Mozilla Plays the Do-Gooder Card, Encourages Users to "Be the Difference"

by editor on Jun.15, 2009, under ReadWriteWeb

This September, Mozilla is challenging users to earn their Internet merit badges by donating their time and talents to public benefit institutions, non-profits, and those in need.

According to an email we received from Mozilla, “Everyone should have the opportunity to know how to use the Internet, have easy access to it, and have a good experience when they’re online. This new initiative is looking for people with a talent for writing, designing, programming, developing, or all-around technical know-how. Internet skills, no matter how novice or advanced, can change people’s lives and make the Web better for everyone.” Mozilla Service Week will take place from September 14-21, 2009.

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Goals of the initiative include teaching the elderly how to user the Internet, helping non-profits use the social web and update their databases, installing wireless networks at schools, and working in libraries and community computer centers.

According to Mozilla Foundation executive director Mark Surman, this program is designed to allow all kinds of users to volunteer their time. Some of the skills required for the above-mentioned goals are as simple as data entry or basic web surfing.

“We’re inviting people to get involved with Mozilla in an active way,” he is quoted on the Mozilla blog, “even if they can’t code, test, or localize. It lets anyone and everyone feel like they are contributing to the cause of building a better Internet.”

Interested parties can learn more at the Service Week website. The site allows would-be volunteers to find ways to give their time and skills to the cause, and it also lets those in need, be they individuals or organizations, to request help.

The Mozilla Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering openness, innovation, and opportunity on the Internet by supporting the community of Mozilla contributors and by helping those who build technologies that benefit users around the world.

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