Data Sharing: The New Black!
APIs and data exchange are lighting up the sector this week, so much so I can hardly see straight! While most of the news has been focused on accessing your own data, here comes some really exciting news: United eWay and 1-800-Volunteer.org have started sharing volunteer opportunity listings.
From the press release I just received:
"The idea originated after Hurricane Katrina in which United Way of America wanted to have a simple way for individuals to access volunteer opportunities, regardless of the technology vendor they used for their search. After several years of leading the discussion, the concept of developing a process for volunteers to access opportunities in their community, regardless of the service the local Volunteer Center uses, is now in place."
See everyone? Being open is good. Good for you, and even better for mission! Now, where is the volunteer listing widget I can put on my blog?
Great feedback, David, and very timely. It's on the todo list for United eWay / Volunteer Solutions.
We do offer RSS feeds of new opportunities, date specific opportunities, and volunteer projects, but the ability to really hone it down to what you want is an important feature.
As is Holly's suggestion.
Feel free to email me if you have any other suggestions: jade@volunteersolutions.org
Jade
More importantly, why can't I get an RSS feed of structured volunteer opportunities from them, volunteer match, points of light and everyone else?
Then people could create widgets like all LGBT opportunities in Peoria.