Author: Nonprofit Commons

Nonprofit Commons is a nonprofit community of practice, consisting of two virtual locations (sims), the initial sim Plush Nonprofit Commons is generously donated by Anshe Chung Studios. Housing social benefit organizations from around the globe, the Nonprofit Commons is currently managed by a community of volunteers, sponsored by the nonprofit AvaCon, Inc., and was originally founded by the leadership of TechSoup Global: http://www.techsoup.org and Susan Tenby now of Caravan Studios.

Nonprofit Commons was designed to lower the barriers of access to virtual worlds, to create a community of practice for nonprofits to explore, learn, and to investigate the many ways in which nonprofits might utilize this unique environment. Through this community, we provide free office space to qualifying groups, meet and network, create a cooperative learning environment and foster outreach, education, fundraising, all in a virtual space.

We believe that a virtual environment is a wonderful place not just to entertain, but also to educate, inspire, and work together to assist our fellow avatars (and the humans behind them). You do not have to be a member of the Nonprofit Commons to get involved with our community. We welcome all who wish to join us as partners, collaborators, or supporters. 

Members of Nonprofit Commons meet each Friday at 8:30 PST/SLT at Plush Nonprofit Commons Amphitheater. Visitors are always welcome to join us in making a difference one pixel at a time.

For more information, please email the Nonprofit Commons management team at community@nonprofitcommons.com

Written by: Rhiannon Chatnoir

Nonprofits In Second Life FAQ

What is the mission of the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life?

The mission of the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life is to create a community of practice for nonprofits to explore and learn about virtual worlds, foster connections, and explore the many ways in which nonprofits might utilize the unique environment of Second Life to achieve their missions.

Who runs the Nonprofit Commons (NPC)?

The Nonprofit Commons is managed by team of volunteer managers under the direction and oversight of the nonprofit organization, TechSoup Global. TechSoup Global’s Susan Tenby, aka Glitteractica Cookie, is the founder and directing manager of the Nonprofits in Second Life community.

How is TechSoup related to the Nonprofit Commons?

TechSoup Global is the nonprofit organization behind the management of the Nonprofit Commons. While the community itself is volunteer-run, TechSoup Global pays the ongoing administrative costs and land tier costs for the in-world islands of the Nonprofit Commons.

How are donations to the Nonprofit Commons directed?

Any donations made to the Nonprofit Commons are processed through TechSoup Global. 100% of donations made to the Nonprofit Commons project via TechSoup go directly to the Nonprofit Commons.

How do I convince my board members/supervisor/organization/etc. that Second Life is worthwhile?

contact the management team

Because Second Life and virtual worlds are still relatively new mediums, making the case for the value of Second Life work is often a challenge. You can see the real-world impact of nonprofit work in Second Life by checking out  of our wiki that includes our latest 1-pager about Nonprofit Commons, as well as other impact reports and testimonials. Please feel free to  as they can also provide you with additional information to demonstrate the value of Second Life work for nonprofits.

Why can’t I join the Nonprofit Commons in-world group? What’s the difference between this group and the TechSoup in-world group?

The Nonprofit Commons in-world group is for Nonprofit Commons tenants only. The TechSoup group is open for anyone that wants to join. We send all important communications pertaining to Nonprofits in Second Life events and news to both groups.

I need the NPC and/or TechSoup logo. Where can I find it?

You can find the logos in our 

Is there a notecard or blurb about each island and more information about Nonprofit Commons?

Yes there is, feel free to pick one up from any of our landing areas. Please also see our .

What’s the process for becoming an NPC tenant? Is the process the same for each location?

This page of our wiki outlines the process for becoming a tenant. The process is the same for each NPC location.

The weekly meetings are at a time that I can almost never make. Can I still be involved? Can we have the meetings at a different time?

We realize the time is difficult for some time zones, but this is an established time that works for the greatest number of people in our community.You can definitely still be involved. We post the  for more details.

I want to volunteer, what can I do?

page 

There are many things you can do to volunteer, many of which do not require Second Life expertise. You can take a look at ourto see what task(s) you are interested in and then contact the Volunteer Manager whose email is listed at the top of this .

How do I get access to edit the ?

The wiki is open to anyone to read. If you would like to edit the wiki, click the “Join” button at the top right corner of the page and fill out a username, login, and your reason for joining. Your request will go to the Nonprofit Commons management team who will approve you so you will have the ability to edit the wiki.

How do I get set up as a blogger for the ?

NonprofitCommons@techsoup.org

Click the “Create a New Account” link on the left-side panel of the . Fill out a username and profile. Once you’ve done so, email  and let us know your username. The management team will then set you up as a blogger.

Where can I get more information and connect with Nonprofit Commons in Second Life?”?

For more about NPC, see:

* Blog 

* Community Wiki 

* Presentations about NPSL work 

* Images available at Flickr photostream 

* Community tagging (blog articles, news, relevant links) 

* Twitter 

* LinkedIn

What if I still have questions that aren’t answered here?

Email . Our NPC management team is happy to answer any questions you have.

Written by: Rhiannon Chatnoir

This Friday, July 17th, TechSoup’s NonProfit Commons in Second Life will feature a panel presentation of the Relay for Life of Second Life (RFL of SL) activities, community, and main virtual fundraising event that kicks off this weekend. Panelists will include Tee Aster, the mission lead, along with Gem Sunkiller, and Catalina Stahile, who will share some of the history, events and important mission work RFL of SL does, including the “Why I Relay” project which illustrates the passion that drives not only the organizers, but many of those who run teams, and give. 

About the 2015 RFL of SL: The Future Is Now 

Relay For Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society and has been active, and continually growing in Second Life for 11 years. In 2005, the first Relay For Life of Second Life was attended by a few hundred avatars and raised almost $5,000 US dollars for the American Cancer Society. Five years later, in 2010 the Relay For Life of Second Life raised over $220,000. The 1 MILLIONTH US dollar was raised in 2011 when more than 2000 volunteers raised over $375,000. In 2012 we passed the 1.5 million dollar mark. In 2014, we passed the 2 million US dollar mark and we are approaching the 2.5 million dollar mark quickly.

• http://relayforlifeofsecondlife.org

Relay Weekend, Jul 18–19, is a fun-filled, overnight event that unites SL individuals throughout the world to celebrate survivors (anyone who has ever been diagnosed with cancer), remember loved ones and raise money for the fight against cancer. For more information about RFL in SL please visit the American Cancer Society Region anytime, day or night, all year long. http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Relay%20For%20Life/134/63/21   

Join us in Second Life!

Nonprofit Commons Weekly Meeting 

Friday, July 17th, 8:30 AM PT / SLT

Plush Nonprofit Commons Amphitheater 

http://bit.ly/NPCinSL 

AGENDA (all times below PT) 

• 8:30 am Introductions
• 8:40 am TechSoup Announcements
• 8:45 am Mentors Central
• 9:00 am Featured Presentation – Relay for Life of SL 
• 9:45 am Open Mic / Announcements

http://nonprofitcommons.org 

The mission of the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life is to create a community for nonprofits to explore and learn about virtual worlds, foster connections, and discover the many ways in which nonprofits might utilize the unique environment of Second Life to achieve their missions.

Written by: Rhiannon Chatnoir

This Friday, July 10th, TechSoup’s NonProfit Commons in Second Life will feature Renne Emiko Brock-Richmond (Zinnia Zauber in SL) of Peninsula College and Nonprofit Commons Mentor Chair who will share her experiences and observations from the DC New Media Consortium Summer Conference. She presented her coursework, “Courage to Encourage – Superhero Origin Story Lessons”, during the Idea Lab that included her Second Life classroom, exploring superpowers, teamwork, and her coloring books. In the Fall of 2015, Peninsula College will launch their new Digital Storytelling courses taught by Zinnia / Renne that include Infographics & Data Visualization, Intro to 3D Design, and Immersive Engagement.

Renne Emiko Brock-Richmond is an artist, instructor, and superhero empowering people to be their best virtual and tangible self by advancing excellence, exceptional pursuits, and individualism through creative expression and encouraging instruction with inspired results. She is an instructor and the Multimedia Communications Department Coordinator at Peninsula College in Port Angeles, Washington. Renne has actively taught college level fine art and digital media for over twenty-two years, and her company, unique as you, specializes in color perception, intention, and utilization to create motivating, engaging experiences with innovative identity development, transmedia marketing, social media, events, and immersive environments for businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, organizations, and communities.

Focused on the evolution of intelligence, role models, and superheroes, Renne earned her Bachelors of Science in Art at Lewis & Clark College and her Masters of Fine Art in Visual Art at Vermont College at Norwich University. In 2009, she graduated from the first pioneering class of the University of Washington Certificate in Virtual Worlds Program and a team leader of the Avalumni graduate collaborators. Renne is working toward her PhD in Education utilizing art and expression in immersive environments. 

Renne has been teaching virtual world use since 2008 with University of Washington, Peninsula College, Federal Consortium for Virtual Worlds Conference at the National Defense University, Virtual Worlds Best Practices in Education Conferences, New Media Consortium, TechSoup Global, Nonprofit Commons, Virtual Ability, Rockcliffe University Consortium, Second Life Community Conferences, GeekGirlCon, and Arizona State University. She is the Chair of the Nonprofit Commons Mentors and applies virtual networking, fundraising, exhibition and education creation as the President of Sequim Humanities and Arts Alliance and the Vice President of The Museum Collective, Inc. Renne creates art, apparel, and virtual goods embracing the power of brilliant hues, uniqueness, and acceptance. She is an award winning artist, educator, nonprofit establisher, board member, and Arts advocate who only uses her superpowers for good.

About Peninsula College:

Peninsula College is located on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula in Washington delivering innovative and exceptional classes on campus and online with baccalaureate degrees, associate degrees, and certificate programs that provide professional opportunities and personal enrichment. http://pencol.edu

About NMC:

The NMC (New Media Consortium) is an international community of experts in educational technology — from the practitioners who work with new technologies on campuses every day; to the visionaries who are shaping the future of learning at think tanks, labs, and research centers; to its staff and board of directors; to the advisory boards and others helping the NMC conduct cutting edge research. http://www.nmc.org

Join us in Second Life!

Nonprofit Commons Weekly Meeting 

Friday, July 10th, 8:30 AM PT / SLT

Plush Nonprofit Commons Amphitheater 

http://bit.ly/NPCinSL 

AGENDA (all times below PT) 

• 8:30 am Introductions
• 8:40 am TechSoup Announcements
• 8:45 am Mentors Central
• 9:00 am Featured Presentation – Zinnia Zauber
• 9:45 am Open Mic / Announcements

http://nonprofitcommons.org 

The mission of the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life is to create a community for nonprofits to explore and learn about virtual worlds, foster connections, and discover the many ways in which nonprofits might utilize the unique environment of Second Life to achieve their missions.

Written by: Rhiannon Chatnoir

Written by: Rhiannon Chatnoir

Schedule of Nonprofit Commons presentations: 

date

Written by: Rhiannon Chatnoir

This Friday, June 19th, TechSoup’s Nonprofit Commons in Second Life meeting will feature Niela Miller (Marly Milena in SL) and an overview of how the process of symbolic modeling and creative metaphor can be used for problem solving and insight discovery. Using Second Life and virtual creative tools for visual modeling can be powerful tool for counselors, trainers, community facilitators and educators.

Niela Miller, M.S. Education/Communications, is a Gestalt therapist, Jungian Process worker, educator, trainer, facilitator, coach. and multi-artist. With her combined background in arts, humanistic psychology and education, she joined Second Life as her avatar Marly Milena in 2007 excited about the creative possibilities for learning, teaching, and promoting human potential and growth. She created the Octagon: Creative Exploration group in Second Life which offers programs using arts processes for personal growth and educational ventures, employing her skills in Gestalt and Jungian modalities and group dynamics. This summer Marly will be leading a series of workshops for those wanting to dive deeper into Symbolic Modeling training. More info at: http://virtualoutworlding.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/2015-people-edu-announcing-one-of-kind.html 

Visit Marly’s site at: http://www.peoplesystemspotential.com

Join us in Second Life!

Nonprofit Commons Weekly Meeting

Friday, June 19th, 8:30 AM PDT / SLT

Plush Nonprofit Commons Amphitheater

http://bit.ly/NPCinSL

AGENDA (all times below PT)

• 8:30 am Introductions
• 8:40 am TechSoup Announcements 
• 8:45 am Mentors Central 
• 9:00 am Featured Presentation – Niela Miller (Marly Milena in SL), Using Symbolic Modeling 
• 9:45 am Open Mic / Announcements 

http://nonprofitcommons.org 

The mission of the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life is to create a community for nonprofits to explore and learn about virtual worlds, foster connections, and discover the many ways in which nonprofits might utilize the unique environment of Second Life to achieve their missions. 

Written by: Rhiannon Chatnoir

Barbara Truman (D’lightful Doowangle) is a researcher, social activist, and community builder. She studies presence and collaboration using immersive environments and avatars across disciplines and domains of education, government, and military. At the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, Barbara founded an award-winning department responsible for creating online programs that included faculty and multimedia development for Online@UCF. Her background is in Instructional Systems Design from UCF and she has a certificate in Human Performance Technology from the University of West Florida and a doctorate in Computer Science, Emerging Media from Colorado Technical University. Barbara serves as a Strategic Advisor for Immersive Learning & Collaboration in UCF’s Institute for Simulation & Training for the Mixed Emerging Technology Integration Lab. Barbara is also establishing a non-profit, simulation corporation for philanthropy using virtual worlds called Fusion Unlimited Networks Research. http://barbaratruman.com/research     

Written by: Rhiannon Chatnoir