Second Life and Nonprofits

SECOND LIFE AND NONPROFITSConnecting in the virtual world

Learning Objectives

• Provide a brief introduction to Second Life.• Learn how nonprofits and a funder are making

use of the virtual world• Provide an understanding of some of the

benefits and drawbacks of Second Life.

What is Second Life?• Second Life (SL) is a

virtual world whose users make avatars to represent themselves.

• Second Life has its own in-world currency known as the Linden Dollar (L$). Generally, L$250 = $1 US.

• The virtual world is composed of islands.

• SL time is Pacific Standard Time.

SECOND LIFE PRIMERSoftware, travel, interaction and media

What do you need to get into Second Life?

• Free software download.• Create an account,

including your avatar’s name.

• If using at work, make sure that your firewall does not block access – if so, try your organization’s guest network.

• Learn more with the quick start guide.

Getting around in Second Life

• Avatars can walk, run, fly and teleport.– You can teleport if you

have a SLURL (Second Life URL).

– Avatars can invite others to teleport to their location.

• Cars are not needed, but are available to those who would like them.

Pose Balls

• Pose balls allow avatars to recline, relax, and make use of scripted moves to interact with other avatars or objects.– Dining, drinking, dancing,

sky diving, etc.

• The pose balls may vary in color (red, white, black, multi-colored).

Communication in Second Life• Chat

– Local chat with those around you

– Private chat• Voice• Use gestures with other

avatars– Chuckle– Cry– Embarrassed– Hey (waving over)

Media in Second Life

• Organizations can develop media for visitors to view when they visit.

• The media may include slides or a movie for visitors to watch.

• Some organizations will provide links to external websites for visitors to click on.

NONPROFITS IN SECOND LIFEThe grantee perspective

The nonprofit world meets the virtual world

• Nonprofits have been making use of the virtual world to connect and raise awareness of their causes.

• Nonprofits can also raise money by asking visitors to contribute L$ that can be exchanged for US $.

Second Life nonprofit - Kiva.org

• In December 2007, Kiva created a virtual presence in Second Life.

• The virtual office in SL allowed the organization to advertise their message to visitors, raise awareness and donations.

Kiva.org

Second Life nonprofit – Grant Managers Network

• The Grant Managers Network created a virtual representation of their organization within Second Life

• Pose balls on benches allow visitors to sit. A teleporting cone transports to the second floor.

Second Life nonprofit – Help Find My Child

• Help Find My Child (HFMC) is an organization that decided to raise awareness of their cause by building a virtual representation in SL.

PHILANTHROPY AND SECOND LIFEThe funder perspective

Second Life Funder - MacArthur

• The MacArthur Foundation has given $550,000 to the Center of Public Diplomacy at the University of Southern California to host in-world events– Discussions on migration

and education issues

MacArthur and Second Life

• MacArthur created an island within Second Life.– This movie will help you

learn more about the initiative

Foundations Theater

• Foundations Theater was established on MacArthur Island on Second Life.

• Discussions can be held in the virtual space, providing a cost-effective method in bringing people together .

Benefits and drawbacks of Second Life

• Benefits– Cost-effective way for

large amounts of people to connect.

– Creative space – if you can dream it, you can build it.

– Interact with others from all around the world.

• Drawbacks– Technology

requirements: Fast connection, computer specs to allow virtual game play.

– Firewall may prohibit access.

– Takes lots of practice and patience to learn how to navigate.

QUESTIONS?