Interconnection, weaving a Web of Support Around the Globe
INTERCONNECTION:
MISSION
InterConnection is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to provide professional, affordable Internet technology assistance to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in developing countries.
WHAT WE DO
InterConnection’s core product is its Website Donation Program. Through this program, InterConnection provides NGOs in developing countries with professional websites and hosting services at little or no cost.
InterConnection brings together talented “virtual volunteers” and NGOs who are in need of web design expertise. Volunteers, armed with specially designed templates and tools, work directly with client NGOs to design and manage professional-quality websites that help them fulfill their missions. Websites are then hosted for little or no cost by InterConnection. To date, InterConnection has provided websites to over 40 organizations in 23 countries.
NEED FOR OUR SUPPORT
Interconnection’s volunteer-made websites are essential tools for helping NGOs market their message and work to the world. Developing world NGOs have extremely limited access to the Internet, as both consumers and producers. While the Internet offers myriad opportunities for these organizations to provide ever-greater social benefits to needy communities, they too often lack the skills and resources needed to take advantage of them.
What can a website do for developing country NGOs? No matter the size, location or mission of an organization, a professional web site can create opportunities to:
§ publicize the good work that NGOs are doing in their communities § share information and data about local issues and challenges § expand their constituency of supporters and donors § seek financial and material support for their projects from funders § solicit volunteers, employees and mission-critical partnerships and alliances § market products and services to a worldwide audience
90 percent of all Internet users are in industrialized countries. In contrast, Internet users in Africa and the Middle East combined account for only 1 percent of global Internet users. There are an estimated X thousands of NGOs struggling to make a difference in developing countries. But for the vast majority, the costs of hardware, software, services and capacity-building needed to utilize the Internet are simply insurmountable.
The great demand among both NGOs and volunteers for InterConnection’s services offers evidence that the Website Donation Program is an initial but essential and cost-effective step in bridging the global digital divide.
WHO WE HELP
InterConnection extends its Website Donation Program to NGO’s operating in developing countries. Priority is given to organizations that work in the areas of environmental preservation, human rights and local economic development. InterConnection has identified over 20,000 NGOs that may need its help. To learn more about organizations that have participated in the Website Donation Program, visit www.interconnection.org/ngo.
VIRTUAL VOLUNTEERS
The backbone of InterConnection’s Website Donation Program is its Virtual Volunteer program. All InterConnection websites are created by Virtual Volunteers who donate their web design and technology skills via the Internet. By capitalizing on the skills and charity of tech-savvy virtual volunteers, the Website Donation Program is able to provide both a fulfilling volunteer opportunity and a service that is in great demand by NGOs.
HISTORY
InterConnection was founded by Charles Brennick and Jed Truett in February, 1999. Inspired by Mr. Brennick’s international experience providing development and technology assistance to local communities, the organization has grown to include a pool over 100 virtual volunteers and 42 organizations in 23 countries with InterConnection websites. Recently, the pioneering work of InterConnection has been featured in the Christian Science Monitor, the Oregonian and on the Digital Divide Network.
LOOKING AHEAD
InterConnection’s Website Donation Program has been a tremendous success and continues to grow. InterConnection aspires to provide a more comprehensive suite of Internet support services to enable client NGOs to expand and maintain their websites and foster greater interactivity with the outside world. These services will include remote and on-site Internet training, computer and software donations, and a new program to place tech-savvy volunteers onsite with NGOs in need of hands-on technology assistance.
OUR NEEDS
The demand for our support and services is steadily increasing as more NGOs and volunteers learn about the work of InterConnection and the vast benefits that can be gained through website donations and virtual volunteerism.
To date, InterConnection has been supported and operated solely through the dedication and contributions of its founders and board members. InterConnection is seeking funding to support a small staff that will enable the ongoing expansion of our Website Donation Program and services. InterConnection prides itself on providing an essential technology service at very low-cost, and your contribution will be leveraged many times to the great benefit of organizations worldwide that are working to bring positive change to communities in need. InterConnection thanks you for your support!
InterConnection info@interconnection.org Internet Training and Technology to Developing Communities Background | Volunteer | Services | Support | Email 1999
