister Kronos Mark Wallace at 3pointD blogs eloquently about a new World Trade Center sim in Second Life that I just finished visiting this evening (teleport SLURL). Unlike previous memorials, which have sought to create virtual versions of the actual towers, this memorial simply and powerful records the names of all the victims of the…
Looking for Non-profit “Best Practices” in Second Life
The awesome youth technology group Global Kids has asked me to prepare a report on "best practices" for non-profits in Second Life that will be submitted to a major foundation. I know many groups from around the world are already doing great work in SL and have learned some valuable lessons that others could benefit…
Center for disabled virtual worlders and gamers opening September 9 in Second Life
I just saw this press release about a new Accessibility Center opening in Second Life on a couple of blogs and thought I should check it out. On September 9, at 4PM PST, the iVinnie Accessibility Center will officially open on HealthInfo Island (Teleport SLURL). The Accessibility Center provides "continuing education and awareness about disabilities…
Mixed-reality panel in Mexico City on “Virtual Worlds, Immigration and Linguistic Diaspora” September 10
On Monday, September 10, at 10:15AM PST, there will be a mixed-reality panel discussion on "From Global to Local: Virtual Worlds, Immigration, and Linguistic Diaspora," taking place both at USC Annenberg Island in Second Life (teleport SLURL) and the Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Santa Fe, in Mexico City. The panel will explore how "the interdependence of…
Lunch with Ruby Glitter in Chinatown
I just had a lovely lunch with Ms. Ruby Glitter today in Chinatown. She was in town for some meetings at the headquarters of the Fellowship of Reconciliation, where she works as co-coordinator of communications. I know Ruby through her other gig as coordinator of the progressive activist group RootsCamp in Second Life. It’s always…
Cyrus Huffines leading online community program at Interfaith Youth Core
Congrats to my friend Cyrus Huffines (RL: Bryan Campen) for getting recently hired as Online Community Coordinator for the Interfaith Youth Core. About the Core: There are millions of religious young people in the world interacting with greater frequency. That interaction tends either toward conflict or cooperation. Where so many of these interactions tend towards…