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Fall, 2000
It’s been a little more than a year since InterConnection was
launched, and its success has been phenomenal. We have provided web sites and
web hosting to more than 15 organizations from developing countries
around the world. Another 20 are in the process of receiving websites.
These web sites have brought much needed attention to groups such as the
Chol Chol Foundation in Chile (www.interconnection.org/cholchol).
The Chol Chol Foundation supports the indigenous Mapuche people. The website
is used to both solicit support, and also to market beautiful handmade
weavings. Another organization receiving InterConnection support is
the community group Amigos de El Pilar, who use their web site to
promote the ecotourism program at the El Pilar Archeological site in Belize
and Guatemala. (www.interconnection.org/elpilar)
You can visit the ever-growing number of organizations at www.interconnection.org/ngo
The website donation program would not be possible without help from
you, our Virtual Volunteers. The Virtual Volunteer program has been
so popular that we now have as many volunteers as we do projects! We
are working on recruiting more new and exciting projects from developing
countries so that they may also take advantage of InterConnection’s valuable and talented volunteer resources.
Many thanks to everyone who has given their time and energy to work
on InterConnection web sites. Thanks also to those of you who are
patiently awaiting materials from programs. Below are some general guidelines
to Virtual Volunteering with InterConnection. These guidelines should
give you some direction in your mission to develop web sites for
community organizations in need of our assistance.
MESSAGE TO VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERS
1. If you are awaiting materials from your selected community organization in order to create a web site, please keep in mind that
it may take some time to receive those materials. Due to cultural
differences and varying access to communication systems, many of
these groups operate on slower timelines than you may be used to. Please
be patient. We will contact you as soon as information is available.
2. If you are currently working on a project and find that you are
unable to complete it in a timely manner for any reason, please let
us know, so we can pass the project along to another volunteer.
3. If you need help on your project, share that with us and we
will pair you up with a staff member or another Virtual Volunteer.
4. Feel free to take the initiative to find other eligible groups
that could benefit from an InterConnection web site. Refer to our Criteria for Support to
determine if the group is eligible. (www.interconnection.org/background/criteria.htm
5. If you would like to help out with overall InterConnection development, in areas such as
promotion, grant-writing, volunteer coordination, etc., we’d love to
hear your proposals. Drop us a line at [email protected]
NEW VOLUNTEER PROJECTS
*** FOCIFCH Needs Spanish Speaking Volunteer ***
A Spanish speaking volunteer is needed to create a web site for the
Federacion de Organizaciones Indigenas de las Chimborazo (FOCIFCH). FOCIFCH supports over 630 Quichua-speaking indigenous families in
Ecuador.
***Update Amigos de El Pilar website***
Amigos de El Pilar is a community group located on the boarders of
Belize and Guatemala. They are working to preserve the El
Pilar Archaeological Reserve for Maya Flora and Fauna. A volunteer
is needed to update their website. The job would also include developing
basic webpages for Amigos de El Pilar partner organizations, Help for
Progress in Belize and Canan Kaax, in Guatemala
For new volunteer projects, keep an eye on the Volunteer Bulletin
Board at www.interconnection.org/volunteer/bulletin.htm
NEWS BRIEFS
*** InterConnection Partners with World Computer Exchange ****
InterConnection recently partnered with World Computer Exchange to handle the logistics of computer donations to organizations in
developing countries. WCE will donate over 400 computers this year
to communities around the globe. A large part of computer donation
requests to InterConnection will now be forwarded to WCE. The international
demand for used computers is very strong, but the supply is not yet clear. If you or someone you know has a computer to donate, contact
us at [email protected] Remember, computer donations to
InterConnection are tax deductible!
*** Global Web Volunteers Needed ***
In the next few months we hope to launch our Global Web Volunteer Program, designed to send volunteers abroad to create web sites for
community organizations in developing countries. Volunteers live
within the community, evaluating technology needs, and learning about the
services or products offered. Volunteers collect background
information such as taking photos and interviewing members, in order to help the
community create a web site. InterConnection staff will work with
these programs to provide volunteers with compensation for their services
in the form of room and board. Information on this program is
forthcoming. If you are interested in participating, please send a brief email
listing your qualifications in internet design, languages, and international development experience. Send information to
[email protected]
*** InterConnection Applies for Ericsson Grant**
Volunteer Vanessa McDonald submitted a letter of interest to the Ericsson Foundation. The grant would provide for the development of
an online system that would allow users to develop web sites via their
internet browsers. This year the ERICA program will provide 5
non-profit organizations throughout the world with $100,000 worth of technical
assistance to expand and develop their philanthropic goals and aspirations. Keep your fingers crossed for InterConnection! If you
hear of similar opportunities that could benefit InterConnection and its
partners, please let us know. Many thanks, Vanessa!
Contact us at [email protected] if interested.
Thanks again for your support.
Charles Brennick, Chair
InterConnection
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