Second Pride

My views is this:

In the end the money goes to a charity that helps people in the LGBT communities around the world. This is foremost what many are donating for. A chance to help someone or someones all over the world that need it and that do not have what we have. Whoever the organization it is going to matters not as long as it is good hearted and true to thier words, charter and proposals.

I agree that a organization should be named, and agree that if it is not (or not yet) Amnesty to stop promoting that it is going to them. Change the promotions of donations right now to just helping the LGBT community world wide, and make sure to list that a good organization is being determined at this time. Just be up front and honest about the change over and why..(Amnesty is not doing primarily LGBT work around the world no more and we want an org that does)....That simple and plain. People will understand. We do not want the money to go to just one sect...one country...one city...but to world wide helping. I doubt people really gave based on the organization, but most likey the joy of helping those world wide that are less fortunate.

In the end tho yes a new charity org needs to be named soon. Until then just be honest and transparent about the change over.

I agree with parts of both of the above posts.

It is a situation that the Committee needs to act on quickly and decisively..

I think that most people have donated to "the cause" in a more general sense, but the committee needs to make an announcement of the situation, and choose a new charity that accomplishes the goal of advancing LGBT programs. If some of the people that have donated have issues, then we can deal with them individually, but I really don't think we are going to see a rush of people wanting a "refund" as long as we replace OUTREACH with an internationally recognized group that is working for "the cause". 

These funds were raised with the best of intentions No one at Second Pride or any of it's members are trying to be deceptive here.  

As far as contacting each individual??? That woud be a very timely and complicated process, if it is even possible. I think that people need to realize that Second Pride is a volunteer organization, and this IS our "second" life. Most of us, including the Second Pride Treasurer and Committee members,  have limited time to devote to Second Pride or SL for that matter.

To ask a Treasurer to do what is suggested would be a nightmare.

Making an announcement of the situation and informing the public of what that solution is, will satisfy all but a few individuals that have donated. If they have an issue, then they can contact the Second Pride Treasurer. 

I think that the membership and those that have supported Second Pride charities in the past will accept any solution to this problem that the committee recommends, as long as we designate a reputable, and worthwhile organization to accept our donation. 

Gentleman, agreed. And for your consideration, I offer the International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission. It is the IGLHRC that Marcus located for the fundraising efforts on behalf of the LGBT community in Haiti. The IGLHRC is now directing those donations through "LGBT Americans for Earthquake Relief in Haiti–American Red Cross–Online Donation Site."

The IGLHRC is clearly an international organization dedicated to "advancing human rights for everyone, everywhere to end discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression."

Another possibility is the Rainbow World Fund. However, "RWF’s mission is to promote LGBT philanthropy in the area of world humanitarian relief." RWF is a national organization. "Along with raising our community’s consciousness, RWF raises funds to support humanitarian relief projects. RWF provides a united voice, a visible presence, and a structure to deliver charitable assistance from the LGBT community to the larger world community."

Given the International Nature of the LGBT Community in Second Life, I believe the IGLHRC to be a better "fit" with its focus on LGBT human rights.

I will be putting out notices in world and on the website no later than Wednesday with a decision on how we handle the donations. And I am in complete agreement that anyone wanting a refund should be granted a refund.

Peace,

Keo

Keo, that seems reasonable. I'm assuming that all donations, including those made to date, would go to IGLHRC. I think this is important to clarify because at the meeting you suggested that donations made to date would still go to Amnesty International. Given that Amnesty no longer has a LGBT arm, that would be a disappointment to many.  Can you clarify?

It is useful to recall, in line with a comment from a Second Pride member in public meeting 2010-02-28 the merits of Global Giving.  This past festival beneficiary has a significant LGBT commitment in such areas as education and addressing the needs of HIV positive and AIDS afflicted.  One of the advantages of both Global Giving and AI outFront is in-world contact for timely disposition of funds. 

The Treasurer noticed complexity in the course of transferring funds out of world to one of the suggested beneficiaries who furthermore may discount the extraordinary social values specific virtual world financial participation for charitable benefit represents.

Caleb Bruun at 05:41PM on Mar 01, 2010

Keo, that seems reasonable. I'm assuming that all donations, including those made to date, would go to IGLHRC. I think this is important to clarify because at the meeting you suggested that donations made to date would still go to Amnesty International. Given that Amnesty no longer has a LGBT arm, that would be a disappointment to many.  Can you clarify?

Caleb, my inclination would be to offer refunds to those donors who would still like to see their donations go to Amnesty International with all other funds going to a newly designated charity.

I agree that doing the split percentage as I suggested would complicate matters a great deal and agree that without a specific LGBT program, a donation to them would indeed be a disappointment to many.

Peace,

Keo

I just wanna add 3 cents here. I have been approached several times for support, and the reason I don't is because of Amnesty's political stance on some issues (not related to LGBT stuff.) I know there are at least a few others in my position. I'd be thrilled if a charity or charities that focussed just on LGBT issues were picked. So, currently I have instead been doing my bit by supporting fundraisers in SL for the AIDS Committee of Toronto, which has been fantastically organized about all the financial controls necessary making them easy to work with, they even had official forms for me to fill in and sign and everything. I'll watch with interest to see what develops with Second Pride. Cheers, Chaz.

Second Pride 2010 selected IGLHRC as designated charity because of LGBT focus.  It is still possible for people to redirect their previously donated funds back to Amnesty International.  Second Pride itself has taken steps to provide charitable benefit by participating in LGBT Gateway in Pride for new residents with Gay Archipelago and major donors.  Implementing an LGBT Healthserv initiative and festival planning top Second Pride agenda.  Both promise direct benefit to LGBT people in world.