Between September 14, 2009 through September 21 2009, Mozilla wants tech savvy individuals to donate time to make the web a better place.
The Mozilla Foundation (the same group that brought you hits like Firefox & Thunderbird) is organizing a Mozilla Service Week in order to make a difference on the web. Between September 14, 2009 through September 21 2009, Mozilla wants tech savvy individuals to donate time to make the web a better place. Similar to a worldwide community service project, individuals can donate the amount of hours they would like to contribute while organizations can say what they need help with. Time can even be donated to an individual or a group of individuals that need tech assistance. For example, the Mozilla Service Week website talks about teaching senior citizens how to use the Web, help create simple web how-to's for local libraries, or show a non-profit how using social media can benefit them.
Help In Your Own Backyard
In New Orleans, one of our greatest needs seems to come from the non-profit sector. Many local non-profits are still rebuilding and in need of any tech assistance they can get their hands on. A representative from Unified Non Profits Of Greater New Orleans says "New Orleans non-profits need tech assistance to be more efficient and give them the ability to reach individuals through different channels to promote their causes."
While the service week is a great initiative to help others, the volunteer needs to make sure that they are not biting off more than they can chew. For example, if you are setting up a website for someone, think of about providing documentation, other resources, or tutorials so they can maintain what you've built after you leave.
How You Can Get Involved
Mozilla Service Week Buttons
If you would like to get involved in the service week project, you can start with the I Want To Help or I Need Help buttons that are on the service week website. Mozilla has partnered with Idealist.org and hosts a page where anyone can do a search to find out what organizations need help in their area. At the time of this publication, there are already 11 volunteer opportunities in the New Orleans area. Even if you can not donate time, there are still ways you can let others know by promoting it on your website, blog, or social network page. Mozilla even lists a Stories & Inspiration page showing pass efforts that have inspired others to help.
