Virtual Worlds: Real opportunities for non-profits

More and more activists and social change organisations are looking at Second Life as a social networking tool, adding Web 3D to Web 2.0. What is all the excitement about?

At OneWorld we have been experimenting with Second Life for over a year. And we have innovated exciting ways for civil society organisations and citizens to meet each other, to learn about social justice issues and to participate in global events on our virtual islands - without the carbon cost of attending international meetings by plane.

Virtual Bali

Our latest (and so far most important) global meeting will be held during the landmark UN Climate conference in Bali in December 2007, where key discussions will be held to agree the post-Kyoto roadmap. We are creating a virtual window on this conference, so that you can participate in the Bali Summit from the comfort of your own home or office!

If you would like to find out how to make yourself an avatar who can "fly to Bali" without your having to stand in airport queues, and then share your thoughts with delegates in Bali, then come to one of our half-day induction sessions.

These will be practical, hands-on sessions, half a day long. They will be repeated four times (times and dates below). Peter, OneWorld Innovations Director, and Zenon, our Tech Support Manager, will guide you through the process of:

  • joining Second Life

  • creating your own avatar

  • interacting within the virtual world.

There will be lots of time allocated for asking technical questions and for discussion. And we will look at how Second Life is being used by organisations like universities, non-profits and NGOs - what it can offer as a social networking, conferencing and campaigning tool.

Prices (GBPs) for the three and a half hour session:

  • Special rate for OneWorld Partners 95

  • NGOs and non-profits 125

  • Commercial Orgs and Consultants 150

Dates of sessions

Monday 12th November 2007

- Morning 9.30 am - 1.00 pm

- Afternoon 2.00 pm - 5.30 pm

Friday 16th November

- Morning 9.30 am - 1.00 pm

- Afternoon 2.00 pm - 5.30 pm

Who should come

- Any NGO or campaigning organisation interested in expanding their on-line presence

- Communication professionals wanting to know more about the potential and exciting possibilities that Second Life can offer to our sector.

- Anyone wanting to take part in the Bali conference without flying to Bali.

Requirements

- You will need to bring your own laptop to run Second Life. Please check here for the technical requirements.

- By bringing your own laptop you will ensure that you take away a fully working system at the end of the event.

- Participants are encouraged to download Second Life client software in advance from here

Alternatively, you can book a place on one of the morning sessions and arrive by 9am so that we can help you set up (please let us know in advance if you are planning on taking this option).

- We will send out a step by step guidance sheet on how to get started in Second Life with your booking confirmation. This will enable you to prepare for the session.

If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Anna Cohen at anna.cohen@oneworld.net