google.com, mamma.com, google_scholar and librarians_index_to_the_internet are good sites for research. Start by searching the directory under the topic you are interested in and then move into search topic by name like 'appropriate technology'. Mamma is for comprehensive (multiple) searches and Librarians Index on the Internet (www.lii.org) is great for academic information. Try typing in 'books online' in librarians_index_to_the_internet. google.com (and its directory) and your local site are best for general searches. When you are trying to learn something, type in the subject (like math, for example) and 'tutorial' in Google. Google will search for a math tutorial you can learn from. Google_Books can help you find online books. Some of the books listed in this web portal (such as many of the survival books, the plumbing books, generator/inverter and a bicycle repair book) are free in Google books.
For world research, see searchenginecolossus.com. Use the directory and search under Society>Organizations and see what other Countries are using for NGO's and development organizations.
Good Google and amazon.com searches include: 'survival', 'medicine', 'ethno botany'(herbal medicine), 'appropriate technology', 'plumbing', 'development' ,'poverty relief', 'poverty alleviation', 'charity', 'humanitarian aid', 'human rights law', 'native law', 'labor law','indigenous law',etc and in any of the above search engines. When you find favorite sites remember to look at their book sections, links, and ask about organizations that are similar to them. There is a world of resource.
See also Associations Unlimited in your University electronic database and search under your local area or for national/international listings (I have listed a variety of international listings from AU). Google 'directory' then go to society>issues>poverty (or human rights or peace) gives a subset of links that are very useful... it is a good idea to check back there regularly for poverty and other issues. Another great place to look like that is to Google 'dmoz' then society>issues>poverty relief (or human rights or peace).
You may find a website that suits your interests. Copy down this organization's URL address and send them an email to find out how to get more information. Websites listed in this text are listed in alphabetical order according to the URL address of the webpage. I tried to list sites according to the category they fit in best in my headings, but sometimes that was difficult. Please bear with me if some sites are in awkward locations. Also, this site is updated occasionally, and if a section is of particular interest you should revisit that section of the portal every 6 months or so to see if something new has been added of value.
In doing research I also want to call special attention to the UN. The United Nations (the UN) is a very diverse, global aid organization whose intent it is to aid large groups of people in need worldwide. They are the central governing and aid body of the world. It is wise to find a branch of the UN that may be able to assist you with your needs and apply to them for aid, although they may not get to you right away (they have the whole world to assist). Still, it is worth the effort to apply. I have listed a lot of the branches of the UN in different parts of this web portal, and they should all come under the United_Nations website. While you are doing your research I strongly suggest that you surf the sites at the UN fairly thoroughly to see if there is anything that matches your needs. I have tried to represent the UN on this portal, but the UN is vast, so I encourage you to search on your own. Areas of search include human rights, peace, international labor, world food, sustainability and development, etc. There is a lot there, so when you have some time and interest take a good long surf/look.
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