Real charity in virtual world

The virtual world of Second Life has a population of about 7 million (one-third Americans), and the populace is about to be exposed to a discussion about philanthropy. The MacArthur Foundation has given the Center on Public Diplomacy of the University of Southern California $550,000 to stage events in Second Life, including discussions of how foundations can address issues like migration and education,” the New York Times reports. Nonprofit organizations are setting up shop in Second Life and staging fund-raising events. The American Cancer Society has “raised real money with virtual walkathons,” according to the Times – a few hundred avatars walked and raised $5,000 in 2005, and $82,000 has already been raised for this year’s walkathon, which hasn’t even started yet. I think there should be a similar discussion in Teen Second Life, where there would be an equally strong response, and wonder if YouthNoise.com has thought of this.