NO, this is not another scam hatched by unscrupulous people in cyberspace nor is it another stupid prank.

Netaid.org, an online movement to fight global poverty, recently launched another ambitious program that hopes to gather people for a common cause.

Founded by Cisco Systems and the United Nations Development Programme, Netaid.org made its debut in cyberspace back in 1999 after hosting perhaps the biggest webcast (online broadcast) featuring music artists like Bush, Wyclef Jean with Bono, The Corrs, Michael Kamen and Orchestra, Counting Crows, George Michael, Celine Dion, Jimmy Page, Eurythmics, Pete Townshend, Jewel and Robbie Williams.

At the day of webcast, the website registered around 40 million hits from people in 160 countries, a historic feat for a non-commercial site.

Believing the Internet can transform the way people help each other, Netaid.org (www.netaid.org) is once again hoping to bring people together to do real voluntary work for UNDP and hundreds of non-government agencies (online or offline) worldwide.

A quick search on the site produces thousands of work that requires special skills such as writing, online editing and outreach work, to name a few. The site also provides a description of the job, the hours expected out of you for doing the job, the skills needed and other related information. A common requirement is that you need to have access to a computer and the Internet.

Netaid.org is funded by various organizations including Listwin Family Foundation. Don Listwin is, incidentally, chief executive officer of Phone.com.

"We make big changes through countless small acts that are well-directed, personal and relevant. As the Netaid.org community makes fruitful connections and exchanges around the world, we multiply the value of time, money and caring. The Netaid.org community greets the positive results of our work with more inspiration to continue the cycle of action and sharing. Netaid.org is the place where hope comes alive," the site states.

So instead of wasting time shopping online, why not spend your holiday season doing some voluntary work? Perhaps Santa will have second thoughts on including you in his list.