A group of SL residents are working their collective asses off to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. However, they have run into a HUGE obstacle.
Apathy. There has been little to no interest or response in fundraising activities. I know it's not because the folks in SL are an uncaring bunch; history shows they care more than most.
Maybe it's human nature to jump to help your fellow world inhabitants, then feel that need to help dwindle as time goes by.
But consider this:
Many areas of Louisiana and Mississippi are still waiting for aid.
Many residents of the areas struck by the two hurricanes will be homeless for the holidays.
The group (SL Katrina Relief, of which I am a member) isn't asking for much.
If you like to build, construct a float for the parade.
If you like to make clothes, design a New Orleans music, Mardi Gras or Biloxi beach wear inspired outfit and donate it.
If you are a Slingo or Tringo host, host some games on the Biloxi sim.
If you are a Linden, volunteer to be auctioned off.
If you don't fit any of the above categories, come hang out. Donate.
None of the above would take very much of your time. And it would mean so much to the people who need it the most.
If you want to help, contact Jonquille Noir, Margaret Mfume, ReallyRick Metropolitan, or me.
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Katt Kongo
M2 Publisher
Join date: 9 Jun 2005
Posts: 1,020
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10-13-2005 21:42
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Garnet Psaltery
Walking on the Moon
Join date: 12 Apr 2005
Posts: 913
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10-14-2005 01:36
I'm not sure it's entirely apathy, though, as time goes on and more disasters fill the screens, sadly the earlier one fades from attention. I'd imagine people (globally) are more aware of the situation in Pakistan right now.
Other than that, a lot of people are just busy. It's disheartening, I know, but I think all you can do is specify event dates and draw attention that way. _____________________
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Katt Kongo
M2 Publisher
Join date: 9 Jun 2005
Posts: 1,020
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10-14-2005 04:01
I know people are busy, and I don't mean to take credit away from those who have already done SO much to raise money for the hurricane victims.
My mom, who is in her 60s, is going to Louisiana on Monday. She's volunteered to help feed those who are still in hurricane stricken areas. I can't go, because I need to be with my children. I want to go, I wish I could go, I really want to help. So that fact that fundraising events may have to be cancelled due to a lack of response/participation has me a bit upset. _____________________
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Margaret Mfume
I.C.
Join date: 30 Dec 2004
Posts: 2,492
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10-14-2005 04:41
I'm not sure it's entirely apathy, though, as time goes on and more disasters fill the screens, sadly the earlier one fades from attention. I'd imagine people (globally) are more aware of the situation in Pakistan right now. Support to the Red Cross enables them to continue to provide relief in areas stricken by Katrina as well as everytime disaster strikes. Social awareness and support must be ongoing in order to be effective. Sometimes we can give more time than others but it is the collective effort which raises us up in terms of our humanity. There wil be no one riding in wearing a white hat to save the day, on this or any other day. _____________________
hush
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Francis Chung
This sentence no verb.
Join date: 22 Sep 2003
Posts: 918
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10-14-2005 04:46
Hi Katt,
A long time ago, I was having a discussion about human nature with someone who would become one of my mentors as I grew up. I remember being told that generally, people are good. As I get older, I've come to believe that while people are good, overall, people are more dominated by inertia. When I was helping raise money for VERTU, this was one of the things that we constantly struggled against. It is always a challenge to find motivated people, and even more, it's a test of your own self-motivation. Organizers have to work very hard, not just to fulfill their own commitments, but to inspire those around them. You have to find a ways to make people care enough, and make it easy enough for them to donate their own time and money. And you have to make them trust you. You cannot just ask for help, and you hope that people will come to your aid. You have to find people, and let them know how important they are, and how they can help. Start with the ones you know. 95% of the people that will donate their time and money to help are people who you already have a personal relationship with. For example, "You host awesome bingo events, do you think you can help me organize a charity bingo game?" Some people will help you, some people will tell you they'll help, and disappear. That's the reality of what you do. Just remember, appreciation is a better motivator than guilt  Emphasize what is going well, don't dwell on the negative. People are inspired by optimism.Never ask for too much. Make it easy. Find a way to let people do what they already enjoy doing, and help your cause at the same time. And finally, marketing and advertising helps. I believe www.metaadverse.com has a program to help causes exactly like yours. This little bit of advice has worked for me in the past, maybe it will work for you. Good luck -- Francis _____________________
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~If you lived here, you would be home by now~ |
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Jsecure Hanks
Capitalist
Join date: 9 Dec 2003
Posts: 1,451
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10-14-2005 04:53
A group of SL residents are working their collective asses off to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. However, they have run into a HUGE obstacle. Apathy. There has been little to no interest or response in fundraising activities. I know it's not because the folks in SL are an uncaring bunch; history shows they care more than most. Maybe it's human nature to jump to help your fellow world inhabitants, then feel that need to help dwindle as time goes by. But consider this: Many areas of Louisiana and Mississippi are still waiting for aid. Many residents of the areas struck by the two hurricanes will be homeless for the holidays. The group (SL Katrina Relief, of which I am a member) isn't asking for much. If you like to build, construct a float for the parade. If you like to make clothes, design a New Orleans music, Mardi Gras or Biloxi beach wear inspired outfit and donate it. If you are a Slingo or Tringo host, host some games on the Biloxi sim. If you are a Linden, volunteer to be auctioned off. If you don't fit any of the above categories, come hang out. Donate. None of the above would take very much of your time. And it would mean so much to the people who need it the most. If you want to help, contact Jonquille Noir, Margaret Mfume, ReallyRick Metropolitan, or me. What about all the earthquake people near India? |
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Lola Rosebud
Registered User
Join date: 31 May 2005
Posts: 70
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10-14-2005 05:08
I don't know about others, but I'm just really tapped out. I donated thru the big auction you hosted Katt, and to some other SL fundraisers, sent a check on my own, then had to send one for each of my kids at school because it was labelled as *homework* and just today my son was assigned to send a backpack loaded w/ school supplies to send to kids in the gulf coast. Between that, PTO fundraisers and filling the gas and oil tanks I'm broke
 Don't get me wrong - I am glad to help and I think it's really great the school is involved and the kids are doing it I just wish they'd slow down and not link it to assignments so you can do what you are comfortable with. |
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Margaret Mfume
I.C.
Join date: 30 Dec 2004
Posts: 2,492
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10-14-2005 05:08
Individuals have gathered and are giving of themselves and their time in a big way. Smaller contributions of time and support form the comunity at large are what is needed at this point. Specific ways to help:
Share your knowledge and show new members the warm and giving nature of our community by mentoring and assisting younger members by incorporating them into a floating building team. Work one on one to guide them through a sand scultpture; share your artistic passion and expression and revitalize your own spirit. Volunteer to host event. Donate an outfit for sale during the fundraising period. Donate any item for auction. Sponsor a float team, sand sculpter, or an event with matching funds and have your business acknowledged. (Enabran, haven't you more than once said you would sponsor events in exchange for displaying your company sign if asked? I'm asking.) I'm in need of the talent of fashion coordinator. _____________________
hush
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Margaret Mfume
I.C.
Join date: 30 Dec 2004
Posts: 2,492
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10-14-2005 05:10
What about all the earthquake people near India? Support to the Red Cross enables them to continue to provide relief in areas stricken by Katrina as well as everytime disaster strikes. _____________________
hush
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Margaret Mfume
I.C.
Join date: 30 Dec 2004
Posts: 2,492
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10-14-2005 05:14
I don't know about others, but I'm just really tapped out. I donated thru the big auction you hosted Katt, and to some other SL fundraisers, sent a check on my own, then had to send one for each of my kids at school because it was labelled as *homework* and just today my son was assigned to send a backpack loaded w/ school supplies to send to kids in the gulf coast. Between that, PTO fundraisers and filling the gas and oil tanks I'm broke Don't get me wrong - I am glad to help and I think it's really great the school is involved and the kids are doing it I just wish they'd slow down and not link it to assignments so you can do what you are comfortable with.Time. What are your talents? Clothing designer, builder, mentor, event giver? _____________________
hush
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Hiro Queso
503less
Join date: 23 Feb 2005
Posts: 2,753
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10-14-2005 05:15
Katt,
I am willing to bet a hell of a lot of people have either contributed a lot of time or money to horrible disasters like New Oreleans or Karachi outside of SL, and are looking for a temporary escape when in world. Others just simply do not trust that their efforts or money they hand over in SL is not going where it should. I made a large donation ahead of your last event, as I could not attend. Now I have no way of knowing that money went where it should do. I am sure it did, I will just never *know*. Of course there are those who do not donate time or money to these disasters for many other reasons. Some simply do not have the time or money, some just do not give a shit. But at the end of the day, those who have it in them to help, have the time and/or money to help, will. Those who are unable to for good reason, and those who simply dont give a shit, won't. A shaming of peoples efforts in general is just not on IMO. _____________________
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Jsecure Hanks
Capitalist
Join date: 9 Dec 2003
Posts: 1,451
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10-14-2005 05:17
I think we are asked for too much. We are asked these days to support every crisis that occurs worldwide. If we do that, we'll have our own crisis: a food crisis as we can't afford dinner.
The taxes we pay should be all we give. Instead of emptying our pockets, we should tell our government "We've given you our taxes, now YOU give to the International stage on our behalf, or else!". After all, if you don't like a president / prime minister, you can fire their sorry ass at the next elections |
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DogSpot Boxer
vortex thruster
Join date: 23 Aug 2005
Posts: 671
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10-14-2005 05:26
Katt, I am willing to bet a hell of a lot of people have either contributed a lot of time or money to horrible disasters like New Oreleans or Karachi outside of SL, and are looking for a temporary escape when in world. Exactly. Just because people aren't hopping aboard the SL relief effort train doesn't mean we're not helping. _____________________
Dogspot Boxer
Charter Member Of The Socially Inept Club Our Motto: We may be inept, but at least we're social |
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Hiro Queso
503less
Join date: 23 Feb 2005
Posts: 2,753
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10-14-2005 05:27
Katt,
After reading over your post again, maybe it's content was overshadowed by it's title. I take back the 'shaming' comment. Perhaps your biggest problem is that many are not aware of it. Maybe your call for help needs a bigger in world presence, but I still believe in passive recruitment. _____________________
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Margaret Mfume
I.C.
Join date: 30 Dec 2004
Posts: 2,492
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10-14-2005 05:27
In the 90's there was a huge cry to reduce taxes, cut out the waste of government run social programs by eliminating the middle man, and allow people to give direct and choose the charites they wish to support.
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Katt Kongo
M2 Publisher
Join date: 9 Jun 2005
Posts: 1,020
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10-14-2005 05:30
Hi Katt, A long time ago, I was having a discussion about human nature with someone who would become one of my mentors as I grew up. I remember being told that generally, people are good. As I get older, I've come to believe that while people are good, overall, people are more dominated by inertia. When I was helping raise money for VERTU, this was one of the things that we constantly struggled against. It is always a challenge to find motivated people, and even more, it's a test of your own self-motivation. Organizers have to work very hard, not just to fulfill their own commitments, but to inspire those around them. You have to find a ways to make people care enough, and make it easy enough for them to donate their own time and money. And you have to make them trust you. You cannot just ask for help, and you hope that people will come to your aid. You have to find people, and let them know how important they are, and how they can help. Start with the ones you know. 95% of the people that will donate their time and money to help are people who you already have a personal relationship with. For example, "You host awesome bingo events, do you think you can help me organize a charity bingo game?" Some people will help you, some people will tell you they'll help, and disappear. That's the reality of what you do. Just remember, appreciation is a better motivator than guilt Emphasize what is going well, don't dwell on the negative. People are inspired by optimism.Never ask for too much. Make it easy. Find a way to let people do what they already enjoy doing, and help your cause at the same time. And finally, marketing and advertising helps. I believe www.metaadverse.com has a program to help causes exactly like yours. This little bit of advice has worked for me in the past, maybe it will work for you. Good luck -- Francis Francis; Thank you for your constructive post. I agree with you that appreciation is a better motivator than guilt. I have asked the people I know to help. My best friend is helping, my sweetie is helping, I have contacted all of my favorite designers. The main problem with that is I'm only so old in terms of my SL, and most of the people that I know are already involved in some way. I also honestly didn't intend to write a guilt trip. I was hoping to perhaps provide some inspiration. I'm sorry if anyone who has given in past efforts feels unappreciated or undervalued. _____________________
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Issarlk Chatnoir
Cross L. apologist.
Join date: 3 Oct 2004
Posts: 424
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10-14-2005 06:00
I think it's because it's old news. Emotions are not here as much and so people forget about it.
Plus the people in need are strangers for most and strangers are not really people: http://www.pointlesswasteoftime.com/monkeysphere.html (5) _____________________
Vincit omnia Chaos
Anyway, ignore me, just listen to the cow |
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Judah Jimador
Registered User
Join date: 13 Mar 2005
Posts: 230
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10-14-2005 06:19
then had to send one for each of my kids at school because it was labelled as *homework* and just today my son was assigned to send a backpack loaded w/ school supplies to send to kids in the gulf coast.  I'm sorry, but no matter how worthy the cause, that's extortion, pure and simple.Your children weren't given this "assignment," you were, and your kids' academic records were held hostage...or at the very least, they risked a bout of public humiliation if, upon your refusal, they had to sit at their desks in front of the other students and explain why they failed to "do their homework." Their school was WAY out of line to present these demands to your family, and their use of hapless, impressionable children as couriers for their ransom notes is almost beneath contempt. -- jj |
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Katt Kongo
M2 Publisher
Join date: 9 Jun 2005
Posts: 1,020
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10-14-2005 06:24
My kids were given the same type of assignments. Those homework assignments times four equals a very broke Katt.
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Alexa Hope
Registered User
Join date: 8 Dec 2004
Posts: 670
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10-14-2005 07:26
I have donated to the Red Cross here in the UK and I am sure a lot of others have done the same with their Red Cross. Personally I would rather do it directly. I'm not suggesting there is anything wrong with fund raising in SL but surely the money gets to the Red Cross faster with a phone call.
Alexa _____________________
Hiroland resident
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Pol Tabla
synthpop saint
Join date: 18 Dec 2003
Posts: 1,041
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10-14-2005 07:27
I am willing to bet a hell of a lot of people have either contributed a lot of time or money to horrible disasters like New Oreleans or Karachi outside of SL, and are looking for a temporary escape when in world. |
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Enabran Templar
Capitalist Pig
Join date: 26 Aug 2004
Posts: 4,506
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10-14-2005 07:31
Sponsor a float team, sand sculpter, or an event with matching funds and have your business acknowledged. (Enabran, haven't you more than once said you would sponsor events in exchange for displaying your company sign if asked? I'm asking.) This would have worked better as a PM, Margaret, but I just happened to be doing a vanity search this morning. I will absolutely sponsor events. I can offer both L$ and donations of my product in exchange for promotion of my brand. Please PM for details. _____________________
Furthermore, as Second Life goes to the Metaverse, and this becomes an open platform, Linden Lab risks lawsuit in court and [attachment culling] will, I repeat WILL be reverse in court. Second Life Forums: Who needs Reason when you can use bold tags? |
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Aimee Weber
The one on the right
Join date: 30 Jan 2004
Posts: 4,286
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10-14-2005 08:07
This is difficult to discuss without seeming anti-charity. The problem is that lately there has been a steady pipeline of events and fundraisers in SL. Individually these events have made very reasonable requests of content creators and event managers. But when placed back-to-back our schedules start filling up quickly and we just don't have time to take care of our primary work in SL.
Those who would like to make the management of charitable events part of thier SL careers, perhaps they could consider a round-robin approach that places the burden on different segments of Second Life at different times. You could ask for help from clothiers in one event, land lords and resellers for another, Casino owners for another, Lindens for another, etc. This would ensure each new event would have a solid theme AND a pool of fresh contributors. _____________________
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Margaret Mfume
I.C.
Join date: 30 Dec 2004
Posts: 2,492
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10-14-2005 08:29
Those who would like to make the management of charitable events part of thier SL careers... I don't know of anyone who has that goal in mind. This effort is a response to LL's generous offering of two sims for a Katrina Relief fundraising effort. They were blasted in this forum for not having done so after the charity auction. They have come through after having seen the generosity of Sler's. For my part, it seemed right to take them up on their offer. /3/f8/61825/1.html#post645165 /120/57/61826/1.html#post645166 _____________________
hush
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Buster Peel
Spat the dummy.
Join date: 7 Feb 2005
Posts: 1,242
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10-14-2005 08:33
Apathy. There has been little to no interest or response in fundraising activities. I know it's not because the folks in SL are an uncaring bunch; history shows they care more than most. I am concerned that people think that throwing SL pocket change matters. Or that creating a symbol that demonstrates their concern is a helpful contribution. If the Red Cross calls, are you going to say "I already did my part. I donated 87 cents worth of Lindens in Second Life". I think its fine to raise awareness, or to memorialize the dead, or to express concern. But for a multi-billion dollar catastrophe, I prefer to make substantial donations to relief organizations in RL. It isn't "apathy", its just a question of an appropriate channel and scale. Besides, I think a lot of people want to escape RL, that's why they play SL. For some people, SL is an extension of RL. For others, SL is an imaginary place with an alternate reality. I think the majority of residents believe the latter. For them, Katrina is exactly the kind of thing to keep out of their SL experience. Deal with that in RL. While in SL, suspend reality and escape. Buster |