Marc B. Levine Selected as a ZeroDivide Fellow

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Palo Alto, CA, October 29, 2004: Marc B. Levine, Senior Product Manager at The Benetech Initiative, is one of 16 leaders from across the state of California selected by The Community Technology Foundation of California (CTFC) to join Class II of the ZeroDivide Fellowship. This highly sought after three-year Fellowship increases the capacity of leaders in California to promote social justice through the use of information and communications technology (ICT), including digital media.

"The ZeroDivide Fellowship is about building a movement of technology users who can turn information into action to improve society," said Tessie Guillermo, CTFC President and CEO.

"These ZeroDivide Fellows exemplify the diversity of California's communities, representing communities of color, rural communities, people with disabilities and other underserved communities," said Laura Efurd, CTFC Director of Policy and Leadership. "They have the passion and drive to use technology and digital media to advance social justice, and to influence technology policy to reflect the needs and desires of their communities."

"Innovative technology solutions have the potential to make nonprofits more effective. It is high time to take technology and apply it to the needs of California nonprofits," said Marc B. Levine. "By using technology, nonprofits can keep better records, serve their community more efficiently and advocate more effectively. Through the ZeroDivide program, I hope to learn more about the needs of local nonprofits so I can adapt my work to better serve their constituents."

"Marc's selection as a ZeroDivide Fellow is recognition of his contributions to the social justice field, and Benetech is fortunate to have him among the innovators on our staff", said Jim Fruchterman, President and CEO of Benetech. "Benetech will gain even more insight on community needs in California with Marc's participation in the program."

About Benetech

The Benetech Initiative is a Silicon Valley nonprofit that develops sustainable, technology-based solutions to address pressing social challenges in areas such as disability, human rights, education and literacy. Many beneficial technologies have compelling social applications that are not developed because such efforts do not meet for-profit investors’ financial expectations. Benetech specifically pursues endeavors with a strong social, rather than financial, rate of return on investment, bringing commercial technology and private sector management techniques to bear in creating innovative, non-traditional solutions to challenging social issues. More information on Benetech and its projects can be found at www.benetech.org or by calling (650) 475-5440.

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