Tech Tidbits: Microvolunteer Online

HELP WANTED
How to be a microvolunteer

For anyone who already has enough pro bono work on her plate (What? Nobody pays you to cook dinner?), the idea of volunteering can seem daunting. But now you don't need to join the Peace Corps to make a difference. Thanks to Sparked.com, the world's first microvolunteering network, you can become a digital do-gooder from the comfort of your own computer.

The premise is simple: Sparked matches your talents to volunteer tasks, all of which are small assignments (generally not exceeding two hours of work) that fit easily into busy schedules. Plus, all jobs can be completed online, meaning that you can do them on your own time, from anywhere.

Setting yourself up to help is just as quick and easy. Volunteers register for free by indicating particular skill sets and interests (say, graphic design or social media marketing) as well as causes they'd like to support. Meanwhile, non-profit organizations post tasks that they need completed--drafting a press release for Greenpeace, for example, or translating a document for the American Red Cross. Then, when you log in, the site will suggest appropriate volunteer jobs, which you can sign up for or reject accordingly.

It's a pretty cool (and painless) way to make new use of skills you already have.


more about Sparked.com

Location:Tec tip: want to volunteer but don't think you have time? Try micro volunteering

Tech Tidbits: FBI Child ID App

For every parent who couldn't find their child in the mall, at the beach or Disneyland even for just one gut-wrenching second, the FBI has a new App. And it's Free! 

The new application provided by the FBI stores detailed information on children, including current pictures, so that in case a child is lost, the information is available on one's cell phone and can also be quickly emailed to law enforcement.

The app that stores identifying information about a child, including a current picture.

The app is easily downloaded through the app store on iPhone and will soon become available on other sorts of cell phones, according to a press release issued by the FBI.

The new app stores the child's name, birthdate, address, guardian information, telephone numbers of parents or guardians, height weight, hair and eye color, ethnicity, identifying characteristics and perhaps most important, a picture.

Once the short bio is completed, the app allows one to take an iPhone picture of the child. There is no option for using a stored picture. Make sure to keep this photo updated. 

I hope you or I never have to use this app but better prepared than sorry.

There is also tips for parents of missing children during the first 12 & 24 hours. Great idea, I know I would be such a mess there is no way I would be thinking straight and this is a easy go to advice from the FBI no less.

Get this free App Here