Good Works Grapevine

I (or perhaps Cordelia Gothly) was asked today to complete a profile for Nonprofit Commons in Second Life and it forced me to sit down and write out some of the things that tend to sit in my melon until someone forces it out (thanks Megan!) What I wrote seemed helpful, so I’ve decided to share it with you! Enjoy my brain droppings of the day!

Brief summary of your organization

GoodDogz.org is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to educating potential dog owners on dog selection and care and supporting the efforts of rescue groups. We believe that by assisting with good dog-owner matches, we’ll give each family the best opportunity for a life-long relationship with their new dog and help to keep dogs out of shelters.

How did you find out about the NPC and why did you get involved?

I found out through Susan Reynolds initially and since I was new to SL, I had a burning desire to know more! I love finding ways that nonprofits can effectively leverage emerging technology and SL is about a “new and shiny” as you can get! I’ve come to find that NPC is chocked full of great, creative people with a mind for social good. I’m excited to be involved!

Is your work here in Second Life as an individual or are you representing a foundation?
Until my organization becomes a little more technically savvy, I work here as an individual. My hope (and dream) is that I can generate a new volunteer base in-world so that GoodDogz.org can have an active presence.

Some say the professional networking opportunities in SL have been extraordinary. Have you found this to be true? If so, what advice would you give someone for effective professional networking in SL?

Yes! My advice is – don’t be afraid to approach people with your ideas. I’ve met several people that have never chatted with anyone in SL. I may just be lucky, but I’ve found almost everyone I’ve met in-world to be accessible, pleasant and extremely helpful. Find like-minded people and exchange ideas. You’ll make a friend as well as a potential business contact.

Why do you think virtual worlds such as Second Life are valuable for non-profits?

Networking is the obvious answer – but I also think that it gives nonprofits an opportunity to reach out to folks that wouldn’t normally have access to. Some might be next door and some may be halfway around the world. But if they are interested in your initiatives, they may want to get involved. And human resources (in SL or RL) are critical and hard to come by.

Do you think every non-profit should have a presence within SL or is it only appropriate for particular types of organizations?

I think that if a nonprofit can have an “effective” presence in SL, they should be part of the Non-Profit Commons. But, with all initiatives, SL takes resources – time, human, monetary. If you can’t tend to your SL presence actively, I think groups should hold off until they are ready with a strategy and a team.

More than likely you are fairly new to SL. Since there is a learning curve, what advice would you give to make being in SL easier?

Again, talk to people and make friends. Most people in SL are very nice and don’t mind helping new folks out. If you’re just not finding the right people, pull up the map – look for a populated area – and transport. And start chatting again. Eventually, you’ll find folks who are like-minded, fun and ready to befriend you in SL.

Upcoming projects/events

We would love to have a presence in SL. If there are any animal welfare folks out there who would be willing to lend their time and expertise to our organization, we’d love to have you. We are also in our busy season in RL, with a major pet adoption event in November, two fundraisers in October and another in December. So, if you live in the DC area, give me a shout!

Current/On-going Needs (RL or SL)

As always, we need volunteers – both in SL and RL. Ping me if you’d like to get involved!

I must admit that I joined Second Life to try to figure it out. What’s the appeal? How can businesses use this? What’s the value? After a month, I have to admit - I’m no closer to answers but…Second Life (SL) is just plain fun.

My avatar (Cordelia Gothly) is young and beautiful and wears cool clothes. I get to shop for things I would never wear in real life (RL). I go to dance clubs, listen to cool tunes and dance longer than I ever could. And to date, I’ve spent about $40 on clothes, tattoos, shoes, jewelry, cool hair, gloves, clubbing, you name it. Imagine getting all of that for $40 in real life! While my husband raids on Mondays and Wednesdays on World of Warcraft, I sit in my chair listening to tunes, dancing and hanging out in Second Life.

I have to also note that the people that I’ve met are incredibly nice, helpful and respectful. I’ve been mostly having fun at The Blue Tattoo and have found several places that I like to shop including Pretty N Punk, Goth1c0 and Divine Divas.

My next steps are to delve into the Non-Profit Commons so I can start to explore the non-profit angle and take some DJ classes so that I can spin my own tunes in SL.

It’s fun, cheap and opens up a new, limitless world of friends, possibilities and fun (did I mention fun?)

OK, so I joined Second Life last night - my toon is named Cordelia Gothly. Despite waiting over an hour for their servers to allow me to login, I finally made my way “in world”. All I can say is, weird and surreal. I met a lovely “furry” who gave me a bunch of avatars and clothes, helpful tips and sent me to my first landmark. I haven’t quite figured out how to make my avatar look “normal” (if there is such a thing in SL), so I currently look like a Japanese anime character. I met a few nice folks who helped me figure out what the hell I was doing and one even gave me 100 LindenX. After a few hours, I took the leap and spent $9.77 on 2500 LindenX (SL’s form of currency). When I logged off, it still wasn’t in my account, so we’ll see what happens today.

All that said, the concept is really interesting, surreal and overwhelming. But I think I can say with honesty, I’m hooked. If you have SL stories to share, please feel free. It’s going to take me awhile to figure out what this is, let alone what it all means to me and potentially to non-profits. But I think it will be a fun journey and I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

And, please, find me in SL - I’m lonely! CORDELIA GOTHLY. See you “in world”!