Last week, for a business trip to New York, I made my maiden voyage on Virgin America, largely because of the availability of wi-fi on the flight. I generally bring a stack of magazines or a good book, but for this trip I needed an Internet connection to finish my presentation.
So I was tickled to learn that I just made the beginning of Google’s Free Wifi for the Holidays program. The flights were fine, the connectivity was there (although very slow, thanks to lots of people taking advantage of the promotion) and the only hitch was that the power plugs didn’t work for my MacBook Pro (c’mon Virgin, I mean, really!).
The best part, though, was being able to donate to one of three social cause organizations and have Google make a matching grant. The program is in force through Jan. 15, so go ahead and donate — you don’t even need to fly!
Click one of the blue donate buttons below to make an impact and give back this holiday season. Here is how Google’s Free Wifi program describes these projects:
One Economy Corp.
One Economy Corporation is a global nonprofit that uses innovative approaches to deliver the power of technology and information to low-income people.
One Economy has launched on-the-ground programs in 42 U.S. states, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Middle East. Its digital inclusion programs expand broadband into low-income areas and deliver free or low-cost Internet access and affordable computers. To date, One Economy has brought affordable broadband to more than 300,000 Americans.
More than 17 million people have used One Economy’s online tools and resources to build better lives, including the Public Internet Channel, an online network of public-purpose media — programming that engages, informs, and inspires action. The Digital Connectors program delivers 21st century technology training to young people from low-income backgrounds, who then share what they learn within their own communities. More than 3,000 Digital Connectors have delivered more than 56,000 hours of technology focused community service. Learn more.
Climate Savers Computing
The Climate Savers Computing Initiative is a nonprofit group of eco-conscious businesses, conservation organizations and consumers dedicated to reducing the energy consumption and environmental impact of computers and emerging technologies.
Launched in 2007, over 500 companies and organizations have joined this movement and thousands of individuals have pledged to support its mission.
We encourage you to learn more about how energy-efficient computing can reduce your impact on the environment by visiting www.climatesaverscomputing.org. Pledge your support and take action today by setting up your own computer to use less energy. Donations made to further the outreach of Climate Savers Computing Initiative cannot be claimed as a charitable donation deduction. Learn more.
Engineers Without Borders USA
Engineers Without Borders USA is a nonprofit humanitarian organization established to support community-driven development programs worldwide through partnerships that design and implement sustainable engineering projects.
EWB-USA members, made up of professional and student engineers or other disciplines, work with local communities and NGOs in over 45 developing countries around the world on projects such as water, renewable energy, sanitation and more. Time Magazine called Engineers Without Borders-USA the “Blueprint Brigade.”
EWB-USA has grown from little more than a handful of members in 2002 to over 12,000 members today and has over 350 projects worldwide. EWB-USA maintains over 300 dedicated chapters, including university chapters on 180 campuses in the United States, and has touched the lives of more than one million people. Learn more.
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JD Lasica, founder and former editor of Socialbrite, is co-founder of Cruiseable. Contact JD or follow him on Twitter or Google Plus.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.