Craigconnects: The One Stop Volunteering Shop

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Recently, Craigslist founder Craig Newmark began a new project dubbed craigconnects. The craigconnects site was launched with the intention of making individuals aware of certain areas in the nonprofit and public service sector that could use their help. By inspiring the individuals that visit the site, there is a hope that they will offer assistance through a donation or volunteerism.

The site is currently focusing on a limited number of areas including journalism integrity, community building, open and accountable government, service and volunteering, the Middle East, veterans issues and technology for social good. Beneath each category is a listing of several foundations, nonprofit and charitable organizations that craigconnects has chosen to highlight. Right now there are over 25 categorized listings with another 48 organizations that are mentioned but not categorized. Newmark even urges users to submit information about organizations that they think should be featured.

Newmark is passionate and fully committed to this project. His plan to build this site on a long term basis is what excites many organizations. ...
... After all, he has proven himself as a great community builder through his other popular site called Craigslist. For ten years he has watched as his idea to connect people through a low cost and easy to use platform has taken off. Craigslist is one of the most visited websites in the world so he plans to take that wealth of experience and use that to build on this new initiative.

More like a movement, craigconnects is based on calling on others to help out for the common good. Their entire site is like a call to action for people that already volunteer and donate and for those that just want to get started. By providing information and links to organizations that need help, craigconnects is making the process of giving back simple.

Many people that want to donate their financial resources or their time and energy don't know where to begin. There is always a question as to the legitimacy of certain nonprofits. People want to make sure that they are putting their efforts into a cause that will actually help people in a significant way. There are so many so-called public service organizations that take advantage of the kindness of others and don't do as much as they can to help the people and causes they claim to champion. With this site, it appears that only legitimate and well-screened organizations make the cut.

I do believe that this effort may have been inspired by the election of Barack Obama as the President of the United States. During his campaign and his current term, he has made volunteerism and public service an import part of his legacy by strongly encouraging the nation to get out there and make the world better. I am pleased to know that Craig Newmark and his team are using their background and experience to help to motivate others to do good. It's not just about signing a check; it's about rousing others to do the same.