Project Summary – VLE Group 9

VLE group 9 was tasked with locating and obtaining free land in Second Life to build an in-world presence for our nonprofit partner. To do so, we became a part of the thriving nonprofit community in Second Life, which is centralized in an in-world location called Nonprofit Commons. The NPC team provided us with a vacant lot, free of charge, on which to build an “office space” for our nonprofit.

Our first step was to partner with a nonprofit. The initial obstacle we encountered was determining how Second Life could be a feasible and useful platform to further the nonprofit’s objectives. Both NPs focused on children’s issues, and the Hispanic AIDS Forum expressed concern that their children did not have access to SL technologies. Globalhood expressed interest in exploring a SL presence, however, so we decided to partner with them. We decided to gear our SL space towards adults in the SL community, with the goal being two-fold: 1.) raising awareness and 2.) raising money. The NP community in Second Life is eager to expand and grow and support (with time and advice as well as money) new causes which have expressed interest in SL.

The next step of the process was to prepare a proposal for Globalhood that explains what SL can offer. Globalhood had previously not been exposed to Second Life so they will need continued guidance on the ins and outs of the unique platform. But they are eager to partner with us and jump right in.

Next, we formally applied for space in SL with a New Tenant Application. After we were approved, began to formulate a plan for filling the space. We decorated the office space with furniture, media and a donation box.

We are pleased to report that we have already raised $500 for our nonprofit, thanks to a very generous donation from Mercedes Ochs. Waxalka befriended Mercedes through the Nonprofit Commons, and she has been instrumental in helping us secure free furniture for our space. Many thanks, Mercedes!