New York, NY, July 30, 2002 — The AOL Time Warner Foundation, the UPS Foundation, Microsoft Corp. and Cisco Systems today announced joint sponsorship and development support for the new USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network Web site, created by the online charity portal Network for Good and the Corporation for National and Community Service. The site makes an unprecedented 50,000 government and non-profit volunteer organizations available to Internet users via one search engine.
President Bush announced the redesigned www.usafreedomcorp.gov site and the USA Freedom Corps Volunteer Network search engine at the White House today. The president also unveiled three public service announcements that will drive potential volunteers to the online resource. The search engine was built and managed for USA Freedom Corps by Network for Good, the e-philanthropy Internet portal launched in late 2001. Partners who are contributing nonprofit volunteer information include VolunteerMatch, Points of Light, America’s Promise, ServeNet, National Mentoring Partnership and United Way. Government program partners include AmeriCorps, SeniorCorps, Peace Corps, Citizen Corps and Volunteer.gov.
A citizen using the http://www.usafreedomcorp.gov site will be able to provide their zip code and find service opportunities in their community based on whatever their interest may be. Users can also choose to see opportunities that are one-time, ongoing or full-time. And prospective volunteers can also use the system to find the volunteer support agencies in their communities.The AOL Time Warner Foundation, UPS, Microsoft and Cisco each committed financial support to create the Web site, the search engine and the underlying partnerships. AOL Time Warner also assisted in managing the product development and the partnership outreach, in addition to distributing the PSAs and the online resources on several media properties. Microsoft contributed technology expertise and software that allowed the entire system to be built on the .NET platform. The UPS Foundation is providing support for Web site news and information updates on the President’s call to service and new volunteer opportunities.
Kathy Bushkin, President of the AOL Time Warner Foundation, said, “We’re thrilled to be part of such an important step forward in helping Americans serve their communities and in bringing the government and non-profit sectors together in an unprecedented collaboration. The Freedom Corps Volunteer Network will help millions of Americans find opportunities to volunteer, literally, with a few clicks of a button.”
“UPS is pleased to support the Freedom Corps Volunteer Network and its efforts to increase volunteerism and community service,” said Evern Cooper, president of The UPS Foundation and vice president of UPS Corporate Relations. “The use of technology and the combined resources of the government, non-profit and business sectors will provide immediate access to volunteer opportunities across the nation, while also helping to maximize the use of volunteers’ time and talents.”
“Microsoft is proud to join with others in the public, nonprofit, and private sectors to more effectively enable people throughout the United States to volunteer in their communities, ” said Microsoft Director of Community Affairs Bruce Brooks. “Technology is at its best when it brings people together and empowers them and their communities to realize their full potential.”
Gena Pirtle of Cisco Systems Corporate Philanthropy said, “Freedomcorps.gov will help meet dual needs: It will serve as a resource for Americans looking to volunteer, wherever they are, and as a new connection for service organizations that need volunteers and visibility to carry out their work. We are proud to help put technology to work by linking volunteers with opportunities for civic engagement, and appreciate the White House’s support for this initiative.”
Network for Good is an independent nonprofit working to advance e-philanthropy and nonprofit adoption of the Internet as a tool for fundraising, volunteer recruitment, and civic engagement. Network for Good was founded by a partnership of leading nonprofits and Internet companies, including AOL Time Warner Foundation and AOL, Inc.; the Cisco Foundation and Cisco Systems, Inc.; and Yahoo! Network for Good is the place to donate, volunteer, and speak out on the issues you care about.
About the AOL Time Warner Foundation The AOL Time Warner Foundation seeks to use the power of media, communications and information technology to serve the public interest and strengthen society. The Foundation engages the full range of AOL Time Warner’s unique resources to build innovative and sustainable programs in four priority areas: Equipping Kids for the 21st Century; Extending Internet Benefits to All; Engaging Communities in the Arts; and Empowering Citizens and Civic Participation.
About The UPS Foundation
The UPS Foundation continues its 50-year commitment to making a difference in communities worldwide through focused programs in areas such as human welfare, education and volunteerism. The Foundation’s major initiatives currently include programs that support hunger relief, family and workplace literacy and increased nationwide volunteerism. To find out more about UPS’s involvement in the community, visit UPS Community Crossroads at http://www.community.ups.com .
About Microsoft Community Affairs
In 1983, Microsoft established one of the first philanthropic efforts in the high-tech industry. Today, Microsoft Giving is aimed at providing underserved communities with the resources they need to help realize their full potential by supporting innovative programs and projects that enhance technology access, strengthen nonprofits through technology, diversify the technology work force and build community. In fiscal year 2002, Microsoft gave $39.9 million in cash and $207 million in software donations to more than 5,000 nonprofit organizations. In addition, Microsoft supports its employees’ individual acts of giving and the organizations that inspire them by matching, dollar for dollar, employee charitable contributions up to $12,000 per employee annually. More information on Microsoft Community Affairs is located at http://www.microsoft.com/giving/ .
About Cisco Systems, Inc. Cisco Systems, Inc. is the worldwide leader in networking for the Internet. Cisco news and information is available at http://www.cisco.com . Cisco, Cisco Systems, and the Cisco Systems logo are registered trademarks of Cisco Systems, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and certain other countries. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
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