Becca's Law

I read this article over at Mothers Are Vanishing and encourage any other blogger to post on Becca's Story as well, it is such a tragically sad case that so desperately needs our attention.

I am doing something a little different on a blog about missing mothers. This case will pull your heartstrings, but at the same time it will outrage you to your core.

Someone, EVERYONE, must stand up for Victim's Rights and this case should be the one to spur us into action.

http://mothersarevanishing.blogspot.com/2008/06/beccas-law.html

(Please click on title of this post to be re-directed to article in its entirety.)

Volunteer! (Virtually)

What is Virtual Volunteering?

Virtual volunteering means volunteer tasks completed, in whole or in part, via the Internet and a home or work computer. It's also known as online volunteering, cyber service, telementoring, teletutoring, and various other names. Virtual volunteering allows agencies to expand the benefits of their volunteer programs, by allowing for more volunteers to participate, and by utilizing volunteers in new areas.

Many people actively search for volunteer opportunities they can complete via home or work computers, because of time constraints, personal preference, a disability or a home-based obligation that prevents them from volunteering on-site. Virtual volunteering allows anyone with Internet access to contribute time and expertise to not-for-profit organizations, schools, government offices and other agencies that utilize volunteer services.

Virtual volunteering is similar to telecommuting, except that, instead of online employees, these are online volunteers. Virtual volunteering does not mean that volunteers work solely via the Internet. Many organizations find a combination of onsite and online tasks for volunteers works best for everyone involved (volunteers, staff, clients). Assignments can have different levels of virtuality. For instance, one volunteer may interact with clients online but meet onsite with a staff member regularly; another may talk with a client via email in addition to their regular face-to-face visits.

Virtual volunteering sometimes also refers to the ways volunteer managers use the Internet to interact with all volunteers, regardless of where service is performed. For instance, some organizations allow volunteers to use e-mail to submit time sheets and progress reports, and other organizations use e-mail to communicate with all volunteers, rather than sending them materials via postal mail.
http://www.serviceleader.org/new/virtual/2003/04/000020print.php


List of Volunteer Centers by U.S. State
* Points of Light Foundation
http://www.pointsoflight.org/centers/


National Volunteer Clearinghouses
(multitudes of both offline & online volunteering opportunities)
http://www.volunteermatch.org/
http://www.volunteersolutions.org/
http://www.1-800-volunteer.org/1800Vol/OpenIndexAction.do


United Nations Volunteer Program
http://www.onlinevolunteering.org/

But, What Could I Do?

A lot, actually...no matter your location, physical capabilities or level of income.

In fact, if you are able to read these words right now, online, then rest assured that there truly is a place for you to actively volunteer your inner talents and resources to better this world we live in.

WHERE TO START?

1. Click on any number of the links posted here under Love these...

2. Google "Virtual Volunteer" or "Online Volunteer" for links to a multitude of online volunteer service opportunities.

Just a few ideas here, for now...why? Because...we work better as a whole, I'd love to know your thoughts regarding Virtual Volunteering as well...let's start today by making an online difference.

Using the Radio Actively

If you're part of an activist group, talk radio is one of the most effective ways to reach your audience. The opportunities afforded are unparalleled.

Did you know that there are 2,000 radio hosts in the United States? So, if each one hosts a weekly two-hour program, and has one guest for each hour, then 4,000 guest slots need to be filled weekly.

http://www.protest.net/activists_handbook/radio.html

THE WELL-TRAINED ACTIVIST: My "Creative Maladjustment" Talk

THE WELL-TRAINED ACTIVIST: My "Creative Maladjustment" Talk

Insightful article regarding the need to create peace within ourselves before we are able to bring peace to others.