Service to the Armed Forces: Missing Maps Volunteer or Coordinator


American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter

[Virtual] Missing Maps- Help us to map the rural areas of the world. Some areas of the globe aren’t mapped yet. During an international response we need an on the ground map to follow.

Missing maps provides you the opportunity to support those local communities by taking their hand drawn maps, and plotting them into the computer so that a satellite image/map is drawn up if we should ever need it.

Example: If you zoom in on the map of Kenya, there will be some areas that look like there is nothing there except maybe a main highway. However, if you’re on the ground you’d know that it’s a thriving community, but they have dirt roads etc. So, we partner with people that live in the area and they will hand-draw us a map of their communities. The maps will sometimes say things like “if you go down this road at the end there is a big tree. Take a left at the tree and at the end of that road there is a police station, hospital, bathrooms etc.” We then take those hand-drawn maps and plot the points into our system.

A mapathon happens about once a month. As a volunteer, you will be doing the mapping. As a coordinator, you’d be planning the event, sending invite links out to those that indicated interest in helping, and then teaching them how to do the mapping. The first ten minutes of a mapathon is spent teaching the volunteers how to plot the points, and the rest of the 2-3 hours is spent doing the work. Once the mapathon ends, we have a completed satellite map of the area that we can use if an international response is ever needed in the area.

We need both volunteers and coordinators. This is one of the few “intermittent” volunteer positions that the Red Cross offers. Most of our roles are more regularly scheduled or revolve around disaster response. This one is about once a month for a few hours and you can join in whenever you want as a volunteer. As a coordinator, you’d be working to plan mapathons about once a month.

American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter


About the organizer

Mission statement:”The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of disasters by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” Vision Statement:The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that… …all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope; …our communities are ready and prepared for disasters; …everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products; …all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and …in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.Fundamental Principles of the Global Red Cross Network: Humanity The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors—in its international and national capacity—to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples. Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress. Neutrality In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. Independence The Red Cross is independent. The national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with Red Cross principles. Voluntary Service The Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. Unity There can be only one Red Cross society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. Universality The Red Cross is a worldwide institution in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.

  • Ongoing
  • Usually on the weekend in late morning/early afternoon

  • Ongoing Commitment
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Flexible Location

Activity Type

Technology

Cause

Technology & Modernization

Requirements

Min age 15+

RSVP Required, Background Check, Interview or Screening Process, Speak English

Service to the Armed Forces: Missing Maps Volunteer or Coordinator


American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter

[Virtual] Missing Maps- Help us to map the rural areas of the world. Some areas of the globe aren’t mapped yet. During an international response we need an on the ground map to follow.

Missing maps provides you the opportunity to support those local communities by taking their hand drawn maps, and plotting them into the computer so that a satellite image/map is drawn up if we should ever need it.

Example: If you zoom in on the map of Kenya, there will be some areas that look like there is nothing there except maybe a main highway. However, if you’re on the ground you’d know that it’s a thriving community, but they have dirt roads etc. So, we partner with people that live in the area and they will hand-draw us a map of their communities. The maps will sometimes say things like “if you go down this road at the end there is a big tree. Take a left at the tree and at the end of that road there is a police station, hospital, bathrooms etc.” We then take those hand-drawn maps and plot the points into our system.

A mapathon happens about once a month. As a volunteer, you will be doing the mapping. As a coordinator, you’d be planning the event, sending invite links out to those that indicated interest in helping, and then teaching them how to do the mapping. The first ten minutes of a mapathon is spent teaching the volunteers how to plot the points, and the rest of the 2-3 hours is spent doing the work. Once the mapathon ends, we have a completed satellite map of the area that we can use if an international response is ever needed in the area.

We need both volunteers and coordinators. This is one of the few “intermittent” volunteer positions that the Red Cross offers. Most of our roles are more regularly scheduled or revolve around disaster response. This one is about once a month for a few hours and you can join in whenever you want as a volunteer. As a coordinator, you’d be working to plan mapathons about once a month.

  • Ongoing
  • Usually on the weekend in late morning/early afternoon

  • Ongoing Commitment
  • Flexible Schedule
  • Flexible Location

Activity Type

Technology

Cause

Technology & Modernization

Requirements

Min age 15+

RSVP Required, Background Check, Interview or Screening Process, Speak English

American Red Cross Hawaii Chapter


About the organizer

Mission statement:”The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of disasters by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.” Vision Statement:The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that… …all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope; …our communities are ready and prepared for disasters; …everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products; …all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and …in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.Fundamental Principles of the Global Red Cross Network: Humanity The Red Cross, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavors—in its international and national capacity—to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace amongst all peoples. Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavors to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress. Neutrality In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Red Cross may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature. Independence The Red Cross is independent. The national societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with Red Cross principles. Voluntary Service The Red Cross is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain. Unity There can be only one Red Cross society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory. Universality The Red Cross is a worldwide institution in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other.

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