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Virtual Volunteering
An anonymous reader writes "Virtual Volunteering is new to me, so I thought that I would pass the info. along. Given the downturn in employment and the need to keep an active resume or CV, becoming a 'Virtual Volunteer', may be just the way to refresh your outlook and your resume. A PC World article talks about two sites which list numerous opportunities; Volunteer Match lists 41,538 opportunities associated with 23,359 organizations, and World Computer Exchange which 'is a global nonprofit organization committed to helping the world's poorest youth bridge the disturbing global divides in information, technology and understanding. WCE does this by keeping donated PCs, Macs, and Laptops out of landfills and giving them new life connecting youth to the Internet in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.' There are most likely more organizations like this out there, anybody have a special one that they are associated with?"
Normally, I don't really say anything during these moralistic threads, but I have seen this post a million times in one form or another. I just want to say, while yes, you are completely correct in thinking we should help those people. However, those are not the only people out there that need help. You can not always help only people at the bottom.
Sure, we could be altruistic about it...but honestly, do you think most geeks (sorry, we are at slashdot, have to refer the herd this way) are truly interested enough in helping a poor kid in Africa eat as opposed to helping them set up Linux? Now, don't say I mean they think they should starve over Linux, but rather, just be honest with yourself. Everyone has a threshold on how much they will help, so any help is good help.
With that said, who is to say this poorest of the poor+1 social strata will not thus reach down and those even needier then them? Don't assume just because they are poor too that they have no interest in helping their neighbors. I am sure most Americans are much more apt to help a starving neighbor then a starving person 15000 miles away. Out of sight out of mind right?
Its human, sure, its not perfect, but no one claimed to be. So anyway, again, no bashing you, just wanted to point out why this argument does not constantly hold water like you would think it would.