Plans to host a lively, dynamic destination for Second Life residents
Washington, D.C. (January 15, 2008) – Amplify Public Affairs announced today that it has acquired Progressive Island, a destination in Second Life designed specifically for progressive, non-profit advocacy groups. The island is currently home to a number of non-profit groups including the ACLU, IFAW, RootsCamp and part of the NetRoots Nation Convention. The island was originally developed by social media pioneer, Andrew Hoppin.
"Businesses and non-profits alike are coming to the realization that virtual worlds like Second Life will play an important role in how they interact with their constituents and employees in the years to come. We can now offer non-profit groups a familiar place to establish themselves in this space and start incorporating it into their work," said Sam Simon, chairman and founder of the company.
"Progressive Island helped to host a number of large-scale ‘live virtual’ and ‘mixed reality’ events for progressive groups throughout 2007, and I believe 2008 will be a breakout year for the use of Second Life for events and rich team collaborations," said Andrew Hoppin. "I’m excited to have found a company like Amplify that is committed to non-profits and understands the power of this medium and that can continue to invest the considerable resources that it will take to help Progressive Island keep pace with this growing potential."
Amplify will be offering interested non-profit groups space on the island as well as access to a multi-use event area for large gatherings.
"Virtual worlds are about bringing people together and interacting in new and innovative ways. We plan to make Progressive Island a lively, dynamic destination for Second Life residents," said Kevin Reid, Vice President of Amplify’s Internet consulting practice.
Just this last week, Amplify launched a new space on Progressive Island for the ACLU as part of its Close Guantánamo campaign. ACLU’s new virtual space includes "Gone GITMO," a program produced by Nonny de la Peña and Peggy Weil and built by Second Life architect Buhbuhcuh Fairchild. The space gives Second Life residents a glimpse into the unjust conditions of indefinite detention at Camp X-Ray. While visiting, residents can also sign a petition and wear virtual orange clothing as a way to express opposition to torture as well as indefinite detention at the U.S.-run prison.
The ACLU held the first of a series of live events at the campaign space on January 11. The event included a number of speakers and a live virtual performance by Juel Resistance, an acoustical blues band.
"The ACLU’s new campaign space in Second Life is a perfect example of how a virtual world can be used by progressive non-profit groups to educate and engage the public. We look forward to making Progressive Island a showcase for what’s possible with this emerging technology," Kevin Reid said.
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About Amplify Public Affairs, LLC
Amplify is the next generation in public affairs, leading the way in the integration of new media and traditional communications strategies. With unequalled expertise in aligning allies, connecting voices, and promoting action, Amplify serves as a relationship builder, creating and sustaining win-win collaborations to move issues forward and influence targeted audiences. Through the blending of innovative communication technologies, credible coalition building, grassroots and top-tiered public affairs expertise, Amplify leverages connections to achieve targeted objectives in the public, private, and political arenas.
