IConnect

Welcome to the first issue of InterConnection?s electronic newsletter, IConnect. IConnect is a monthly newsletter that showcases how organization are using their websites to accomplish their missions, provides information on technology assistance tools and training, and lists sources of support for non-profits.

If you would like to suggest a resource for IConnect let us know by writing to [email protected]

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FEATURED ORGANIZATION:

Leaders of Tomorrow Foundation, Ghana www.interconnection.org/lotfound

Our website has helped to project and publicize our organization and its activities. We have received a lot of contacts from both groups and individuals either seeking our services or seeking to assist our activities. It has also helped to project our organization very positively in the eyes of our public and opened avenues for collaboration and networking with other organizations. Whilst we are still involved in fundraising efforts, we believe our website donated by InterConnection has enhanced our chances of getting the required funds.
Kwame Ofori-Kuragu, Executive President

TECHNOLOGY TIDBIT:

Macromedia Inc.?s Philanthropy Program
Macromedia Inc. offers a range of popular web development software such as Dreamweaver and Flash.

While website development software companies are creating a range of products to help developers enhance website capabilities and Internet user experiences, they are also acknowledging the needs of nonprofits to tap into the benefits of a digital presence. Through the company?s Software Donation Program, Macromedia offers special pricing to qualified non-profit organizations in the U.S. and abroad. Eligible organizations can receive discounts of up to 96 percent off the retail price of their software products. Follow the link below to Macromedia?s Software Donation Program website for additional information on eligibility requirements as well as an application for a Product Donation Package.
http://www.macromedia.com/macromedia/philanthropy/

SUPPORT:

Digital Partners Participates in Intel SEEDS Conference on the Digital Divide

On May 16-17, Intel's Applications Research and Strategy Lab held a conference in Hillsboro, Oregon to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced in extending technology's reach around the world. At its SEEDS conference, speakers from both the public and private sectors discussed ways in which high technology support is being provided worldwide and how various organizations and technology companies can better assess technology needs in developing countries. The conference also held interactive forums that focused on the role of technology as a tool for community organizing and access to resources. These sessions examined topics ranging from sustainable business models, health, education, agriculture, and new technologies in order to challenge how we think about the digital divide.

Among the organizations at the SEEDS conference was Digital Partners, a Seattle-based nonprofit organization that provides professional services and financial support to social entrepreneurs interested in effectively utilizing information technology to benefit the poor. Part of the Digital Partners forum on sustainable business models included a discussion on elements of successful business plans for technology ventures in developing countries. The concepts of sustainability and scalability were cited as key characteristics for successful new venture plans. For more on Digital Partners and their work, visit their website at www.digitalpartners.org.

WHAT'S NEW AT INTERCONNECTION:

InterConnection partnered with kabissa.org and digitaldividends.org to provide websites to their affiliates.

During the past few months, several new sites have been created and maintained by our dedicated volunteers. The list below includes websites recently donated by InterConnection and our Virtual Volunteers.

Mbonweh Women?s Development Organization, Cameroon
www.mbonweh.interconnection.org
Donated by: Anna MacLachlan

International Children?s Foundation, Cameroon
www.interconnection.org/icf/
Donated by: Tim Garner

Consejo Nacional de Mujeres Indigenas Costarricenses (ACONAMIC), Costa Rica
www.interconnection.org/aconamic
Donated by: Pyramedium, Inc.

Manyu Palm Kernel Industry, Cameroon
www.interconnection.org/mapkincig
Donated by: Jesse Palmer

ELENA NGO, Cameroon
www.interconnection.org/elenango
Donated by: Elizabeth Rice

Manna Sudan, Kenya
www.interconnection.org/lango
Donated by: Cristian Herrera

Rural Aquaculture Project, Ghana
www.interconnection.org/rap
Donated Web Hosting

Kenya Disabled Development Society, Kenya
www.interconnection.org/kdds
Donated Web Hosting

Inter-Community Development Involvement (ICODEI), Kenya
www.volunteerkenya.org
Donated by: Kevin Handley
Provided domain name Web hosting

COOPA, Costa Rica
www.coopa.org
Provided domain name Web hosting

Unidad Latina, Latin America
www.unidadlatina.org
Provided domain name Web hosting
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The IConnect newsletter was prepared by Virtual Volunteer, Ana Garzon

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