Digital+Divide+2+Case+Study

=Narrowed Topic: = ­­­­­­­Donating computers and collected secondhand devices and appliances to Shanghai local schools, orphanages and shelter homes in need, and providing education on how to use these devices.

= Case Study and Related Links Information for Wiki  = = = ** The specific topic we decided to focus on is donating computers and collected secondhand devices and appliances to Shanghai local schools, orphanages and shelter homes in need, and then providing education on how to use these devices. ** The organization we are focusing on is called River Of Hearts, and we chose it because it has a lot to do with what we believe can help solve the digital divide. They hold donation boxes and drives to deliver secondhand items (mostly clothing) to places such as orphanages, homes, and hospitals in need. They do not believe in purchasing donation items, because it worsens the problem of mass consumption and ruins the overall idea of donating for a cause. We liked that most about the organization, and feel that we could contribute by helping with donation boxes that include electronic devices and appliances. We also hope to be able to donate small amounts of money to their organization that we will raise. **4.** ** What are some of the things you like about their program? ** What we loved most about this organization's program, was the fact that none of their donated items were newly bought. They are all secondhand items, and it goes to several places of need in Shanghai. We also liked that they held donation boxes around many places, for example, there were many found around Shanghai American School, encouraging students to donate secondhand items as well. There was one in the Community Center Shanghai area, which is a very public place, with many people walking in and out daily. It's a great way to spread the cause, and motivates people to become part of it, and active as a member of the program. It includes anyone and everyone who decides to contribute. ** We hope to become involved with this organization by first contacting them and visiting their centers, asking if we could donate computers, or small amounts of funds that we will raise. We will also try and find out what locations they deliver donated goods to, or possibly combine our collected secondhand devices, and add them to the deliver stash that will be doled out to their set locations. We will also model our action plan after it by setting up many donation boxes around school, and other populous places, where the boxes will be easily seen. Then we will collect all the items in the boxes and donate to the same places alongside river of heart's locations. We will also raise funds and awareness, and with the proceeds purchase a low-cost computer and education on how to use it for shelter homes.
 * 1. ** ** What is the specific topic your group decided to focus on?
 * 2. ** ** Which organization did you choose to focus on and why?
 * 3. ** ** What exactly are they doing to try and combat or change your issue? ** They collect secondhand clothing and other miscellaneous items to donate to orphanages, homes, and hospitals (etc.) all around Shanghai. Instead of purchasing items to donate, they take secondhand items and distribute them to set locations, which again, helps another issue--the issue of mass consumption. Though it doesn't directly combat our global issue, it helps and we hope to be able to contribute to their donations with electronics and devices.
 * 5. ** ** How do you plan to become involved with this organization or model your action plan after it?

GOHOME