A Google sign is posted at Google headquarters(File Photo)

    BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhuanet) -- Google has introduced a program to help non-profit organizations use maps and satellite images to raise awareness, recruit volunteers and encourage donations, media reported Wednesday.

    "Non-profits are trying to tell a story and trying to move people emotionally," said Rebecca Moore, manager of Google Earth Outreach. "They are trying to inspire action, advocate on behalf of a cause and drive people to, for example, make donations, sign a petition or lobby your congressional representative."

    "They have somewhat unique needs. Therefore we have focused on helping them understand how to do these things," said Moor.

    Already, the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum has been using Google Earth to call attention to atrocities in the Darfur region of Sudan. When users scan over Darfur, they see icons of flames representing destroyed villages and of tents for refugee camps. Clicking on one opens a window with details and links on how to help.

    "There's nothing like the power of information to make people understand the urgency of action," said Kathy Bushkin Calvin, executive vice president for the U.N. Foundation.

    By turning these individual efforts into a formal program, Google hopes to make its tools more widely available to non-profits around the world. The resources will be available on an open Web site, so technically individuals and corporations can tap into the program as well.

    (Agencies)