MacArthur Foundation Holds Virtual Philanthropy Event in Second Life!

On June 22nd at 9:00 AM PST, Jonathan's avatar along with Second Life CEO Philip Rosedale will lead a discussion with residents on the role of philanthropy in virtual worlds.

" I believe that the importance of virtual worlds may be less about their growth as economies, and more about their capacity for collaboration and human development. Activities in virtual worlds already are supported by MacArthur and other foundations, but we have much to discover about the right role for philanthropy itself in virtual worlds.

We are interested in learning about virtual worlds and how to operate within them. We look to the residents to help us determine how to be helpful and are eager to share our on-going work in such areas as affordable housing, urban renewal, and human rights and international justice."

The details are feed.here

In order to get access to this event, you will need to check this page for updates:

http://spotlight.macfound.org/main/entry/juneevent/

Maybe go on Friday morning a little before 9am PST.

This event and the techSoup Nonprofit Commons group just got mentioned in the New York Times!

The Mac Arthur event information is at:
http://spotlight.macfound.org/main/entry/juneevent/

See you there!

Here is some coverage of this event:

http://www.virtualworldsnews.com/2007/06/macarthur-found.html

http://donttellthedonor.blogspot.com/

http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2007/06/virtual-platfor.html

http://www.rikomatic.com/blog/2007/06/lowering-barrie.html


And here is an article that mentions the recent backlash against SL (some have questioned the usefulness of SL as a tool for Nonprofits.


Virtual reality a bust?

I did a roundup of the event coverage here
and some post discussions and reflections on whether virtual worlds are here to stay. You can find it here.

here