http://www.hsus.org/press_and_publications/press_releases/the_hsus_announces_im.html
The HSUS Announces Participation in the i'm Initiative from Microsoft
May 21, 2007
Windows Live Messenger connects customers to top social causes through the donation of Microsoft advertising dollars Starting today, anyone who sends instant messages to their friends, family or colleagues using Windows Live Messenger can also help animals at the same time. Through participation in the i'm Initiative from Microsoft, The Humane Society of the United States is offering supporters and other animal lovers who download Windows Live Messenger the opportunity to make a difference without spending a dime. Microsoft will donate a portion of advertising revenue to The HSUS, and also offers special backgrounds and buttons featuring an animal theme. Microsoft and nine other charitable organizations announced the launch of the i'm Initiative in March. The HSUS is the 10th organization participating in the initiative. "The Humane Society of the United States is pleased to be participating in this exciting program," said Wayne Pacelle, HSUS president and CEO. "We are searching for every possible way to connect with our supporters and to help them demonstrate their affection for animals and their affiliation with us." This new initiative connects selected cause-related organizations to Windows Live Messenger users. When joining the program, users will be asked to select a cause organization to benefit from donations generated from their conversations on Windows Live Messenger.
Every time a user who joins the i'm Initiative has a conversation, Microsoft shares a portion of the program's advertising revenue with the participating organization of his or her choice. While there is no set cap on the amount each cause can receive, Microsoft will make a minimum $100,000 guaranteed donation to each of the 10 organizations during the first year of the program. Designed to empower people to make a difference without spending a dime, Microsoft says the i'm Initiative helps support causes that are confronting some of the world's most urgent social issues. The i'm Initiative aims to help the organizations involved to broaden their reach in a sustainable and new way, allowing the millions of people already using Windows Live Messenger today to be a part of the solution.
According to a 2006 Cone Cause Millennial Study, 61 percent of young Americans between the ages of 13 and 25 are currently worried about the state of the world today and feel personally responsible to make a difference. "This initiative is the latest in a series of programs The Humane Society of the United States offers to help people connect to our mission to celebrate animals and confront cruelty," said Pacelle.
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization – backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty -- On the web at humanesociety.org. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Rachel Querry 301-258-8255
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http://www.hsus.org/shop/microsoft_im_initiative.html
Microsoft i'm™ Initiative
The Humane Society of the United States has teamed up with Microsoft to be a part of i'm™, a new initiative from Windows Live Messenger.
How It Works
Each time you have a conversation using i'm™, Microsoft shares a portion of the program's advertising revenue with some of the world's most effective organizations dedicated to social causes, including The HSUS. There's no cap on the amount of money that can be donated!
Why We're Involved
As technology evolves, it plays a larger part in our efforts to reach new audiences and broaden our constituency. This new initiative connects The Humane Society of the United States with current and potential Windows Live Messenger users.
Why You Should Get Involved
The i'm™ Initiative is an easy way to support The HSUS and help animals by doing something you do every day—and without spending a dime out of your own pocket! The Windows Live Messenger download is free and there is NO cost to you, the user.
You can customize your IM window by downloading cute, animal-inspired backgrounds and icons. Buttons and banners for your MySpace or other social networking page, website, or blog are also available to show that you are participating in the program to help save animals.
How to Join
1 - Download the program. Go to our cause page on the i'm™ website. Click on the "Join Now" button on the left to download the latest version of Windows Live Messenger.
2 - Sign in or sign up for a username. Once it has finished downloading, launch the program and sign in. If you do not already have a Windows Live ID (username), sign up for one.
3 - Choose The HSUS as your cause. Next to your name in the buddy list window, click the down-arrow and choose "options". In the first box, next to your name, type "*hsus" without the quotation marks. You will see the i'm™ logo appear next to your name.
4 - Download the HSUS wallpaper and icon. Go to our cause page and download our Theme Pack under "Support Us" on the right. Note: theme packs only work with Internet Explorer.
5 - Install the Theme Pack. Open a chat window by clicking on someone's name in your buddy list. Click the down-arrow next to your icon and choose the HSUS logo. Then, right below your chat screen, click on the photo icon and choose the seal as your chat window background.
Now you can start saving animals by instant messaging your friends as well as recruiting them to join the program!
Questions?
Check out the Frequently Asked Questions. You can also contact us via our online form.
