rikomatic – Page 17 – Nonprofit Commons

March 18, 2008

International Justice Center Opens this Thursday with Address by ICC Prosecutor

Global Kids, the foremost nonprofit in virtual world education, is set to launch the International Justice Center within Second Life on March 20 at 3PM EST. The inaugural event will feature a presentation and discussion by Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). During the launch, the ICC Prosecutor will appear in avatar form to give a brief statement, answer questions from the audience, and introduce the Center. This will be broadcast live by SLCN.TV.

Later that same day, the International Justice Center will host a simulcast of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan as he receives the first MacArthur Award for International Justice and gives a keynote address on international justice. Global Kids will stream a number of other live videos into the Center (click here to teleport).

[UPDATE 3/24/08: For those that we not able to make the event, SLCN.tv has kindly made available their coverage of the event at http://www.slcn.tv/international-justice-center-launch . ]

The complete press release follows…

Press Release

CONTACT: Barry Joseph
Global Kids
Tel: +1 212-226-0130 ext. 120
Email: barry@globalkids.org

GLOBAL KIDS TO OPEN INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE CENTER IN SECOND LIFE WITH ADDRESS BY THE ICC PROSECUTOR

(March 18, 2008) Global Kids, the foremost nonprofit in virtual world education, is set to launch the International Justice Center within Second Life on March 20 at 3PM EST. The inaugural event will feature a presentation and discussion by Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo, the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC). Later that same day, the center will host a simulcast of an address by Kofi Annan, former United Nations Secretary General.

Since 2005, Global Kids has leveraged the educational potential of virtual worlds to inform and involve people in pressing international and public policy issues. The International Justice Center builds on Global Kids’ groundbreaking work by establishing an online hub supporting the ICC and the global justice concerns it addresses. Developed and administered by Global Kids with funding from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, this innovative online learning center will provide resources for people to learn about the ICC, connect with ICC officials and advocates, and take action in support of human rights and international justice.

During the launch, the ICC Prosecutor will appear in avatar form to give a brief statement, answer questions from the audience, and introduce the Center. This will be broadcast live by SLCN.TV. Later that same day, the International Justice Center will host a simulcast of former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi A. Annan as he receives the first MacArthur Award for International Justice and gives a keynote address on international justice. Global Kids will stream a number of other live videos into the Center, including:

• 3:00-4:00 PM: In-world remarks and Q&A with ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo
• 4:30-6:00 PM: Panel discussion by major human rights officials on the topic of “The Emerging International Justice System”
• 9:00-9:40PM: Award ceremony and keynote address by Mr. Kofi Annan

All of these events can be viewed from the International Justice Center in Second Life and on the web at http://justicecenter.net. Participants in the virtual Q&A with the ICC prosecutor must be Second Life members and can teleport directly to the Center at this link.

About Global Kids
Founded in 1989, Global Kids’ mission is to transform urban youth into successful students and global and community leaders by engaging them in socially dynamic, content-rich learning experiences. Through its leadership development and academic enrichment programs, Global Kids educates youth about critical international and domestic issues and promotes their engagement in civil life and the democratic process.

In 2006, Global Kids became the first non-profit to develop a dedicated space for programming in the virtual world of Teen Second Life (TSL). Global Kids brings students from its New York-based programs into the organization’s headquarters to conduct youth leadership programming and stream audio and video of major international events. This innovative program is conducted in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation, UNICEF, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Youth Venture, and the International Criminal Court, among others. More information on this program can be found on the blog http://holymeatballs.org/second_life/ and on Global Kids’ website at www.GlobalKids.org.

About the International Criminal Court
The International Criminal Court is the world’s first international human rights tribunal, designed to investigate and try those accused of committing some of the worst violations of human rights, including genocide, mass rape and war crimes. The ICC, headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands since 1998, is investigating and trying crimes committed in Sudan, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Central African Republic.

About the MacArthur Foundation
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking institution helping to build a more just, sustainable, and peaceful world. Through the support it provides, the Foundation fosters the development of knowledge, nurtures individual creativity, strengthens institutions, helps improve public policy, and provides information to the public, primarily through support for public interest media. With assets of $6.8 billion, the Foundation makes approximately $260 million in grants annually.

The IJC is a project of Global Kids and is supported by a generous grant from the Digital Media and Learning Initiative of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. The IJC is an independent initiative and does not purport to represent or imply any formal association with the International Criminal Court. For more information, see http://www.justicecenter.net.

The Second Life Cable Network (SLCN.TV), a media partner of this event, is the premier virtual television network providing live coverage of a range of business, entertainment and sports events.

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Written by: rikomatic

March 14, 2008

SAVE THE DATE: ICC Prosecutor, Kofi Annan to Address Global Kids’ International Justice Center on March 20

Global Kids is excited and honored to announce that on Thursday, March 20, at 3pm EST, International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo will give a short welcome address to officially inaugurate the Global Kids’ International Justice Center on our new sim The Justice Commons. We hope you all can make it!

The International Justice Center is an independent public information and action center supporting the International Criminal Court and related human rights concerns. After his address, the ICC prosecutor will answer questions from the virtual audience, facilitated by Global Kids’ staff. Following this, the Center will be video streaming a MacArthur Foundation-sponsored panel discussion and keynote address on “The Emerging International Justice System” taking place in New York City. The event begins with a live panel discussion at 4:30pm with several major human rights officials. To conclude the event, former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan will deliver a keynote address at 9pm.

The ICC prosecutor’s address and the video streamed events will be accessible online both at the International Justice Center in Second Life and on the web at http://www.justicecenter.net.

More details on this day-long series of events will be announced shortly…

Written by: rikomatic

March 7, 2008

“In the Pink” virtual show to combat gender violence premieres this Saturday

On March 8 and 9, a collaborative of Second Life residents will be presenting an original production called "In the Pink," a series of one-acts intended to fight gender violence. The inspiration is Eve Ensler’s play "The Vagina Monologues" and co-incides with a series of real worlds events called "V-Day" to draw attention to the issue of violence against women. The premiere is this Saturday, March 8 at 1:30PM PST at Ivy Falls (click here to teleport.) The show repeats at 5:30PM that day, and again on Sunday at 2:30 and 6:30PM.

This is from their press release:

“IN THE PINK” celebrates the strength of women, exploring sexuality and what it means to be a woman in real life and on Second Life. The diverse collection of voices and actors guarantees a unique and highly entertaining experience in both theater and in Second Life, as well as an opportunity to contribute to organizations that support programs that free women from violence. The play will be performed by avatars from all over the world using voice and backed by slides, offering insight and provoking discussion.

I ran into the lovely Rekka Berchot (pictured here), one of the performers in the play and set designer, hard at work getting the stage ready. She took a break from prim wrangling to chat and drop on me a cool umbrella and t-shirt for the production, which I will be proudly sporting for the next few days.

Written by: rikomatic

February 25, 2008

Global Kids is hiring an Online Community Developer/Content Editor

Global Kids Inc., a New York City based non-profit organization dedicated to transforming urban youth into successful students and global and community leaders, is seeking to fill a short-term freelance position as Online Community Developer/Content Editor, to be filled within our New York City offices or remotely. The position will run from mid-March until end of June.

The Online Community Developer/Content Editor will work with staff at Global Kids to create the structure and content for a new social networking site called “RezEd: A Hub for Virtual World Educators.” This project is designed to provide educators using virtual worlds with access to the highest quality resources and research in the field, and to use the most effective technology to establish a strong network of those using virtual worlds for education. RezEd features will include podcasts, newsletters, best practice documents, contributor blogs, an event calendar, job postings, resource library, listserv, and other social networking functions.

See the complete job description at holymeatballs.org.

Written by: rikomatic

February 15, 2008

Postscript+Chatlog: Event on Best Practices for Nonprofits in Second Life a big success!

Written by: rikomatic

February 4, 2008

“Get Activated!” Leading Non-profits Discuss “Best Practices” for Activism, Collaboration, Education, and Fundraising in Virtual

Get Activated!
Leading Non-profits Discuss "Best Practices" for Using Virtual Worlds for Activism, Collaboration, Education, and Fundraising

Friday, February 8, 8:30AM PST, Plush Nonprofit Commons Amphitheater in Second Life

The year 2007 was a remarkable year for charitable and civil society activity in Second Life — from the launch of the 32-office Plush Nonprofit Commons to the record US$100,000 raised by the SL Relay for Life. On Friday, February 8, from 8:30-9:30AM PST, there will be presentation and discussion on "Best Practices for Non-profits in Second Life." Based on a report prepared by Global Kids organizer Rik Panganiban, the program will explore what are some of the lessons that non-profits have learned from their first forays into the virtual world.

Event Details:
TITLE:             Presentation and Discussion on "Best Practices for Non-profits in Second Life"
DATE / TIME:    Friday, February 8, 2008, 8:30-9:30AM PST
LOCATION:       Main Amphitheater, Plush Nonprofit Commons sim (teleport SLURL )

From Education to Fundraising, Community Outreach, Collaboration and Activism, citizen’s groups are beginning to figure out how to spread their messages and support their causes using 3D multi-user environments like Second Life. Organizers from groups including the SL Relay for Life, the Alliance Library System, Global Kids, and YearlyKos will talk about their own experiences in each of these areas, followed by an open discussion.

This forum is particularly relevant for non-profit managers, activists, funders, and community organizers trying to decide if Second Life can help their organizations. And we encourage groups to share your own experiences (good and bad) with working in SL during the open discussion period. We’ll close the event with ideas for next steps in building up civil society spaces in Second Life, and beyond.

The full text of the report can be downloaded from this link. At the event a virtual "thinkbook" will be available, providing the main recommendations from the report.

Prepared on behalf of the Online Leadership Program of Global Kids, the report was made possible by support from the Digital Media and Learning Initiative of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

A report and photos from the event will be available shortly afterwards for those not able to attend.

For more information, contact Rik Panganiban at rik@globalkids.org or in-world IM to Rik Riel.

Written by: rikomatic

January 22, 2008

Ideas needed for Non-profit track at SLCC 08

At the last Non Profit Commons meeting, Rhiannon, Glitteractica and I announced that the program for the 2008 Second Life Community Convention is being organized now, and that if there is to be a non-profit presence that we need to get in a Request for Proposals (RFP) very quickly. SLCC08 is scheduled for September 5-7 in Tampa, Florida.

We would like to strongly encourage groups to indicate their interest in organizing specific sessions or talks on different subject matter at SLCC. You don’t have to commit to being there (yet), but just indicate your interest in the subject area. Head to the wiki page here and put in your ideas.

The deadline has been extended for RFPs by the SLCC committee, but time is still very short.

Also, if you have ideas and suggestions for possible sponsors and financial supporters of non-profit activity at SLCC, please put it up on the wiki page as well.

Thanks so much for your contributions!

Written by: rikomatic

January 14, 2008

Robin Linden and Jack Balkin to talk on “avatar civil rights” on January 28

On Monday, January 28, there will be a public forum on the topic "Virtual Liberties: Do Avatars Dream of Civil Rights?" featuring Jack Balkin , First Amendment legal expert at Yale Law School, and Robin Linden, head of marketing and business development at Linden Lab. Part of the "MacArthur Series on Philanthropy and Virtual Worlds," the event is co-presented by the USC Institute for Network Culture and Global Kids . This will be a multi-verse event, taking place both in Second Life and Teen Second Life, as well as audio streamed to the web for the VW-impaired.

The complete announcement after the jump….

Virtual Liberties: Do Avatars Dream of Civil Rights?

MacArthur Series on Philanthropy and Virtual Worlds

The USC Institute for Network Culture and Global Kids present a discussion on Virtual Liberties: Do Avatars Dream of Civil Rights?

11:30a.m. PST on Monday, January 28, 2008

Please join the USC Institute for Network Culture and Global Kids for the first event in an upcoming series on philanthropy and virtual worlds.

The event, “Virtual Liberties: Do Avatars Dream of Civil Rights?” will be held on the USC Annenberg Island or on the Global Kids estate on Second Life at 12: 00 p.m. PST on Monday, January 28, 2008.

Jonathan F. Fanton, President of the MacArthur Foundation, will chair a discussion about avatar civil liberties. Joining him will be Robin Harper, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Business Development from Linden Lab, and Jack Balkin, professor of Constitutional Law and the First Amendment at Yale Law School.

Prior to their remarks, Douglas Thomas, Professor at USC and Director of the Institute for Network Culture, and Barry Joseph, Director of Global Kids’ Online Leadership Program, will give updates on and announce a dramatic series of programs as part of MacArthur’s year exploring philanthropy in virtual worlds. Thomas and Joseph are MacArthur grantees.

The live audio from the event will be available at this Web location during the event, to be followed the next day with an archived version.

Written by: rikomatic

November 29, 2007

Fundraiser dance party for equine therapy center on December 16

Nexeusfatale3

My friend Veri Oddfellow passes along the news about a Second Life fundraiser party for a neat cause called Great Strides. Great Strides is a Maryland-based therapeutic center that employs horses to help people with mental disorders. On Sunday, December 16, from 11am-2pm PST, DJ Nexeus Fatale will be the featured entertainment during the Great Strides charity dance party at AMO Island in Second Life (click here to teleport).

Nexeus always spins a great set, and it sounds like a really cool center. So drop on by and drop a few lindens in the donation box. The full announcement after the jump…

Dance Party to Benefit Great Strides in Second Life

Who: YOU and your fave dance partners!
What: A dance party to benefit Great Strides, whose mission is: To promote emotional healing and growth in partnership with horses. No minimum or maximum donation amount.
When: Sunday, December 16, 2007 – 11 – 2 pm SLT (Second Life Time)
Where: AMO Island in Second Life (click here to teleport).
Why: To support scholarships for mentally ill clients who cannot afford treatment.

==================================================

What we do…

Great Strides is an innovative program that helps people to overcome their mental health issues by partnering treatment staff with equine staff.

Great Strides offers equine facilitated psychotherapy, therapeutic horsemanship and equine facilitated learning. Through specially designed interactive experiences that promote emotional healing, we build confidence, improve social skills, and help clients make positive changes in their lives. Our farm environment provides a unique setting enabling clients to address treatment issues on many different experiential levels that they might not ordinarily access in a therapists office.

For more information on Great Strides, visit: www.GreatStrides.org

or contact Veri Oddfellow (aka Brad Lewis) inworld.

Written by: rikomatic

November 29, 2007

World AIDS Day events in Second Life December 1st

HIV/AIDS has affected all of us in deep and personal ways, and the race for a cure continues. I am thinking about my friend John, a wonderful artist with the most biting wit, who passed away from AIDS-related health issues about four years ago now.

December 1st is World AIDS Day, and there are a number of events happening in Second Life and well as of course in the real world. HealthInfo Island (click here to teleport) is sponsoring a number of activities around World AIDS Day starting at 9AM PST, including:

A Workshop on "Looking for Health: Finding Quality HIV/AIDS Information by Carolina Keat"
Special displays and newsfeeds on HIV/AIDS
An AIDS Walk with information about HIV/AIDS Support Groups in SL
Podcasts on AIDS by the Center for Disease Control in the Podcast Globe
A guided tour around the Island
Live coverage of the Teen Grid Event

In addition, DenmarkCopenhagen sim (click here to teleport) is hosting a fundraiser party from 2PM PST to raise money for the World AIDS Foundation. Their goal is to collect L$ 50,000 in one day, so come on by and drop some lindens in the bucket.

And for you teens out there, there will also be activities on the SL Teen Grid.

World AIDS Day

Please join us at HealthInfo Island for World AIDS Day 2007. Workshop will start 09.00 AM SL Time. There will be several Tours spread over the day, exact times to follow. Please contact us if you want a tour with a special group. Place: Healthinfo Island (79, 111, 23) (click here to teleport)

Be sure to drop by HealthInfo Island for:

Special displays and newsfeeds on HIV/AIDS
AIDS Walk with information about HIV/AIDS Support Groups in SL
Podcasts on AIDS by the CDC in our Podcast Globe
Quality information resources, including search tools
Workshop on Looking for Health: Finding Quality HIV/AIDS Information by Carolina Keats
See what others are doing in SL on HIV/AIDS and Sexual Health
Guided tour around the Island
Live coverage of Teen Grid Event

Contact: Namro Orman or Carolina Keats
Organised by: the HealthInfo Island Groups: Consumer Health Library, SL Medical Library, Heron Sanctuary & Accessibility Center

Activities on Denmark Copenhagen Sim

December 1st, is the international AIDS day. A day to remember and
honour those we have lost to this terrible decise. But also a day to to
fight back, and try to stop HIV/AIDS in the world. In Denmark
Copenhagen (click here to teleport)
we will mark this day with lost of events, sales and partying. All in
support for the AIDS foundation. The goal is to collect 50.000 L$ in
one day, everything L$ will go to the AIDS foundation. Come and help
us stop AIDS.

There will be donation jars to support the foundation. Party’s will be
held with legal spoilers, where 25% of all polls will go to the
foundation. There will be a yard sale, where everybody can rent a stand
for 100 L$, all will go to the foundation. Huge Party with Live DJ
from 2.00 PM PST in After Dark.

Written by: rikomatic