Program Highlights 

Do You Have a Really Cool Job? Talk about it on Starbright World®

You know, or at least remember, what it’s like to be a teen with the world at your fingertips. But have you ever stopped to think what it would be like to be a teen who is confined to a hospital bed or stuck at home for days, weeks on end because of a chronic or life-threatening illness? Imagine the feeling that you are missing out on all that life has to offer you.

With this in mind, Starlight created Starbright World, a private, online social network for seriously ill teens, ages 13 to 20, and their teen-aged siblings. Whether from home or the hospital, members are able to get to know other teens from around the world who are going through similar experiences.

One of the most popular features on Starbright World are guest chats, where individuals from all walks of life log on to spend some time with members using instant messaging. We are currently looking for people with interesting jobs — maybe like yours — to participate in a People with Really Cool Jobs chat series.

It is very easy to participate. All that is required is a brief orientation with Starlight staff, and then an hour of instant messaging from anywhere you have Internet access during which you will talk about your job and answer questions.

If you are interested in participating, please email sbw@starlight.org. We can be flexible with your schedule and are looking for chat guests to fill our 2011 calendar!

Thanks to Vivendi, New Enhancements Coming to Starbright World®

As you recall, in late 2009, Starlight unveiled the next generation of its Starbright World online social network thanks to generous contributions through signature sponsor Vivendi’s Create Joy Fund. Since Vivendi began its support of the program, membership has increased by an estimated 42 percent.

At the newly designed Starbright World, the latest in social networking technology was brought to the site. Since then,
members have been able to connect with each other via chat, take part in virtual contests and games, and express themselves
through stories, photos, videos, e-cards and personal profiles.

There is even more reason to celebrate on Starbright World now, as Vivendi has recently renewed its support once again through
another generous award! The latest gift will be used to introduce new and enhanced features on Starbright World to satisfy the ever-changing expectations of its young community and keep the site on par with other popular social networks.

Pending enhancements to Starbright World include:

• One-way video conferencing
  
• A music player
  
• Webinar functionality
  
• Additional instant messaging capabilities

The grant will also support 20/7 live chat hosting and site moderation as well as marketing and outreach to let more seriously ill teens know about the program.

If you would like to refer a seriously ill teen or teen-aged sibling to Starbright World, visit www.starbrightworld.org.