Difference between revisions of "Introduction to Endorsed Resident Help Groups"
m |
|||
| Line 3: | Line 3: | ||
== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
The Resident Help Network (RHN) is a program in development by Linden Lab with aim to support resident volunteer help groups in Second Life to connect, collaborate, and have greater visibility in their efforts and availability. Groups with emphasis on helping new or experienced residents with Second Life related learning or immersion without charge are eligible to apply to be a part of the RHN. The desired outcome of the Resident Help Network is to stretch the boundaries of group efforts by uniting and collaborating in a network. For more details and eligibility requirements, see below! | |||
== | == Resident Help Network Standards == | ||
'''Second Life Help Focus''' - Only groups with focus on helping Second Life residents--new or seasoned--with Second Life learning and immersion are eligible. Demonstrations of this focus may be to have programs that educate | '''Second Life Help Focus''' - Only groups with focus on helping Second Life residents--new or seasoned--with Second Life learning and immersion are eligible to be a part of the Resident Help Network. Demonstrations of this focus may be to have programs that educate residents with learning Second Life basics or to communicate Second Life advanced features and utilities. Groups that support real life concerns in Second Life, while noble in their own right, are not eligible for the Resident Help Network. | ||
'''Mission Focus''' - At time of application we ask that you select a focus to help categorize your group's main interests | '''Mission Focus''' - At time of application we ask that you select a focus to help describe your group, which will help categorize your group's main interests. Options for focuses include: Freebies, Exploration, Language-focused assistance, New Resident Basics, General Help, General Classes, Specific Country, or Specific Interest. Group missions and descriptions must be PG rated and if focused on a culture must be in the interest of inclusion rather than exclusion (negative example being, "Neptune resident help group only, no one else allowed!" positive example being, "Neptune language help group, helping residents from Neptune since 2003.") | ||
'''United By Help Interest''' - Groups must represent goodwill efforts and focus on helping individuals with learning about Second Life or immersion in Second Life. In contrast, groups that instead only focus on the expansion or domination of specific cultural communities, businesses, or are developed for the purpose of activism or protest, are not eligible. Language groups and community help groups ARE eligible; the distinction we are trying to make is that eligible | '''United By Help Interest''' - Groups must represent goodwill efforts and focus on helping individuals with learning about Second Life or immersion in Second Life. In contrast, groups that instead only focus on the expansion or domination of specific cultural communities, businesses, or are developed for the purpose of activism or protest, are not eligible. Language groups and community help groups ARE eligible; the distinction we are trying to make is that groups eligible to join the Resident Help Network MUST be formed with focus on helping individuals learn Second Life, rather than purposed to recruiting a niche community. | ||
'''Free Service''' - Groups must offer their help or services to residents without charge. For help groups with an emphasis on providing freebies, no 'freebie' should be sold for more than 1L$. | '''Free Service''' - Groups must offer their help or services to residents without charge. For help groups with an emphasis on providing freebies, no 'freebie' should be sold for more than 1L$. | ||
''' | '''New Resident Help Focus''' - Not all groups will emphasize a focus on helping brand new residents. However, we do ask that even groups with emphasis on advanced learning of Second Life should have a degree of understanding on how to assist brand new residents. We ask that, in your best practices (noted further down below), you add a provision for how your group addresses new residents who are in need of help. | ||
''' | '''Group Size''' - Groups eligible for the Resident Help Network must have at least 25 resident members. | ||
'''RHN Group Wiki Page and Application''' - See below for details on how to have this set up; it is a prerequisite for having an application processed. | |||
Prior to applying | == RHN Group Wiki Page == | ||
Prior to applying to join the Resident Help Network, we ask that groups create a wiki page outlining some specific details about their group. Once your group is approved to be in the Resident Help Network, we ask that your group's page be updated on a monthly basis. Here is a list of information which must be provided in the group page in order to be considered in "good standing" for entry to the Resident Help Network (a sample group page can be found [[Second Life Mentor (Endorsed Group Entry)| here]]). Please, no pages or applications for groups with focus on administration or land holding! | |||
'''Please note: Pages should be created with the group name only. | '''Please note: Pages should be created with the group name only. The below information should be embedded in the group entry page in an easy to follow format.''' | ||
---- | ---- | ||
| Line 36: | Line 38: | ||
*'''Best Practices''' - How the group intends to reach the potential of its mission. In-world locations for volunteering, useful tools, and/or talents that may be used to supplement the mission go here. | *'''Best Practices''' - How the group intends to reach the potential of its mission. In-world locations for volunteering, useful tools, and/or talents that may be used to supplement the mission go here. | ||
**(Example: “At this link you can find our list of SLURLs where Spanish language-focused Infohubs can be found which can be used to help us in our mission.”) | **(Example: “At this link you can find our list of SLURLs where Spanish language-focused Infohubs can be found which can be used to help us in our mission.”) | ||
*'''Group Representatives''' - You must have at least one representative, but no more than five. Representatives are group members who may attend | *'''Group Representatives''' - You must have at least one representative, but no more than five. Representatives are group members who may attend RHN meetings on behalf of the group, and act as point persons between the group and Linden Lab. | ||
*'''Group Documentarians''' - At least one resident within the | *'''Group Documentarians''' - At least one resident within the Resident Help Network group should be appointed to update the group's wiki page. | ||
*'''Membership Entry/Recruitment''' - Any special requirements for entry such as requiring a specific knowledge or skill. Open enrollment is okay, and up to you. | *'''Membership Entry/Recruitment''' - Any special requirements for entry such as requiring a specific knowledge or skill. Open enrollment is okay, and up to you. | ||
*'''OPTIONAL: Group Related Links / Additional Focus / Projects / Memorable Triumphs / History / etc.''' | *'''OPTIONAL: Group Related Links / Additional Focus / Projects / Memorable Triumphs / History / etc.''' | ||
== | == RHN Incentives == | ||
The Resident Help Network comes with many anecdotal/social incentives. Individuals in the Resident Help Network will be taking part in a groundbreaking virtual help effort as well as contributing to community building efforts and leadership in a unified front. Being part of a community of unified help groups will help strengthen our combined efforts and promote a culture of altruism. Resident Help Network groups will have a place at the Second Life web site as well, in an upcoming section of the site that will highlight these groups, as well as possibility for opportunities in upcoming forum advancement plans and blog community opportunities. Ultimately, the Resident Help Network will not change your group's mission or purpose, but grant your group's mission and purpose more visibility. | |||
== Six month Renewal == | == Six month Renewal == | ||
Maintenance of membership within the Resident Help Network initially lasts for six (6) months. At the end of that time the group founder/representative(s) will be contacted for review to remain in good standing. “Good standing” may be gaged by a display of involvement in the following areas: | |||
*'''Required Documentation''' – The group's Documentarian should maintain the group's wiki page on a monthly basis. | *'''Required Documentation''' – The group's Documentarian should maintain the group's wiki page on a monthly basis. | ||
*'''Representative Meetings''' – | *'''Representative Meetings''' – Resident Help Network groups must choose representatives who may be invited to meetings held by Linden Lab that focus on progress, plans, metrics, and key information for collaboration and development of the program. Extended absences from such meetings could potentially inhibit good-standing status. In the event that no representative can attend a meeting, please contact a VTeam Linden as soon as you can. | ||
*'''Goodwill Representation''' – Groups no longer representing the goodwill nature of their charter/Tao of Volunteers or that otherwise represent Linden Lab volunteers in a false or destructive manner will be subject to | *'''Goodwill Representation''' – Groups no longer representing the goodwill nature of their charter/Tao of Volunteers or that otherwise represent Linden Lab volunteers in a false or destructive manner will be subject to removal from the Resident Help Network. These circumstances will be handled on a case by case basis. | ||
''' | '''Probation''' – In the event that the above requirements are not maintained at the six month checkup, group leaders may (at Linden Lab's discretion) be made aware of a 30 day period of probation where the group must meet necessary requirements within a set timeframe to maintain membership within the Resident Help Network. | ||
== Finer Print == | == Finer Print == | ||
Linden Lab representatives will not handle personal disputes within | Linden Lab representatives will not handle personal disputes within any groups, or take part in the maintenance of membership of these groups. Resident Help Network groups should be self-sufficient and not require a layer of authority (Linden Lab) to intervene in group management. Group structure as determined by the founder and/or group representatives will not be administered or maintained by Linden Lab. Groups that continually do detriment to goodwill representation of the Resident Help Network may lose membership within the program or be placed in a probationary period as explained in the Probation section of this article. | ||
== Application == | == Application == | ||
Got your ducks in a row? Please be sure your group has a wiki article that details information regarding the group requirements--do read the Requirements section of this wiki page for explicit details. | |||
Once ready, please sign up [http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=3gmTp43f4UszauavhUUYjg_3d_3d| here]! | Once ready, please sign up [http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=3gmTp43f4UszauavhUUYjg_3d_3d| here]! | ||
| Line 82: | Line 84: | ||
Q. Are "police" or vigilante groups who cater to dispute resolution and addressing abuse welcome to join? | Q. Are "police" or vigilante groups who cater to dispute resolution and addressing abuse welcome to join? | ||
A. No. Linden Lab does not | A. No. Linden Lab does not support in any way resident run police or vigilante groups. No special authority will be granted to Resident Help Network groups to solve disputes or handle abuse. | ||
Q. Will | Q. Will RHN groups be expected to adopt goals set by Linden Lab? | ||
A. | A. Resident Help Network groups will have their own goals and purposes. Linden Lab will not be requiring any additions be made, though we may over time offer opportunities for the groups to opt in to specific projects that do have goals. This, of course, is voluntary. | ||
Revision as of 11:39, 31 July 2008
Note: This page is a work in progress.
Introduction
The Resident Help Network (RHN) is a program in development by Linden Lab with aim to support resident volunteer help groups in Second Life to connect, collaborate, and have greater visibility in their efforts and availability. Groups with emphasis on helping new or experienced residents with Second Life related learning or immersion without charge are eligible to apply to be a part of the RHN. The desired outcome of the Resident Help Network is to stretch the boundaries of group efforts by uniting and collaborating in a network. For more details and eligibility requirements, see below!
Resident Help Network Standards
Second Life Help Focus - Only groups with focus on helping Second Life residents--new or seasoned--with Second Life learning and immersion are eligible to be a part of the Resident Help Network. Demonstrations of this focus may be to have programs that educate residents with learning Second Life basics or to communicate Second Life advanced features and utilities. Groups that support real life concerns in Second Life, while noble in their own right, are not eligible for the Resident Help Network.
Mission Focus - At time of application we ask that you select a focus to help describe your group, which will help categorize your group's main interests. Options for focuses include: Freebies, Exploration, Language-focused assistance, New Resident Basics, General Help, General Classes, Specific Country, or Specific Interest. Group missions and descriptions must be PG rated and if focused on a culture must be in the interest of inclusion rather than exclusion (negative example being, "Neptune resident help group only, no one else allowed!" positive example being, "Neptune language help group, helping residents from Neptune since 2003.")
United By Help Interest - Groups must represent goodwill efforts and focus on helping individuals with learning about Second Life or immersion in Second Life. In contrast, groups that instead only focus on the expansion or domination of specific cultural communities, businesses, or are developed for the purpose of activism or protest, are not eligible. Language groups and community help groups ARE eligible; the distinction we are trying to make is that groups eligible to join the Resident Help Network MUST be formed with focus on helping individuals learn Second Life, rather than purposed to recruiting a niche community.
Free Service - Groups must offer their help or services to residents without charge. For help groups with an emphasis on providing freebies, no 'freebie' should be sold for more than 1L$.
New Resident Help Focus - Not all groups will emphasize a focus on helping brand new residents. However, we do ask that even groups with emphasis on advanced learning of Second Life should have a degree of understanding on how to assist brand new residents. We ask that, in your best practices (noted further down below), you add a provision for how your group addresses new residents who are in need of help.
Group Size - Groups eligible for the Resident Help Network must have at least 25 resident members.
RHN Group Wiki Page and Application - See below for details on how to have this set up; it is a prerequisite for having an application processed.
RHN Group Wiki Page
Prior to applying to join the Resident Help Network, we ask that groups create a wiki page outlining some specific details about their group. Once your group is approved to be in the Resident Help Network, we ask that your group's page be updated on a monthly basis. Here is a list of information which must be provided in the group page in order to be considered in "good standing" for entry to the Resident Help Network (a sample group page can be found here). Please, no pages or applications for groups with focus on administration or land holding!
Please note: Pages should be created with the group name only. The below information should be embedded in the group entry page in an easy to follow format.
- Group Name
- Updated Date - The date the group page has been updated last.
- Founder's Name
- Size
- Group Charter – We will judge charters during the application process according to the virtues in line with the Tao of Volunteers. If you do not have an individual charter that demonstrates similar goodwill effort, a link to the Tao of Volunteers is welcome to be used.
- Mission Focus and Statement – First, select a mission focus or focuses: Freebies, Exploration, Language, New Resident Basics, Classes, Specific Country, Special Interest, or "Other". The Mission Statement should expand on the group's plans regarding that focus.
- (Example: “Language Focus: This group’s mission is to unite English-Spanish bilingual residents who are willing to seek out and assist monolingual Spanish speaking residents who need help getting started in Second Life.”)
- Best Practices - How the group intends to reach the potential of its mission. In-world locations for volunteering, useful tools, and/or talents that may be used to supplement the mission go here.
- (Example: “At this link you can find our list of SLURLs where Spanish language-focused Infohubs can be found which can be used to help us in our mission.”)
- Group Representatives - You must have at least one representative, but no more than five. Representatives are group members who may attend RHN meetings on behalf of the group, and act as point persons between the group and Linden Lab.
- Group Documentarians - At least one resident within the Resident Help Network group should be appointed to update the group's wiki page.
- Membership Entry/Recruitment - Any special requirements for entry such as requiring a specific knowledge or skill. Open enrollment is okay, and up to you.
- OPTIONAL: Group Related Links / Additional Focus / Projects / Memorable Triumphs / History / etc.
RHN Incentives
The Resident Help Network comes with many anecdotal/social incentives. Individuals in the Resident Help Network will be taking part in a groundbreaking virtual help effort as well as contributing to community building efforts and leadership in a unified front. Being part of a community of unified help groups will help strengthen our combined efforts and promote a culture of altruism. Resident Help Network groups will have a place at the Second Life web site as well, in an upcoming section of the site that will highlight these groups, as well as possibility for opportunities in upcoming forum advancement plans and blog community opportunities. Ultimately, the Resident Help Network will not change your group's mission or purpose, but grant your group's mission and purpose more visibility.
Six month Renewal
Maintenance of membership within the Resident Help Network initially lasts for six (6) months. At the end of that time the group founder/representative(s) will be contacted for review to remain in good standing. “Good standing” may be gaged by a display of involvement in the following areas:
- Required Documentation – The group's Documentarian should maintain the group's wiki page on a monthly basis.
- Representative Meetings – Resident Help Network groups must choose representatives who may be invited to meetings held by Linden Lab that focus on progress, plans, metrics, and key information for collaboration and development of the program. Extended absences from such meetings could potentially inhibit good-standing status. In the event that no representative can attend a meeting, please contact a VTeam Linden as soon as you can.
- Goodwill Representation – Groups no longer representing the goodwill nature of their charter/Tao of Volunteers or that otherwise represent Linden Lab volunteers in a false or destructive manner will be subject to removal from the Resident Help Network. These circumstances will be handled on a case by case basis.
Probation – In the event that the above requirements are not maintained at the six month checkup, group leaders may (at Linden Lab's discretion) be made aware of a 30 day period of probation where the group must meet necessary requirements within a set timeframe to maintain membership within the Resident Help Network.
Finer Print
Linden Lab representatives will not handle personal disputes within any groups, or take part in the maintenance of membership of these groups. Resident Help Network groups should be self-sufficient and not require a layer of authority (Linden Lab) to intervene in group management. Group structure as determined by the founder and/or group representatives will not be administered or maintained by Linden Lab. Groups that continually do detriment to goodwill representation of the Resident Help Network may lose membership within the program or be placed in a probationary period as explained in the Probation section of this article.
Application
Got your ducks in a row? Please be sure your group has a wiki article that details information regarding the group requirements--do read the Requirements section of this wiki page for explicit details.
Once ready, please sign up here!
If you have not heard back from us in 30 days, please contact a member of VTeam.
Preliminary FAQ
Q. Should representatives handle issues of abuse that occur within the group?
A. The founder or representatives are in charge of managing the group and deciding who is a member of the group. For issues of abuse that require Linden assistance, please file an abuse report.
Q. My help group provides freebies. Some of these objects are set to 1L$. Is that okay?
A. Yes. We consider 1L$ to be a nominal fee. More than this would no longer be considered a nominal fee and will negate eligibility.
Q. Are "police" or vigilante groups who cater to dispute resolution and addressing abuse welcome to join?
A. No. Linden Lab does not support in any way resident run police or vigilante groups. No special authority will be granted to Resident Help Network groups to solve disputes or handle abuse.
Q. Will RHN groups be expected to adopt goals set by Linden Lab?
A. Resident Help Network groups will have their own goals and purposes. Linden Lab will not be requiring any additions be made, though we may over time offer opportunities for the groups to opt in to specific projects that do have goals. This, of course, is voluntary.
Q. What will happen if more than one group applies and both have a similar focus?
A. More than one group based on similar focuses, such as languages, may spring up. That is fine. However, this is an excellent opportunity to work together to help support the individuals focused on that language, rather than be competitive.
Q. Can for profit groups apply?
A. Groups that are for profit can apply. However, the services and help that the group offers to residents in Second Life must be offered for free.