So you now know how to use email, network with friends, find great forums and the like.

This is using the Internet to benefit you which of course is a wonderful thing!

But were you aware you could put the power of the Internet to help people or causes near and dear to you as well?

Sounds intriguing? It should! Let's commence with:

Before You Begin - Imagine The Following...

You're part of a networked group...a forum perhaps, or a discussion board, or a mailing list or .... you get the idea. And one of the people on the list is braving heck and high water, desperately searching for a cure for a loved one.

With me so far?

Good! Now....imagine that that one dear cause has its own website that chronicles the search for a cure, the background of the situation, and encourages others to spread the news. After all, you might not know anything about the disease or condition... but your network might. Or your friends. Or your colleagues from work. And they can then ask their friends. And so on, and so on.....until somewhere someplace, a match occurs that the knowledgable professional to provide the help so sought after.

Sounds like a dream come true? Well my colleague has personally experienced participating in such a thing at HelpKaleb.com, and let me tell you, the process helps immeasurably in bringing aid that much sooner.

The stage is now set - let's now get to:

Step 1 - Get a website/blog/etc.

Actually, it doesn't even have to be a website - you could take advantage of the many blogging services such as Blogger or MySpace. But a personal website does afford you the opportunity to get rid of advertising and focus the whole content on the cause at hand.

Domains can be registered and hosted quite inexpensively at Bravenet.

Once your site is set up, you'll probably need at least two contact emails (which should be included in the account) like so:

• info@yourdomain.com - this is where people will send their questions comments.

• name@yourdomain.com - this is for the actual person in contact (or their parent), if someone wants to get direct communications. You don't want the person to be inundated with tons of health/miracle cure spams.

Next, you need to determine how you want to set up your information like so:

Step 2 - Get the Blogging Software

Unless you have a master webmaster to run everything, you should use software as easy as possible. HelpKaleb.com uses Movable Type. Another program you can consider is WordPress.

Install the program on your website and get it up and running. Encounter any problems? Visit the following resources for help:

• Blogger Help

• WordPress Support

• Movable Type Support

Enter in all of your content . Wait a sec.... think. If you're already part of a network that will help by getting the word out, you can:

Step 3 - Get Help

Everyone has their own personal skills. Some people in your network probably are great at writing copy. Others might already know TV/radio/written word contacts. You might have an artist or 7 as well.

Let your group know you're building this site... and simply ask for help. If it's for a worthy cause like HelpKaleb.com, you'll probably end up with several volunteers who can handle writing the copy, setting up the site, etc.etc.etc. In my case, one mommy organized creating the website, another mommy wrote out the copy on the pages, the parent mommy sent the history for formatting, and many other mommies started asking their friends/family/networks to visit the site and tell their friends about it as well.

Remember, the Internet has far more power than you can imagine for reaching out and touching someone... but somebody has to get that ball rolling. If you feel strongly about a cause....well, get ready to give a great big push. :-)

And that brings me to my last point - please visit HelpKaleb.com and help spread the word about his condition....we're looking for that one gifted doctor who can save him from life in a wheelchair. Thanks!

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