First for the fun: a new machinima and live mixed video by Drax that features the TechSoup Community team behind the scenes working on the Nonprofit Commons in Second Life! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xwAZ1-BstjE

And for the how and why of what we're doing in this community:
The people of TechSoup have been deeply saddened by the recent devastation in Haiti. We have been so inspired and impressed with the many ways folks are using mobile and other technologies to help with disaster relief. Together we have blogged about some of these relief efforts from the great folks at Ushahidi and the Extraordinaries as well as those of our donor partners.

In times where mobile technology is crucial we wanted to let folks know about a new product offering we have on TechSoup: Norton Smartphone Security protects smartphones (mobile phones that allow Internet activities) from the same types of threats that attack computers, such as viruses, worms, mobile spyware, and SMS antispam protection. This can be an important way to secure the important mobile activities of your organization. TechSoup Stock offers security software available to nonprofit organizations working within Haiti as well as those serving crisis logistics in the United States.

We're also joining forces with SamaSource and Inveneo to help Haiti. Together we're pulling together Kreyol translation, engineering, donation, beta testing and help from the larger community. If you're an iPhone user, you can help via the iPhone app GiveWork. Stay tuned to this page for more opportunities for how you can get involved and help Haiti.

TechSoup is also getting involved with relief efforts through our virtual workplace. Our weekly meeting of Nonprofits in Second Life focused on the Virtual Haiti Relief efforts that are underway. TechSoup is working with LindenLab, the creators of Second Life and concerned nonprofits and volunteers to integrate information, events, and fundraising for Haiti relief with an upcoming cultural education & auction event on Febraury 26, 2010. TechSoup nonprofit leaders have built a makeshift virtual aid distribution center called the Help Haiti Hub where resources are being shared for the Virtual Haiti Relief campaign in Second Life.

To join the Virtual Haiti Relief Campaign
Visit the VHR website at http://VirtualHaitiRelief.org
Visit the Help Haiti Hub on Aloft Nonprofit commons: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Aloft%20Nonprofit%20Commons/129/3/25/
Send Virtual Haiti support on Twitter: http://twitter.com/VirtualHaiti
Join this group inSL: Virtual Haiti Relief
Tag relevant tweets and content around the web "#virtualhaiti" and this information will feed into our Help Haiti Hub.

To share your experiences with aid, technology and the logistics of international campaigns for crisis relief check out the TechSoup forums or our Friday morning meetings at 8:30AM PST in Second Life at the Plush Nonprofit Commons. We are looking for speakers for our events in Second Life on February 26th and welcome your insights into technology for aid endeavors.