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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?